Diplomacy is the art of dealing with people in a sensitive and effective way; or to put it in Southern terms, “the art of telling someone to go to hell without making them feel bad.”
When we think of diplomacy, we don’t normally think of dress, but our dress conveys a lot about what we think of others. We show respect when our dress communicates sensitivity to the person or the occasion, such as dressing somber tones for a funeral or not wearing all white to a wedding. When your workplace dress reflects respect for others and the situation, people are more likely to trust you, share information with you, comply with your requests, and cooperate with you.

When Bill Gates, widely noted for wearing T- shirts, was addressing Congress on issues related to his business practices, he wore a suit and tie. When Mark Zuckerberg, also known for his casual dress, had to testify before Congress, he wore a suit and tie. Why would these two highly successful men—well-known for their casual dress—wear a suit and tie to testify before Congress? Could it be these men knew they were appealing to a critical audience who were making decisions that could affect their futures? They understood their appearance could help to diplomatically influence the outcome.

Why does it matter...?

Understanding how to use your clothing choices diplomatically allows you to more effectively appeal to critical audiences who may be making decisions that could affect your success.

How diplomatic is your dress? What cues or characteristics make your dress diplomatic? I'd love to get your feedback.