Whether you realize it or not, how you dress during competition can be a deciding factor in your success. This is because the judge(s) makes an assumption about you based on your appearance. The judge is not even doing this consciously, it is what we all do when we meet a person for the first time.

Because you and the Judge have never met, this is your first impression with them. A good first impression can set you up for success. Your first impression will be made before you even have a chance to say a word. How you dress can set you up to make a great impression. First impressions are incredibly important in business situations, and if you have to overcome a negative one, you'll have to work twice as hard to recover.

Here are some tips for dressing for success. These can be carried over to job interviews, presentations at schoo or anywhere you should make an impact with your appearance.

Men:

Shirt: White, Blue, or other simple colors. The shirt should be free of stains and holes. Always wear a plane white t-shirt underneath your shirt. Long sleeves are recommended.

Pants: Black or blue are preferable, pinstripes are okay as long as they are conservative. Cargo pants are not professional, ever.

Coat: A blazer or sport coat is strongly that matches your outfit recommended that matches your.

Shoes: A dress shoe that matches your attire. Your shoes should be polished and free of scuff marks. A black or brown shoe is the most desirable.

Belt: A belt should be worn, it should match your shoes. Black to Black, Brown to Brown.

Tie: Your tie should match the rest of your outfit. Do not wear exotic or humorous tie patterns. They will only distract the judge. You want the focus to be on you not your tie.

Socks: Socks should coordinate with your pants never wear white socks with dress shoes.

Jewelry: Earrings and other visible piercings should be removed for any business meeting. Chains (necklaces) should not be visible. Only one ring of good taste should be worn.

Socks: Should match and coordinate with your out fit. Never wear white socks with dress shoes.

Women:

Skirts: A skirt should be conservative and professional looking. The skirt should never be shorter than your knees.

Paints: A dress slack is best suited for this but they need to be neat and pressed. Pinstripes are the acceptable.

Blouse: Blouses should be neat and free from stains and be wrinkles. Try to avoid exotic colors and patterns.

Blazers: Blazers or coats should match the rest of the outfit that is being worn.

Jewelry: Should be keep minimal. All facial piercing should be removed. Earrings should be kept to under a size of a quarter. You do not want the judge to be distracted. This could easily happen if your wear an inappropriate amount of jewelry. One ring per hand is all that is recommended.

Make up: Wear a minimal amount of make up. Keep it simple.

Other: Panty hose or stockings should always be worn. Purses should be plain conservative.

NOTES:
Bright flashy colors will only distract the judge from what you are saying keep it simple.
Ironing is a must. It is not professional to look like you just got done napping in your clothes. Shirts must
be tucked in.