How to Dress for a Business Meeting. Yes, Seriously. (Infographic) You may be tempted to try the rumpled-hair, hoodie look – just don't.

By Kim Lachance Shandrow

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Olu Eletu | StockSnap.io

Note to business people everywhere, even you casual Californians: Don't show up for a business meeting in flip-flops, shorts and a hoodie. Like, ever, man. Suit up and dress like the professional you are or aim to be. Because, as the tried-and-true adage goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.

Bringing your A-game -- and prepping your notes and/or pitch or presentation -- are only half of the business meeting readiness equation. The other half is simply looking the part. And this advice couldn't ring truer than when you meet with a prospective client, connection or employer for the very first time.

Related: The Stars of Shark Tank on How to Dress For Success

For men, putting your best look forward often comes down a clean, crisp look from head to toe. Svelte suit. Slick tie. Shined shoes. Spruced hair. Channel Don Draper, minus the hangover tang. Remember, we're talking about looking -- not acting -- like the dapper Don.

For women, the same rules apply. An equally unfettered, conservative -- basically safe -- professional look is often the best choice for meetings, regardless of your gender. If you wear a skirt with your blazer and blouse instead of dress pants, double check that it's not too short.

Finally, before you decide on an outfit for any professional appointment, carefully consider your audience. If you're meeting someone abroad, research what the locals wear for business tête-à-têtes and dress accordingly. Or, when meeting with a high-level executive, do your best to mirror what he or she will wear, which will likely be a tailored suit.

Related: Is This the Summer of the Short Suit? Thankfully, Probably Not.

For more on why it's important to dress for success when you're heading into a business meeting, take a look the spiffy infographic from the British web hosting firm 34SP.com below:

Click to Enlarge+
How to Dress for a Business Meeting. Yes, Seriously. (Infographic)

Related: Professional Dress Doesn't Have to Mean Boring

Wavy Line
Kim Lachance Shandrow

Former West Coast Editor

Kim Lachance Shandrow is the former West Coast editor at Entrepreneur.com. Previously, she was a commerce columnist at Los Angeles CityBeat, a news producer at MSNBC and KNBC in Los Angeles and a frequent contributor to the Los Angeles Times. She has also written for Government Technology magazine, LA Yoga magazine, the Lowell Sun newspaper, HealthCentral.com, PsychCentral.com and the former U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. C. Everett Coop. Follow her on Twitter at @Lashandrow. You can also follow her on Facebook here

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