Success can mean many things. Most often, this is related to our working lives. You could have an important interview at a company you have always wanted to work for. Or perhaps you are attending your annual performance review. Alternatively, it may be your first day in your new job.

Non-work-related events may include meeting your future in-laws for the first time, having a first date with the gorgeous guy you have been eyeing for months, or meeting your bank manager to ask for a loan.

Whatever the occasion, it is important to dress appropriately. We focus on formal and informal work attire here, but these tips can carry over to many other settings. For example, you want to portray business success to your bank manager or informal chic to future in-laws or a date.

Men’s Formal Attire

You will need a good suit with a classic cut. Our advice is that if your meeting could have a crucial impact on your future, make friends with a tailor. Getting measured will ensure a perfect fit and you can be sure that a tailor will not send you off with dangling threads or missing buttons. Colours will be sombre and business-like, and your shirt will match your suit. Likewise, your belt will have been measured and look neat and will be the same colour as your shoes. Lace-up shoes are always acceptable.

If you have a favourite cologne, don’t overdo it. Many people are hypersensitive to smells and you don’t want the interviewer more concerned with avoiding a strong scent than with what you are saying. Less is more in this setting. Here are some suitable work options for cologne.

Invest in quality cufflinks that round off formal attire perfectly. Remove facial piercings and hide your tattoos. This is not the time for self-expression but for showcasing your work skills and knowledge. Trim your hair, beard, and moustache, or preferably have this done by your salon.

Personal hygiene is essential if you want to have any chance at a top promotion. Be sure to check your fingernails as dirty nails will spoil an otherwise perfect image. Before going to the reception for your meeting stop off in the cloakroom to wash your face, tidy your hair, clean your teeth, and ensure that your clothing is neatly aligned.

Women’s Formal Attire

As mentioned for male formal attire, when you dress up for a formal meeting remember that the focus is on your professionalism. Avoid trying to look sexy or stunning and aim for a business-like presentation. As with men, you should choose a perfume that is not overwhelming but a great scent for the workplace.

A dress and high heels are the classic option. Pumps are also acceptable footwear. What is important is how you carry yourself. Open shoes are a no-no.

Make sure you cover your upper arms with nothing less than a three-quarter close-fitting sleeve. Other suitable options are tailored skirts to just above the knees or a pants suit. Business formal colours are usually black, grey, charcoal, or navy. A maroon top is still sombre enough to make a good impression but avoid bright shades and colours. White is a good choice, but it must not be see-through.

Decide between a clutch bag and a briefcase. You should not have both and either will look professional in the business hues. Wear minimal jewellery and make-up but enough for a polished look.

Smart-Casual For Men

Err on the side of caution and wear a blazer. If everyone else is in long sleeved shirts, you can simply remove it and place it behind your chair. It makes a good first impression.

Your shirt must be wrinkle-free, and you should tuck it in. In some workplaces, smart-casual allows for jeans. Only select this option if you know for sure it is the case. Jeans should be dark and not frayed, even as a fashion statement. It is still a work event. Chinos are generally acceptable. Dress shoes are better than sneakers. They must not be scuffed and should be clean.

Smart-Casual for Women

A tote bag is useful for carrying clothing for a meeting later in the day. You don’t want to enter an interview smelling sweaty or looking rumpled. Most women opt for a designer tote bag as this is classier. Follow this link for a selection of tote bags to match the occasion.

One way to look good at a smart-casual work event is in a midi or A-line skirt, preferably in dark colours such as charcoal, black, or navy. Complement this with a chiffon shirt with roomy sleeves to the elbows. You can go for brighter hues on the shirt than what is acceptable for formal wear. If you are not sure how informal the set-up is, avoid jeans and wear a button-up patterned blouse. Add a blazer. Wool trousers are also fine.

Ensure personal cleanliness. Wear light makeup. For less formal events, you can wear chunky jewellery. Some accessories are essential to round out your look.

Dress for the occasion so that you can concentrate on outing your best foot forward with the agenda.