Top 4 Business Meeting Outfits That Leave a Positive Impression

Every business meeting has a specific purpose, so it's important to show up fully prepared. Whether you'll be surrounded by people you know or in a meeting with new faces, dressing well matters. So, while you may long to wear some cozy fleece pants, you'll need to save them for later. This is a time to make a striking visual impact.

When you have an important idea or mission to push, looking professional helps your credibility. It also shows the other party that you respect them and their time. Therefore, show up to your next business meeting in professional clothing that enhances your best features and communicates your expertise. Here are four business meeting attire outfits perfect for any landmark meeting.

1. Amp It Up in a Blazer or Suit Jacket

When in doubt, aim for a more formal style. When there are significant matters to discuss, being too casual is a risk, especially when much is on the line. A men's suit jacket will do wonders for your confidence and make a strong impact when you enter the room. When you dress powerfully, it communicates to others that you're here for business and are ready to accomplish your goals. This impression is especially important when you're meeting new clients for the first time. So take pride in your looks and wear a tie, cufflinks, and shined leather loafers. Ladies, blazers are also a refined power piece to complement your blouse and dress pants or skirt. Experiment with some stylish heels or flats to complete the professional image.

2. Skirts Expand Your Wardrobe

There's something special about a well-tailored skirt that can upgrade nearly any business casual top into a meeting-ready outfit. A ponte midi skirt falls a few inches below the knee and provides a comfortable yet cute solution for the days you just don't feel like wearing pants. It's easy to tuck in a printed blouse and turn this skirt into your regular office staple. Pencil skirts also look beautiful with a variety of tops. Try different pieces like a turtleneck, short sleeve sweater, or button-up solid color shirt to create many sleek looks with your pencil skirts.

3. The Classic Button-Down Shirt

The collared shirt has people coming back to it time and again for easy but formal fashion. To make a strong impact, wear a pair of freshly ironed dress pants and formal shoes with this top. The uses for this item for workwear are nearly endless, which is why you should have a fair number of these in different colors in your closet. Whenever you don't know what to wear, you can be sure that a men's button-down shirt is going to help you find the answer. Do you need to make an impromptu meeting while your blazer is in the wash? Grab a knit vest or necktie to dress up your buttondown shirt. Do you need to meet with a trusted team member to iron out some final details? Then tuck this shirt into your favorite pair of black jeans and be on your way. With so many ways to be worn, this shirt will always be something you can consult for fashion inspiration.

4. Fitted Turtlenecks and Mocknecks

In the spectrum of basic sweaters and stops, turtlenecks and mock necks have always had more of a formal flair to them. Perhaps it's the stately neckline that draws attention to the speaker's every word, or the many ways it can be accessorized and styled to complement a professional wardrobe. Wear them tucked into a high-rise skirt, under a sweater vest with dress pants, under a blazer, or with a cardigan and scarf. The finishing touch is your footwear. How about a freshly shined pennywise loafer or a timeless pair of mary janes?

Honorable Mention: Briefcases and Laptop Bags

Now, when it comes to landmark meetings, you know it's not about just what you look like. You need to nail the presentation and have all the resources on hand to answer questions. Showing up empty-handed is hardly advisable in this case. This is why carrying your materials in a briefcase or laptop bag is the final touch you need. Bring your message home when you stay organized. Whether you're having the meeting at your home base or congregating somewhere else, having all your materials, handouts, pens, and devices on hand will give you a major confidence boost.