6 Ways to Dress for Promo Success

Kyle sent me Entrepreneur Magazine's list of "6 Items Every Entrepreneur Needs to Dress for Success" in February to include in Threads. It never made it into the apparel newsletter, but with Expo East around the corner, I thought it was time to address it.

Succeeding in any business is not only about knowing your stuff, but also about looking the part. It is hard to convince an investor to give you thousands of dollars for your startup if you are in flip-flops and cutoff shorts (unless it is a flip-flop and cutoff short company). There is a way to be casual without being too casual or dressy without looking overdressed. Entrepreneur turned to Corporette's Kat Griffin for a list of the six top apparel items businesspeople need to look professional at all times.

Here are her suggestions with promotional examples from Promo Marketing product search.

Griffin mentioned it is worth it for men and women to buy a higher-end black blazer because it is so versatile--think trade shows, networking events, sales calls or even cocktail parties in lieu of a jacket for women.

Not every event has a corporate dress code. You can look nice and casual with bold dresses and dark denim.

Men can jazz up their suits with printed or colorful socks (great for logos). Griffin suggested nude pumps for women, which are classic, but I think adding some color or print to your tights or shoes is fun too.

A nice watch is classic and helpful. I would also argue in our digital age that a classic phone case is important as well, for those of us who use our phones as time tellers.

Griffin noted that eyeglasses should be memorable. I say: Make your sunglasses memorable too. Many trade show and meeting locations are sunny so bring some stellar, imprinted sunnies.

Griffin stressed that a laptop bag, briefcase or purse does not need to be a luxury item, but it does need to be well taken care of. Try a neutral color with a corporate logo. Also, make sure it fits your smartphone, tablet, laptop or your choice of communication on the go.