What to wear to a business meeting
Go one step smarter than your usual office look: a tailored jacket, a plain shirt or blouse, trousers or a skirt in a dark neutral and polished closed shoes. Choose clothes that fit well and need no adjusting.
Three outfits that work
Navy blazer, white blouse, charcoal trousers
- navy tailored blazer
- white silk-look blouse
- charcoal straight trousers
- black leather loafers
- black structured bag
A tailored blazer with straight trousers looks decided and holds its shape through a long meeting.
Charcoal suit, light blue shirt
- charcoal suit jacket
- charcoal suit trousers
- light blue shirt
- brown Oxford shoes
A plain suit in a dark neutral suits almost every industry; add a tie only if the other side will wear one.
Longline blazer, wide trousers
- navy longline blazer
- white long-sleeved blouse
- black wide trousers
- grey hijab
- black loafers
A longline blazer over wide trousers is formal, covers arms and hips, and stays comfortable when you sit.
By weather
| Hot22° and up | Light wool or cotton-blend fabrics; carry the jacket until you are at the door. |
|---|---|
| Mild10° to 21° | The outfit as planned, with a trench if rain is forecast. |
| ColdBelow 10° | A wool coat long enough for the jacket and leather shoes with grip; take the coat off before you enter. |
Do and don’t
- Ask what the other side usually wears
- Pick clothes that fit and do not crease while you sit
- Keep jewellery and colours calm
- Polish shoes the night before
- Wear anything new that you have not sat in
- Use strong scent
- Choose a dress or skirt too short to cross your legs in
- Carry a heavy backpack into the meeting
Check the night before
- Try on the whole outfit, including shoes
- Press the shirt or blouse
- Check for loose threads and missing buttons
- Look at the forecast and plan a coat or umbrella
- Pack a spare top or tie in your bag
Questions people ask
Do I need a suit for a business meeting?
Not always. A blazer with matching or contrasting trousers is enough in most sectors; finance and law often expect a full suit.
Do I need to wear a tie?
Wear one in banking, law and consulting, and when the other side will. Elsewhere an open collar with a jacket is usually fine.
What if I do not know the dress code?
Ask your contact, or dress one step smarter than you think. It is easier to take off a jacket than to add one.
What shoes are best for a business meeting?
Polished leather loafers, Oxfords or low-heeled closed shoes in black, brown or navy.
Pick Business meeting in FeinLens and see what you already own
FeinLens builds complete outfits for this occasion from photos of your own clothes, dressed for the forecast where you’ll be.
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