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Here's your chance! Each month, Mary Lou answers your fashion, wardrobe, and accessorizing questions. If you have something that you need to know, ask away! If your question is chosen, you'll receive a complimentary Organization By Design Survival Kit. What have you got to lose?!
For July, 2000:
Q: If all the customers a sales rep calls on are always dressed casually, should the sales rep follow suit or dress in his traditional shirt, tie and sports jacket?
A: For the first call — wear a suit (it can be a little less formal — a sports jacket with a coordinating pant instead of a matching jacket and pant for example). As the relationship evolves, you can loosen your style of dress a bit — wear a sports jacket without a tie or a tie and shirt without a jacket. In sales, traditional attire is still very common because it is a sign of respect and instantly sets a business tone. However, being customer-focused as you build a relationship with a client always requires common sense. If you find that your style of dress is presenting barriers, definitely loosen up!