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There are meetings, and then there are big, important, business-defining meetings. The dress code for the former might not be as strict as you’d imagine, but when you’re preparing for the latter, you might want to take a breath and think about your complete look. As a business owner or an aspiring entrepreneur, leaving a powerful first impression can make or break a deal, lead you to an important partnership, and set you up for lifelong success.
Knowing all that, you should consider what kind of attire you’re expected to show up in, but also what you can do to make yourself feel more confident and comfortable. Let’s cover some of the most essential tips to help you dress like a pro for your next investor meeting.
Proper grooming tactics
A fancy suit combined with a superb leather bag won’t do you any good if you don’t start with the basics – your approach to grooming and self-care. Pure cleanliness and essential hygiene are what you need to think about first and foremost, before you move to your wearables. Start with proper skin care and deodorants. You’ll want to eliminate unpleasant smells and take good care of your facial skin and your hands.
Use a simple, but effective moisturizer, especially if you shave your facial hair to avoid any dry patches. If you do have a beard, make sure that it’s properly styled, without overuse of any product, but clean and neat. The same goes for your hairstyle and eyebrows. Above all, make sure to brush your teeth and check if your smile is impeccable!
More than meets the eye — picking out your fragrance
No matter your chosen attire, what matters even more than pure aesthetics is the general impression you will leave. Part of that impression comes from the fragrance you choose. Go for something effective but subtle, so that it doesn’t overwhelm all your meeting attendees. Options such as a sophisticated Hermes perfume can add to your elegant look, but also help you exude confidence.
Apply the perfume only on your neck or wrists, but don’t go overboard. A little can go a long way to complete your sense of elegance and self-assurance without being too much for an indoor gathering. Plus, you still want the focus to be on what you say.
Make yourself comfortable and luxe
Although most people will focus on the external details, such as which suit you should wear, or if you should wear one at all, you should start by examining your underwear options. Something breathable, yet luxurious can help pamper yourself just before the meeting, but it also gives you a confidence boost.
With the right underwear, anything you choose to put on as your core ensemble will be all the more impressive and you’ll feel good in your own skin. Add to that, quality underwear helps you avoid unpleasant smells in case your meeting is in an overly heated room.
Build up the right dress code
An investor meeting is one of the most important meetings you’ll ever attend, especially if you’re looking to secure funding for your company. In some situations, wearing a suit will be a great way to give off a professional, yet sleek vibe during your meeting, which elevates trust among those who are listening to your presentation.
Sometimes, instead of a suit, especially among investors of younger generations, you can pull off a combination of dark jeans with a simple button-down, and perhaps a good jacket. Go for simple colors such as gray, navy blue, or perhaps black, so that your color palette doesn’t distract your attendees.
Put your best foot forward
Much like your underwear and grooming basics, the kind of shoes you choose make all the difference in your entire presentation, but also your sense of self-esteem. You don’t want a pair of squeaky shoes that deter your listeners from your presentation, but you also don’t want to wear something uncomfortable—the wrong shoes will completely change how you move around the room.
A pair of fashionable, yet comfortable New Republic Sonoma boots can be a good match for your attire, especially if you’re wearing them with a darker suit combo. Just make sure to check the weather, because putting on light shoes might leave you dealing with mud and dirt just before the meeting if you’re not careful.
Investor meetings are your windows into the business world, and they deserve to be treated with the utmost respect and care — just like your own presentation. Go for a bold, confidence-boosting look and give yourself the chance to groom properly before the meeting. It will help you dazzle them and set the stage for a successful future in business.
Have any more grooming tips for investor meetings? Let us know down in the comments.
This article originally published on GREY Journal.
I believe that there is truth to the statement “dress for the job that you want,” though the right attire goes a long way in any business endeavor. Good tips here that will help people in business look their best.