Photo / Tim Greenway
Nancy Marshall
Updated: May 19, 2025
How to
Dress for success: How to elevate your professional image in a post-pandemic world
By Nancy Marshall, Marshall Communications
Yoga pants and T-shirts are out. Suits and blazers are back in.
Now that we are post-pandemic, our daily lives — and attire — have undergone a significant shift.
In the comfort of our homes while working remotely, many of us embraced the ease of yoga pants and T-shirts, a wardrobe primarily designed for comfort rather than professionalism. Our Zoom calls became showcases of our “shoulders-up” appearances, where the focus on presentation extended only as far as the webcam could capture. Women certainly did not wear panty hose (one of the blessings of the pandemic).
As an extrovert, I am glad that we are back to in-person engagements at the office, job interviews, business meetings or networking events — and although fewer women, including me, are wearing panty hose, we still need to consider the importance of how we dress and the impact on our professional image.
The age-old adage “you never get a second chance to make a first impression” is still true. How we present ourselves plays a critical role in defining our professionalism and our success. Our attire not only communicates our style, but also influences our self-esteem and ability to perform at our best.
Suiting up for success
The psychological phenomenon known as “enclothed cognition” further shows the connection between attire and success. This theory suggests that the clothing we wear affects our mental processes and behaviors.
In practice, when we wear professional attire, we often feel more authoritative and capable — a necessary feeling when we are navigating job interviews or crucial business meetings. This transformation often leads to positive outcomes. That may explain why studies show that individuals who invest in their appearance are often more successful in their careers.
This renewed focus on professional attire is not merely about tailoring suits or selecting the right dress. It encompasses any choice we make regarding what we put on in the morning, illustrating our respect for ourselves and for others in a professional setting. We are, after all, representatives of our brands — whether that’s our personal brand or that of the company we work for.
You will often see me dressed in orange since that’s my brand color. You may also have a signature look or style and, if so, embrace it.
Brand recognition
Some companies like FedEx and UPS, as well as police and fire departments, have uniform policies for their employees. Uniforms eliminate choice, leveling the playing field among employees while instilling a sense of belonging and brand identity. Employees in uniforms are often viewed as representatives of the company, which fosters a culture of pride and professionalism.
This uniformity is not just about creating a cohesive aesthetic, but also a commitment to fostering brand recognition and loyalty in the eyes of clients and the wider public. My younger son is a pilot, and he wears a uniform whenever he is working. It commands respect among passengers and the public (and makes his mom proud.)
The responsibility to present a polished image holds even more significance in the age of social media and digital networking. As our online personas increasingly intertwine with our real-world identities, the stakes rise even higher.
Photos shared on platforms like LinkedIn can define how we are perceived professionally, making conscious choices about attire essential for maintaining a favorable image. An outfit speaks volumes before we even speak; it conveys confidence, preparedness and professionalism — qualities coveted across industries.
R-e-s-p-e-c-t
Dressing well is not about following fashion trends. It's about conveying respect — not only for us but for the roles we play.
When we invest in our appearance, we also invest in our success. After all, a polished look can pave the way to new opportunities and lasting impressions.
Each day, we have the chance to wear our ambitions — so if you want to be successful, you need to dress for success.
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