The Importance of Proper Sales Attire and How

To Dress for Sales

Indeed Editorial Team
Updated February 4, 2023

The Indeed Editorial Team comprises a diverse and talented team of writers,
researchers and subject matter experts equipped with Indeed's data and insights to
deliver useful tips to help guide your career journey.

The attire you choose to wear while working sends a message about your role. When working in
sales, it is helpful to consider what attire sends the right message about what you want to convey
to those with whom you interact.

In this article, we discuss appropriate sales attire and its importance in the industry.

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Why is sales attire important?

A salesperson has only a few moments to make a first impression on the person or group of
people to whom they are making their pitch. Your customers will start to generate an impression
of you and what you have to offer within seconds of seeing you, so your appearance does matter.
This impression will include the attire you have selected for the meeting, which represents the
importance of sales attire.

If you think about some of the most successful brands in the world, you may consider the
packaging they choose to place their products in when selling to consumers. The apparel you
choose to wear when working in sales is your packaging.

The clothing you wear has power over the people around you. Dressing in sweatpants sends a
drastically different message than dressing in a business suit. Your apparel choices reflect how
you feel about yourself and what you offer in a situation. In a professional setting, your choice of
apparel may also define your goals and aims, which can impact those with whom you come into
contact.

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How to dress in sales attire

After considering the importance of choosing the right attire for a sales job, you may want to
know how to properly dress for your professional endeavors. Follow these steps to dress properly
and look great on every sales call.

Related: Learn About Being a Sales Representative

1. Identify the proper attire pieces

Certain pieces work well for salespeople in their goal to look professional, polished and
appealing. These pieces may include a blazer or suit jacket, dress pants and a pressed blouse or
shirt. You can mix and match if you do not want to wear a full business suit, such as by pairing
khaki pants with a darker blazer.

Some people like to dress slightly nicer than the people with whom they are meeting, so consider
checking the dress code of the office you will be visiting to conduct your meeting or pitch. If the
office follows business casual dress, slacks and a button-down shirt would be appropriate. If the
office follows business dress, cosnider a suit.

Related: Your Guide to Business Professional Attire (With Examples)

2. Review the proper footwear

Stick with neutral and professional footwear when meeting with clients. Dress shoes, flats and
pumps are all appropriate options with suits, dress pants and skirts. If you are on your feet all
day, you may want to choose nicer shoes that provide more support to keep your feet feeling
good.

3. Consider the color wheel

The color of the apparel you choose to wear on a sales call can also send a message, so review
the color wheel with the meanings of certain hues before you get dressed for the day. Bright
shades tend to send a more relaxed, laid-back feel, while white delivers a simpler, cleaner
message. If you dress in black, you might send the message that you are in control and wield the
power. Green is associated with growth and success, often tied to the color of money.
Warm colors and earth tones tend to be more appealing than stark or cool colors, including
blacks, whites and blues. Consider incorporating some of the warmer tones in the form of muted
accessories, such as a tie with subtle red dots or a necklace with an orange gemstone.

4. Ensure the right fit

Your apparel should fit well without being overly tight or baggy. If needed, have your sales attire
pieces professionally tailored to provide a better fit. Loose-fitting clothing can make you look
sloppy, while overly tight clothes can be a distraction. Dress in clothing that flatters your body
type.

5. Add a unique accessory for interest

If you want to stand out, look for a way to incorporate a unique accessory that may serve as a
conversation-starter during the meeting. Make sure your accessories align with your background
and interests to maintain authenticity. You could even incorporate something that speaks to your
audience, such as a pair of fashionable boots when meeting with a trendy client.

6. Maintain a natural appearance

Too much makeup or perfume can deter your audience, especially those who are sensitive to
smells and colors. When applying makeup, maintain a natural appearance by using softer, neutral
shades and sticking to the “less is more” approach. Use just a spritz or two of perfume and walk
through the cloud of scent, rather than spraying it directly on your skin to avoid causing irritation
to those with whom you interact in close quarters.

Related: Dress Codes for All Business Occasions

7. Do a once-over in the mirror

Before you head out on your sales call, do a quick once-over in the mirror to make sure your
appearance reflects your aims. Look for rips or tears in your apparel, as these can make you look
less professional. You can also check to make sure that each piece you have selected to make up
your outfit complements the other components for a polished and eye-catching look. Use this
time to add any accessories and ensure that the pieces you add to the look maintain a
professional appearance, rather than causing a distraction.

When you feel good about the way you look, you can walk into sales meetings with confidence.
You can also focus on your pitch, rather than worrying about whether your outfit will send the
wrong message to your audience.