By Monique Farmer, APR
Picture this: A sleek, glass-walled boardroom filled with corporate executives dressed in crisp business attire—navy suits, tailored blouses and polished shoes. The air feels thick with professionalism, the kind that comes with years of experience and high-stakes decision-making.
As my eyes traverse the room, they land on one individual who stands out—not because of a commanding speech or an impressive PowerPoint, but because of their choice of clothing. Beneath the long conference table, I notice a pair of casual shorts and sandals.
It was a little bit jarring—this person, who I later learned was recently retired, sat confidently among a room of buttoned-up executives, completely unfazed by the contrast. It made me wonder: What gives someone the confidence to break the traditional mold of professional dress? And more importantly, does what we wear still matter when it comes to executive presence?
The Psychology of Professional Attire: Why Clothes Matter
I’ve always been mindful of my attire when walking into a meeting, a habit ingrained early in my career. The phrase “dress for the job you want, not the job you have” was drilled into me as a young professional. But is there any truth to it?
Science says yes. Research indicates that formal attire can enhance perceptions of competence, authority and trustworthiness, and positively influence self-perception and performance in professional settings.
For example, a study published in Human Resource Development Quarterly found that employees felt most authoritative, trustworthy, and competent when wearing formal business attire.
Additionally, a 1994 study highlighted that individuals rated themselves higher on occupational attributes when dressed appropriately, suggesting that proper attire positively affects self-perception.
Your outfit is more than just fabric—it’s a silent communicator. It signals confidence, competence and leadership before you ever open your mouth.
The Evolution of Workplace Dress Codes
Despite the research, dress codes have undeniably shifted.
- Corporate finance & government: Still largely formal, with suits being the norm.
- Tech startups & creative agencies: Smart casual, jeans, and sneakers are common.
- Academia & public relations: A mix, depending on the audience and the culture.
Leaders like Mark Zuckerberg made the hoodie a symbol of tech-world genius, while Jeff Bezos embraced a polished yet relaxed look. This shift reflects an era where competence matters more than conformity—but does that mean professional attire is obsolete?
Not quite.
Sylvia Ann Hewlett, author of Executive Presence: The Missing Link Between Merit and Success, emphasizes that appearance still plays a role in how leaders are perceived. While it may not be the most critical factor, it’s a filter through which confidence and competence are judged.
The Power of Presence: It’s More Than Just Clothing
Executive presence is about more than just a well-tailored suit. According to Hewlett, it consists of three pillars:
- Gravitas (How you act): Confidence under pressure, decisiveness, and emotional intelligence.
- Communication (How you speak): A commanding voice, concise messaging, and engaging storytelling.
- Appearance (How you look): Polished and put together, aligning with leadership roles.
Your body language is just as crucial as your wardrobe. Social psychologist Amy Cuddy’s TED Talk on Power Posing suggests that standing tall and adopting expansive postures can boost confidence and influence how others perceive you.
In other words, what you wear, how you carry yourself, and how you speak all work together to shape your executive presence.
Generational Differences: The Battle Between Authenticity and Professionalism
Workplace dress codes have become a generational battleground:
- Baby Boomers & Gen X: View formal attire as a sign of credibility and respect.
- Millennials & Gen Z: Prefer casual, expressive, and comfortable dress codes.
Younger professionals often prioritize authenticity over tradition. However, the challenge lies in balancing self-expression with professional expectations. The key is strategic adaptability—knowing when to lean into professional norms and when to push boundaries.
Key Takeaways for Building Executive Presence
Whether you’re dressing up for a board meeting or down for a brainstorming session, consider these takeaways:
✅ Dress intentionally. Know your industry, company culture, and audience. If you’re in a leadership role, your attire should reflect the confidence and credibility you want to convey.
✅ Use clothing as a tool. It’s not about vanity—it’s about signaling authority, competence, and confidence.
✅ Understand that executive presence is multi-faceted. Your posture, speech, and gravitas matter just as much as what you wear.
✅ Be adaptable. The modern workplace values authenticity, but strategic dressing can help you bridge generational and cultural expectations.
Final Thoughts: The Power of Self-Presentation
Reflecting on that retired executive in shorts, I still wonder—was it confidence, status or a shift in norms that allowed them to break the mold? Perhaps all three.
The truth is, what you wear won’t make you a great leader, but it can shape how others perceive your leadership. And sometimes, the smallest details—like the right outfit, strong body language and a commanding voice—are what help you get noticed, heard and remembered.
So the next time you’re choosing an outfit for work, ask yourself: What am I communicating before I even say a word?
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