Did you know that the average age of a CEO in the US is 54.1 years in 2018? So says a recent Statista report. The research firm adds that the average age at which CEOs are hired in the country has been on an upward trend since 2005. So, if you’re a CEO under 30, you’re obviously in the minority. Whether you are the head of a company you founded or you are the head of a company founded by someone else, there are different things to remember if you want to be successful in a corner office. One of those things is clothing for success in the workplace.
It’s not about impressing, although wanting to make a good impression with the way you present yourself doesn’t hurt anyone. It’s about looking the part. You’ve no doubt heard that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. It’s all well and good. But still it is better not to pay attention to how you present yourself professionally. Some leaders defy this style trend and, despite their lack of concern for how they look at work, manage to command unfailing respect from those who work under them.
But they are the exception rather than the rule. Better stick to the norm and look the part.
If you are not set resist the trend and insist on wearing flip flops, shorts and baseball caps, followed by some tips on how to dress like a C-level executive in a corner office.
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Dress professionally
The first thing to do is dress professionally. But what does that even mean? Depending on the industry you work in or the corporate culture of the company you lead, the definition of workwear may vary. One rule of thumb is to wear to work the clothes you would wear if you were interviewing for your dream job at the company you want to work for.
simple business professional dress code for men and women will look like this:
- Men: suit, tie and shoes.
- Women: Dress, pantsuit or blouse and skirt with shoes.
Make sure your clothes are clean, properly fitted and ironed. If you’re in doubt about what to wear, watch what the people in the company you work for or want to work for wear. You can also contact Human Resources if you don’t know what the dress code is.
Go easy on the decorations
Your jewelry should be seen as an accessory that completes your outfit. It shouldn’t be the first thing people notice when you walk into a room. Spend money on one or two high-quality branded items, such as diamond tennis necklace or a gold-plated watch is better than overdoing it by wearing a lot of low-quality jewelry that overloads your overall look.
On the other hand, be careful with any facial piercings you may have. If you have one or both, cover them at work. This will give you a more professional shine.
Remember shoes
Finding the right shoes for your workplace isn’t just about picking the right color or style. You must consider the nature of your job before choosing the right professional footwear. Do you spend a lot of time at your desk in your corner office? Or are you always on the go? Your answer to this question will affect what you buy. You’ll want to consider things like comfort and stability. It’s also best to choose conservative colors and buy shoes that match your outfit.
An outside perspective is one aspect of a leader’s success. It’s undeniable that most people—colleagues, employees, and customers—will judge you by the way you present yourself. So, dress to be successful in the workplace and make sure you do your best to look like a successful company executive.
