How much does my wardrobe matter?

College Life
1

<p>I’m an aspiring entrepreneur. I saw this article in Forbes Magazine today, which basically argues that entrepreneurs’ lackadaisical attitude toward their wardrobe does them a disservice. Here’s the link to the article: [Top</a> Fashion Mistakes Tech Entrepreneurs Make – Hint: No Hoodies Allowed - Forbes](<a href=“http://www.forbes.com/sites/connieguglielmo/2013/12/13/top-fashion-mistakes-tech-entrepreneurs-make-and-how-to-avoid-them/]Top”>Top Fashion Mistakes Tech Entrepreneurs Make -- Hint: No Hoodies Allowed)</p>

<p>I am in the midst of preparing to pitch my startup to angel investors. Friends have told me that I should dress casually to show that I don’t take myself too seriously and that I value my product and intelligence more than my outward appearance. My parents, on the other hand, say that I need to go to meetings in a suit and tie to show investors that I’m serious and trustworthy.</p>

<p>What are your thoughts? What do your friends who are interested in entrepreneurship think? What have their experiences been?</p>

<p>I posted a similar thread on the Parents Forum to get their thoughts on the issue, too. I’m interested to see the types of responses I get. </p>

<p>Thanks for your help.</p>

2

<p>Dress formally.</p>

3

<p>How formally? A suit? Business casual? The types of pants the guy in the article is selling?</p>

4

<p>Dress business–so a suit is appropriate.</p>

<p>If you’re asking people for money, you want them to think you are taking this seriously. You’re pitch will show that you value your product and intelligence. Your appearance will show that you can dress and act like a grown up.</p>

5

<p>Depends on your business if your in sales and banking definitely dress business suits and such. If your a plumber dress in jeans and a polo.</p>

<p>We really need more info on your business. Congrats on your new business BTW:)</p>

6

<p>It’s a software / mobile app business!</p>

7

<p>Ahh thats a nice business. Ive heard of alot of people getting rich off of it. In that case I would definitely suggest khakis,polo and a dress jacket when It gets cold. So basically somewhere between your parents and your friends. Depending on your clients, like if you land a bigger company you should dress nicer. If its a smallish company dress more casual. At least thats what I think :D</p>

8

<p>Oh forgot to mention if your making independent gaming software and/or contracting apps for business clients you really dont need to dress WAY to fancy. Maybe like a basic department stores clothes instead of big brands (Izods,saint johns bay,etc)</p>

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<p>Casual business outfits could include casual blazer wear (the ones without shoulder pads) with slacks or black jeans/pants depending.</p>

10

<p>I would tailor my wardrobe to the angel investor I am pitching if I were you. If an angel investor you are presenting to one day is staunchly conservative in business outlook then a suit that day. Then if an angel investor you are presenting too another day follows the stereotypical casual wardrobe advocated by Facebook then mirror them that day.</p>

11

<p>Well looks do matter since how you carry yourself- how you dress & act, is our first impression. </p>

<p>Let’s be honest who are you gona take more serious for a job interview: a person that looks like a hobo or a someone in a business attire? </p>

<p>You Dont have to dress all up but look decent and not 100% causal. </p>

<p>Good Luck ツ</p>

12

<p>Even though thereisnosecret usually posts ■■■■■ dribble, I have to 100% agree with them here. Try to tailor your look to what the investors want to see and if you’re unsure, err on the side of formality.</p>

13

<p>You could wear a casual suit (tan, light grey, olive) and dress shirt with no tie IMO. I wouldn’t go less formal than that. If you’re trying to give off the serious but not overly serious vibe I think that sounds pretty good to me.</p>

14

<p>The finance and investment community, particularly in the east coast, tends to be a lot more dressy than the software development community. Since you are asking them for money (i.e. you need them more than they need you), dress to their expectations (properly fitting suit and tie usually) when meeting them.</p>

15

<p>Dress nice</p>