The Consultant's Image: Dress the Part

Today's consulting professional must walk a fine line. While no one wants to enlist in the army of gray pinstripes, the right look, the right attire is essential to sending a message of competence and credibility. While it is easy to fall into a slump when it comes to appearance in the name of comfort, those tennis shoes or short sleeve dress shirts—or even lesser offenses—could make you, or the client you're working for, less comfortable from several perspectives.

While dress standards in many workplaces have become business casual, consultants must be aware that professional appearance—or the lack thereof—often impacts client's perceptions of you and the wealth of experience and knowledge you bring to the table, as well as potentially creating a negative perception of the company you are representing.

In an insightful HBR Blog Network post on professional image, Sylvia Ann Hewlett cited a study from The Center for Talent Innovation that underscores the importance of professional appearance. In that study, over 50 percent of women felt aspiring female leaders should avoid flashy make-up, plunging necklines, too-short or too-tight skirts, and long fingernails. More importantly, over half the female and 37 percent of the male respondents agreed there is a direct link between appearance and opportunity. Quite simply, dressing the part of a polished professional leader helps earn you the role.

With these points in mind, what should consultants—regardless of industry, age, and/or rank in their organizations—do in terms of professional dress to inspire the confidence and respect of clients and peers and position themselves for greater opportunity? Brooks Brothers, like many other retailers catering to the professional crowd, provides wardrobing seminars and published materials to help consultants look their best. Here are just a few tips provided to us by Brooks Brothers in Portland, OR:

Men:
• In suits, avoid extremes of fashion trends—strong colors, slick fabrics, four-buttons
• Stick with seasonal colors and fabrics in Sport Coats
• Great—and polished—shoes in black and brown are essential
• Dress shirts should be wrinkle-free all-cotton in shades of blue and white, with collars proportional to face size
• Ties should be of high quality silk and expressive of the individual

Women:
• Seek "seasonless" suiting and fabrics in either two-or-three button style
• Keep hemlines modest—no more than three inches above the knees
• Dress shirts in non-iron cotton and of a flattering fit reflect confidence and professionalism
• In jewelry, remember "less is often more"—don't overdo with big earrings, necklaces or multiple bracelets

Dressing the part of the consummate professional consultant need not be bank breaking. To help you and your colleagues look sharp without breaking the bank, clothiers like Jos. A. Bank and Brooks Brothers offer corporate discount programs. In addition there are image consultants and executive presence experts such as Janice Hurley Trailor whose websites and newsletters offer a wealth of tips on how to portray an image of professionalism and competence.

In the end however, recognize a professional wardrobe is an investment in your career. And those rhinestone studded flip-flops? Perfect for your upcoming beach vacation.

Michael Nutter and Laura Kreofsky are with Impact Advisors, a Naperville, Ill.-based healthcare IT firm. Nutter is the Director of Firm Culture and Associate Satisfaction, while Kreofsky is a Principal Advisor with the firm.