4 Subtle Tricks to Help You Dress for Success

It’s an age-old adage, but there’s definitely something to be said for dressing for success. When you look the part, you’re far more likely to act the part — and that’s key to achieving your goals in the workplace, no matter what your role may be. Whether you’re about to meet a big client in an attempt to land a huge deal or you’re interviewing for the position of your dreams, it’s important to wear clothing that is comfortable, flattering, and appropriate for the environment.

When you aim to dress for success, you automatically set yourself up for bigger and better things. The entire mindset behind success begins with your attitude — and wearing the right clothes can help you face the situation with greater confidence in yourself. Those can all work in your favor in huge ways. Whether you’re wearing custom professional attire for women or aiming for something more casual, these four subtle tricks can help you make the grade every time.

1. Choose the Right Professional Bag

You can put all of your energy into searching for a great outfit, but if you don’t carry the right bag, it can actually throw your entire look off. This is really only important in situations where you’re traveling to meet someone, such as an off-site business meeting with a client or a job interview at the employer’s office. In those instances, you may need to bring along important documentation. Pulling it out from an overstuffed purse could detract from the otherwise polished effect you’re hoping to convey.

Resolve that by investing in at least one high-quality bag that you can carry anywhere from the office to the meeting to the work site. An embroidered bag for work, for example, is perfect for providing you with the space that you need to hold your essentials. Avoid carrying two items — for example, you don’t want to arrive with both a purse and a briefcase, as they can weigh you down when you want to appear light on your feet./p>

2. Opt for Relatively Subdued Colors

Having a subdued look simply means that you can cultivate a wardrobe that consists largely of understated shades that can blend into a variety of professional settings. Anything that is too bright or bold can be a bit overwhelming in certain situations, and you don’t want to be remembered for anything but your incredible job performance.

That’s why it’s best to stick with muted tones, including black, gray, and navy. These are psychologically powerful hues that convey messages of strength and responsibility. You can certainly add color to the mix, however. It’s perfectly appropriate to wear something like a colorful embroidered work blouse underneath a blazer for a pop. This allows you to express yourself without going overboard in a professional environment. Moreover, it keeps the focus strictly where it belongs. You’ll feel polished and refined in an outfit as put-together as this.

3. Focus on a Tailored Fit

When your clothes fit, you simply feel better in every way — whether you’re at work or simply lounging around the house. The right attire can go a long way in setting the tone for your day, which is why it’s so important to wear garments that keep you comfortable during those major moments at work. You should never have to think about things like tops and bottoms that don’t feel quite right. A well-tailored garment is key to your comfort. In a professional environment, structure also plays a big role. The clean lines of a custom business skirt, for example, can go a long way in helping you feel your best when it’s paired with a light and airy blouse. You’ll look forward to wearing them again and again.

4. Don’t Forget About the Accessories

Depending on your company’s dress code, however, it may be perfectly acceptable to add one or two decorative accents to your look. If you’re wearing a solid-colored custom business dress, for example, adding a simple chain necklace to your outfit is an easy way to dress things up in a subtle way. If you’re wearing an otherwise simple outfit that consists largely of clean lines and neutral colors, you can wear a pair of small hoop earrings or a single bracelet to add a small pop of intrigue. The effect is sophisticated, which is just right for helping you achieve the end result.

To dress for success requires a little bit of attention to fit and detail. When you’ve got the right pieces in your wardrobe, you’ll always have something appropriate to wear.