Top 10 Things a Sales Professional Should Never Wear
While it’s sometimes amusing to look at all those cringe-inducing People of Walmart images on sites like Facebook, you might want to check your own look in the mirror before you start laughing too hard.
Surprisingly, it’s not just what we wear about the house that’s the issue. You would be amazed to see what some so-called professionals think it’s okay to wear to their sales jobs!
As a sales professional there are certain items that you should never wear on the sales floor, to the office or to a meeting with a client. Listed below are the Top 10 items a salesperson should never be seen wearing on the job plus a few tips on what to wear:
1. Stained clothing:
Coffee stains, bleach stains, tie-dye stains, you name the stain and if you have one, that item of clothing should never be worn to work again. Professionals should sport a polished look which means no stains. Customers will not be able to take you seriously if you have an unsightly stain somewhere on your attire. Solid colors are ideal in a professional setting while floral patterns, stripes, polka-dots, plaid, and even moderate animal prints are also acceptable. Complimenting them with a blazer, sweater, or even a nice shawl can help you look even more professional and stylish.
2. The wrong-size tie:
It is inappropriate for a tie to end at or above the navel or to fall below the waistline. A correctly sized tie should sit directly over the belt buckle. This may seem like a trivial point, but it can have a huge impact on the impression you make. When a holiday or office festivities calls for a merry look, novelty ties can be a lot of fun. However, a tie should not feature your favorite quote from The Office, a silly pattern, or be so flashy that it draws attention from across the room. A double Windsor knot ensures that your tie will not come undone and will look great with any outfit. A bowtie is also an option if you’re trying to pull off a semi-casual or relaxed look but still dress for business.
3. Cargo Shorts:
Unless you happen to work at a store that sells cargo shorts, they are never, ever to be worn at a place of business. Customers may become distracted by all the pockets and begin to view you as something of a walking storage container. While many people have thought cargo shorts were a bad idea since way back in the 1940s, we support your right to wear them. Just save it for the backyard.
4. Open-toe Shoes:
You’re not the only one that rolls their eyes when they see this on the employee dress-code standards. And, while we certainly hope that no harm comes to any of your little piggies, this is about more than just safety. Not to put too fine a point on it, not everyone prides themselves on foot care so you want to make sure your customers is not put off by unsightly or smelly feet. Manicured or not, showing your toes can be distracting to those you’re trying to talk to. When putting up an outfit to head to the office, closed toe shoes should always be your first choice.
5. See Through Clothing:
While mesh garments may look trendy, they have no place in a professional setting. Shirts, pants, and other articles of clothing should always be solid in texture and never even slightly revealing. However, stockings worn under an appropriate-length skirt are acceptable.
6. Athletic Wear:
A busy day at work may make you feel like you’re in the middle of running a marathon, but that’s no reason to wear your gym clothes to the office. It’s not acceptable to wear casual clothes like sweatpants, tank tops, or sneakers on the sales floor because it is unprofessional and gives off the impression that your role is not particularly important to you.
7. Beltless Tucked-In Shirt:
Most people would agree that it’s just flat out weird to see someone wearing a shirt tucked into their pants without a belt. Investing in a couple of good belts that will match up nicely with all the shoes you own is a great idea. If you are worried about your pants falling down but you just hate wearing a belt, suspenders are another way to go but they sort of fall into the same category as replacing a tie with a bow tie.
8. Old, Worn Shoes:
An entire look can be thrown off with a poor choice of shoes. Shoes for professional attire should be neat, polished, and complement the rest of the outfit. Black, brown, and gray shoes are common for business attire. Penny loafers, flats, and heels of a reasonable length are also go-to’s for many. Always check your shoes for a sole that may be coming loose or scratches that need buffing out before you leave the house.
9. Poorly Tailored Clothes:
Your clothes should not swallow you nor should they constrict you. Tight clothing is not only uncomfortable but can be a nuisance throughout the day as you constantly adjust. On the other hand, oversized clothing gives off a slouchy vibe. Wear a belt if needed, and always make sure that your clothes fit properly. Hem your pants if they are too long and make sure your shirts fit (even after the holidays)!
10. All Black Clothes:
You’re got to work, not a funeral. Although black is a classic business staple, it is possible to overdo it. A red undershirt, or even a green or blue one, is an excellent way to offset a black jacket. Grey, white, and even some shades of green all work as well. Don’t frighten your customers with bleak colors. Yellow, for example, is known to improve one’s mood and can really pull an outfit together if applied correctly. Applying some colorful accessories to your professional outfit might help you stand out and leave a lasting impression.
