A person’s first impression of you is made within the first seven to 17 seconds. Because you don’t get a second chance to make your first impression, it’s essential to dress not just professionally, but with style when the time comes for a business meeting.

It’s important to dress for success when meeting a prospective client. You’re representing your business when you meet with them. Even a man who dresses in tailored suits can make a critical mistake in their appearance that may cause unconscious judgment. For instance, if you’re unable to pair colors in your ensemble, your client may suspect you can’t make a visually appealing marketing campaign either.

Manage the basics
Before you can accurately match your colors and give a presentation in style, it’s essential that the basics of your outfit are put together well.

• Tailored suits: Tailored suits are necessary for a truly well-dressed man. Ill-fitted suits are obvious to onlookers and can make you look childish or baggy. Your trousers or dress pants should cut off right above your shoes. Custom tailored shirts or jackets should sit square on the shoulders.
• Grooming: If you haven’t had a haircut in over a month, get one before your business meeting. Clip your nails and trim your beard if you have one. Grooming mistakes are the easiest ways to appear unkempt.
• Stay classy: It’s understandable to want to wear the latest trends. However, sticking with the classics are your safest bet to making a great first impression. Wear a leather-banded wristwatch, shine your best black shoes, and leave your earring at home.

Don’t go overboard with color
Playing with color and contrast in your outfit is plenty fun, but business meetings aren’t the place for fun. Instead, stick to neutral colors such as black, gray, white, navy, and brown. If you want to add a bit of flair or personality, match a busy-print tie with a plain shirt and jacket. Loud patterns can be distracting, so if you choose to go with zig-zag patterns or polka-dots stick to the minimal pieces of attire such as your tie or your collar. For reference, in professional mens clothing, only about two centimeters of your collar should be showing when you’re wearing a suit jacket.

It’s important to look your best when you’re heading for a business meeting. As a representative of the company, you want to be sure that you’re dressed professionally and fashionably. By playing it safe with classic colors and staying well-groomed, you can be sure to make a great first impression on your prospective clients.