Dressing for success: Elevate your career with the right clothes

I wrote an article a decade or so ago about dressing like my father's and grandfather's generation dressed. I re-read it and thought it was important enough advice to re-write and re-publish on Wealthist.

What are we wearing?

Back in the day, there was a preset way that people used to dress. Business was usually done in a suit. People could tell that others were ready to act professionally. That suit said something. The same way that a t-shirt and flip flips say something.

Previous generations completely understood the general rule that, in business, people are sometimes judged by their appearance. Those former businessmen dressed well because it got results. People pay attention to you for two reasons. Either you’re a well-known expert, or you look like one. Until you’ve got the reputation, you need to look the part.

This is not new advice. Studies have been done about the success-levels of differently-dressed dudes and the results are fairly unanimous; dressing better can make you more successful.

How do I start looking like I deserve a promotion?

Getting started is easy. Buy a few suits that fit well. You don’t need to spend $2000 on a designer name. Google "affordable fitted suits" and check the prices. Basic fabrics and solid colors, especially greys and blacks, shouldn’t break the bank. Toss a few solid shirts into the mix and you're ready for your next promotion. Or throw the suit jacket over a pair of jeans if you still want that smart-casual vibe... but the bottom line is that you have got to start caring about how you look at work. Because your boss, executive leaders, and future employers all care (whether they say so or not).

What if I can't afford a new wardrobe?

Look, we understand that it's not ideal to have to buy something to make more money, but sometimes... that's exactly how it is. Looking the part is the first step in getting the part.

If you need to survive on rice and chicken thighs for a few weeks to get the money to buy new clothes, it will feel worth it in the end. Temproary hardship to attain a higher goal always feels good.