Business wear

[technodup]

A 'discussion' earlier today prompts this question, going to see potential new clients for sales appointments what would you expect the person to wear?

Full three piece with tie, bowler, pocket watch on a chain, gold pen, the works
Standard lounge/business suit, tie optional
Trousers and shirt, with jumper if cold
Dark jeans, shirt and nice coat/jacket/blazer
Shell suit and trainers

And would you base your impression of someone's professionalism (or your decision to buy) on the basis of a beard, stubble or clean shaven?

Bear in mind these appointments are for marketing services with small B2C businesses, one or two owners, at their premises and at relatively low £ level.

[Flooble]

Marketing? Creative then?

I'd tolerate anything upwards of jeans with decent shoes. Jeans and trainers would be too casual though.

It's been a long while since I've seen anyone outside really formal areas wear a tie and even suits seem to be dying out in the less uptight sectors.

[jammy_basturd]

For marketing, for employees of an SME - a smart suit probably without tie. There needs to be a little informalness to it to suggest creativity.

[davepoth]

Top hat and tails for me.

[AB]

The client I see vary from CEO/MD/FD to Plant Managers in overalls. I do as much research as I can prior and dress accordingly.

Nothing worse than (I did this once and got laughed at) turning up in a suit (without tie) to be shown round a dirty oil plant by a Facilities Manager in overalls.

Likewise I wouldn't turn up to present to an FD in the offices wearing jeans and a shirt.

[akirk]

Flooble has it - quality of the shoes is a big part!
you can't be generic on clothing decisions - e.g. jeans can be very smart and tailored - worn with a smart tailored shirt / cashmere jumper / smart loafers or brogues and it is an upmarket smart outfit - ragged jeans down at heel / ripped / etc. with a scruffy sweatshirt and trainers is the opposite...
it is often the detail around the edge which brings it together...

high quality items of a slightly more relaxed nature can make a big part of the statement - shoes / watch / etc.

[rog007]

Rare to commit a dress faux pas when dressed up; greater risk of embarrassment if dressed down.

[rog007]

swerni said:

rog007 said:

Rare to commit a dress faux pas when dressed up; greater risk of embarrassment if dressed down.

Depends on industry and segment.
I've felt decidedly uncomfortable before in a suit and told by clients not to bother wearing one again

My assertion remains; one may have felt even more uncomfortable and unprofessional if dressed down and then advised to the contrary. But I concede that nothing's absolute.