What should I wear today? This isn’t a question that only women ask themselves before they head off for work, for a networking event or for the business/social occasion. It is one that savvy businessmen pose, too, as they check the day’s calendar. Not everyone wears the same thing to the job. One size does not fit all when it comes to business attire. There are four primary considerations when deciding how to dress for business: the industry in which you work, the job you have in that industry, the region of the country in which you live, but most importantly, what your clients expect to see.

Judy Hoffman, author of Keeping Cool on the Hot Seat: Dealing Effectively with the Media in Times of Crisis (Four C’s Publishing Company, 2001), provides an example of how what you wear can affect the way you are perceived by your clients, colleagues and business associates. In a recent media training workshop, one of the executives of the company with whom she was working showed up for the session in his usual business suit and tie. The group was larger than expected and had to be moved to an un-air- conditioned facility. The vice-president removed his coat, loosened his tie, rolled up his sleeves and looked right at home with the other participants who were dressed in polo shirts and khakis for the day.

During the role-playing sessions, he worked in his shirtsleeves. However, when it came time to serve as the spokesperson for his group, he put on his coat and tie. During the feedback session, Ms. Hoffman questioned the group about the way the executive was dressed. Several indicated that they noticed his suit and thought he looked out of place. Others said he seemed a bit stiff and gave the impression that he was better than the rest. The vice-president responded that he wanted to look professional and make a good impression. His good intentions failed him for a simple reason—in the business arena you do want to be seen as professional, but it is also important that other people feel comfortable with you.

As a media crisis trainer, Ms. Hoffman advises her client to figure out what their audience will be wearing and to go one step above. The same rule applies in all areas of business. You want to be taken seriously and to represent yourself and your organization in the most positive way. Overdressing can turn people off as much as under dressing, and you want people to feel comfortable with you.

When you gaze into your closet or stand before your mirror, think where you will be going for the day, whom you will be seeing and how those people—your clients—will expect to see you dressed. You may even need to consider how to adapt your attire during the day to fit into different environments. It’s not easy. One size does not fit all.