This article is the definitive guide for real estate agents who want to dress for success in modern times.
While it’s true that formal dress codes are an example of things that people don’t want anymore, it’s no secret that realtors still follow an appropriate professional dress code.
Why? Because first impressions are powerful.
You only get one chance to make a great first impression, so why not make it count?
A sharp suit sends a message to potential clients: I am professional and know what I am doing here; this property is going to sell because of me!
And a well-fitted dress conveys confidence while looking professional at all times because overall, dressing well shows respect towards both yourself and others around you.
So dress for the job you want, not the job you have. If you are trying to sell a million-dollar listing, dress like someone who has success in their sights.
Types of Business Dress Code for Realtors
There are many types of business dress codes, and the following are the most common among real estate agents:
Business Formal
Business formal is the most traditional and conservative style of dress. This is appropriate for occasions that require a high level of formality.
The key to this attire is to look professional and put together. Some tips are:
- Wear a good quality jacket over matching suit pants
- Wear a solid-color blazer over a tailored dress or jumpsuit
- Stick with the classic colors black, navy blue, brown, or white
- Accessorize in the same color such as matching the belt with the shoes
☑️ Best worn for: Office, Business functions, Boardroom Meetings
| OUTFITS | MALE | FEMALE |
| Top | Suits, Button-up shirts, Vest, Tie | Suit blazer |
| Bottoms | Wool Pants | Skirts, Suit pants, slacks |
| Overalls | – | Knee-Dress, Midi dress, Jumpsuit |
| Shoes | Oxfords, Monk Straps, Opera Pumps | Pumps, Platforms |
| Other garments | Dark socks | Pantyhose |
❌ What to avoid: Mismatched suits, loud print suits, or ties
Business Professional
The business professional dress code is appropriate for most corporate environments. It’s a popular option for a real estate agent because it allows both women and men to be more creative with their outfits than they would be in a strict business formal dress code. That said, the trick is to stick with solid colors and not go overboard. And when it comes to accessorizing, make sure the items complement the outfit harmoniously instead of being too flashy.
☑️ Best worn for: Office, Listing appointments, Property showings, Open houses, Interviews
| OUTFITS | MALE | FEMALE |
| Top | Blazer, Button-up shirt, Tie, Long-sleeve shirt | Blazer |
| Bottoms | Trousers, Dress Pants | Skirts, Trousers |
| Overalls | – | Knee-length Dress, Jumpsuit |
| Shoes | Loafers, Derby | Loafers, Pumps, Mary-janes, Peeptoes |
| Other garments | Dark Socks | Pantyhose |
❌ What to avoid: Over-the-top accessories, cheap clothing materials, or accessories
Business Casual
Business casual is less formal than professional attire, but not so relaxed that you look like you just rolled out of bed five minutes before heading into work. This style gives off an air of professionalism without looking too stuffy. It’s the common dress code for real estate agents who work in offices outside the big cities or those without strict office attire rules.
☑️ Best worn for: Raw land site trips
| OUTFITS | MALE | FEMALE |
| Top | Polo Shirt, Collared Shirt, Sweater | Collared Shirts, Sweaters, Cardigan |
| Bottoms | Trousers, Khaki, Dress Pants | Cotton Skirts, Dress Pants |
| Overalls | – | Wrap Dress, Jumpsuit, Shirt Dress |
| Shoes | Dress Boots, Chelsea Boots | Boots, Ballet flats, Moccasin |
❌ What to avoid: Jeans, Flip-flops, T-shirts
Work from Home
A real estate agent has been accustomed to working remotely for the longest time and the work-from-home dress code is a common theme. That said, this laidback workwear can still be elevated with a classy and professional work-from-home outfit that’s not overly revealing or offensive. With a smart and simple design, you can avoid looking sloppy or inappropriate should you suddenly find yourself on a Zoom call.
RELATED: Women’s Guide on How to Dress Smart for WFH Meetings
| OUTFITS | MALE | FEMALE |
| Top | Button-down shirts, Sweater | Casual Blouses |
| Bottoms | Shorts, Jeans | Shorts, Drawstring trousers |
| Overalls | – | Jumpsuit, Midi Dress, Sets |
❌ What to avoid: Boxers, Lingerie
It’s important to remember that your style choices reflect what type of business relationship each situation calls for. Nevertheless, we believe that when you’re in the business of making impressions that last, being overdressed is better than being underdressed.
Dress for Success in Real Estate: Dos and Don’ts
The truth is the job of a real estate agent still comes with certain, sometimes unspoken, etiquette.
Thus, when it comes to your physical presence, there are things you want to avoid and ones you want to wear instead, especially if you’re a new agent in the business. Let’s get into it.
1. Don’t wear casual to work.
Real estate agents are always representing a client and their clients expect them to dress professionally. You don’t want your clothes to be a source of distraction which can sometimes happen if you’re wearing clothes that are too tight or too short.
There’s a time and place for dressing up like you’re hitting the club or dressing down like you’re going to the grocery, and office wear should be in neither category.
DO: Dress for the occasion.
The look you choose must be appropriate for an office setting and not distract from the message of your business.
As we have mentioned previously, business professional is the go-to dress code choice of many real estate agents. This attire gives more room for flexibility to showcase their style and is versatile and comfortable enough to be worn on different occasions.
Always remember, when you dress like a professional, people will treat you like one!
2. Don’t wear ill-fitting clothes.
If you are wearing a poorly fitted shirt, jacket, or coat, your appearance will be less than stellar. Those around you may assume the worst and think you don’t care about being your best self, which may then translate to you not caring about your clients as well.
As the saying goes, the devil is in the details and this small detail about your clothes can have a lasting effect on how people assess your work ethic, attitude, and performance.
DO: Get your clothes tailored or altered.
The best way to ensure that you look sharp is to acquire made-to-measure clothes that fit your body measurements like a glove.
However, if this isn’t a viable option, especially for agents starting out, the next best thing is for the ready-to-wear clothes bought from the rack or online stores to be altered by your local tailor/seamstress according to your body type.
READ: 8 Mistakes Professionals Make with Their Business Attire
3. Don’t forget personal grooming.
Once you’re all dressed up, allot a few minutes to check your appearance in a full-length mirror from head to toe as well as front and back. This way you can see if you need some last-minute touch-ups on your hair or makeup, or whether you might need to iron your clothes or sew a hole in your hemline.
While admiring your dress style, check your scent and a closer look at your face to make sure you don’t end up in a situation where your grooming is in question.
DO: Groom at ALL times.
Apart from deciding what to wear, you must give yourself enough time to finish off the rest of your professional appearance. It’s important to be clean and have good grooming habits every day.
You can only truly look like you’re dressed for success if your overall look is neat: nails trimmed, teeth brushed, hair styled to perfection, and a body scent fresh and clean.
READ MORE: 6 Things Male Agents Must Do to Look Dapper
4. Don’t overexpose your toenails and feet.
While it may be tempting to show off a $200 pedicure, no one really wants to be staring at fully exposed feet in a professional setting. It looks more like a casual dress code rather than professional if an agent wears flip-flops and open-toe flats during real estate meetings or showings.
While some people may strongly oppose this and claim they still get clients despite what they wear, you have to view this as the exception, not the rule. The real estate business requires respect among peers or clients and one way of showing that is by dressing professionally and appropriately.
DO: Wear comfortable yet smarter footwear.
A good fit is essential when buying any type of footwear. So remember that buying good, high-quality shoes you can wear repeatedly and for long hours on end is more important than purchasing a cheaper pair of shoes in different types or colors that you will only be wearing once or twice until you get blisters.
If you’re not a fan of closed shoes, there are more work-appropriate open-toe shoes that are not flip-flops or flat sandals, like wedges or sling sandals.
Want a workwear cheat sheet on the go? Grab a copy of our How to Look Professionally Classy guide. Download here.
5. Don’t be boring.
Dressing for success in the real estate business doesn’t mean you have to limit what you wear to a white shirt paired with black trousers or a pencil skirt.
The issue is not so much the ensemble, because let’s be honest white and black workwear pairing is a true classic. Rather, it has more to do with how you style it. Since the business professional workwear follows a more serious dress code, we tend to play it safe and sometimes forget to have fun with it.
DO: Find your signature style.
If clothes are going to play a huge part in your appearance to win more business, then here’s the key: you need to stand out. Businesses compete with each other all the time and you being a real estate agent is no exception.
Think of it this way: Every champion athlete looking to win a match doesn’t show up in the game wearing just any outfit they like or that they saw trending in TikTok. Not a chance. Instead, they wear a uniform because it symbolizes something. When an athlete puts on their football jersey or tennis shoes, their mentality turns into ‘it’s GAME ON’.
The same should be applied to you as a real estate agent, too. Don’t think you’re just putting on some random work clothes.
Rather, wear your real estate agent dress code with pride.
You can channel your inner hero by showing up in the office or meeting in your signature style. By wearing a piece of clothing, accessories, or color that can make you feel Superman-like, not only will you stand out from the crowd and beat the competition, but you’ll also feel as if almost anything is possible.
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Realtor Wardrobe Must-haves for a Refined and Professional Appearance
Now that you have actionable tips on how to look and act classy so other people can have the best impression of you, it’s time we guide you on which items you need to get started dressing for success.
1. Crisp Button-down White Shirt
A crisp white shirt is a wardrobe staple that can be worn with many different outfits. It’s the basic element of suit style but also versatile to be worn on its own or with a tie.
The versatility and appeal of the classic white shirt are some of the reasons why many realtors, both men and women, stock up on this reliable item of professional clothing.
YOU MIGHT LIKE TO TRY:
2. Solid Color Blazers
A solid-color blazer is a great investment in clothing because it’s an easy-to-wear piece that goes with almost anything. It’s economical in the sense that it can turn your summer clothing into a fall-ready wardrobe.
When worn over casual attire like jeans and a shirt, a blazer can instantly elevate your look into something more professional looking.
YOU MIGHT LIKE TO TRY:
4. Silk Blouse / Shirt
Silk blouses and shirts are a great way to add sophistication to your wardrobe. With their rich, luxurious feel and the ability to dress up pants or a pencil skirt, silk tops can be worn in many different settings.
If you’re looking for something more business casual, try pairing it with a pair of khakis and some suede dress shoes. Or if you’re going somewhere where business formal is required, keep it classy by pairing your silk shirt with suit pants and blazer!
YOU MIGHT LIKE TO TRY:
4. Black Dress Shoes
The real estate agent dress code will never be complete without black dress shoes.
Footwear provides the visual contrast needed to elevate a look, and a pair of black shoes is versatile enough for both men and women. They’ll never go out of style, whether it’s flats or heels since classic black works with almost any color palette.
Whether you’re meeting clients, showing properties, or interviewing for a listing, black dress shoes are the perfect pairing for any outfit.
YOU MIGHT LIKE TO TRY:
5. Suede or leather nude pumps
A pair of nude pumps is a must-have for any woman’s professional wardrobe. These shoes make you look leaner and taller, the perfect accompaniment to skirts, dresses, or overalls.
Nude shoes are also considered good all-around shoes as they can be worn with every color in your wardrobe—from neutral like black and grey to vibrant colors like red and yellow. Just remember though that your shoes should be almost identical to your skin tone so it adds a more polished and cohesive look.
YOU MIGHT LIKE TO TRY:
6. Sleek Bottoms
Sleek bottoms must be on the top of any workwear list that wants to achieve a polished and refined appearance. Black pants or pencil skirts will never fall behind the times because they’re a great foundation for any office work wardrobe.
However, if you’re looking for some variety in your bottom half, consider adding other neutrals like grey or beige as well. These are bases that will serve you well no matter where you’re headed during the day.
YOU MIGHT LIKE TO TRY:
7. Leather Work Bag
A leather work bag is a classic staple in every real estate agent dress code. It comes in all shapes, colors, and price ranges though it’s the high-quality leather bag that makes for a great investment.
Leather bags are durable, stylish, and professional looking, so you’re sure to look put together whether you’re at an important client meeting or just spending the day at the office.
YOU MIGHT LIKE TO TRY:
8. Grooming Essentials
We’ve covered the dos and don’ts of dressing for success and that grooming is an essential component of your overall presentation. Though it may seem like a small detail, grooming says a lot about you and can make or break the impression you make on clients.
To boot, when you look and smell your best, you feel more polished and confident—ready to take on the day. However, just as important as it is to groom before you leave the house, an after-work self-care routine also has the same significance.
YOU MIGHT LIKE TO TRY:
9. Luxury makeup
Any female real estate agent or basically any professional has makeup as one of their dress code must-haves.
However, to achieve a truly refined and professional look, some luxury makeup may need to stake a claim in your makeup stash.
It’s worth splurging on a foundation which is the base for other products you put on your face. Also, superior mascara can bring out your best facial features (your eyes!) which together with eye makeup saw a boom in recent years because of mask-wearing.
Moreover, if you’re a workaholic, you might be conscious about having dark under eyes so a good line of concealer makeup is the best way to even out and freshen up your look.
Check out our in-depth post about everyday work makeup! ⤵️
10. Bottled Fragrance
A dab or two of a quality cologne or perfume can finish off your look and do wonders for your agent presence. It can also lift your mood and boost your confidence, making you feel refreshed and ready to sell.
For maximum effect such as getting compliments from your workmates or clients, apply the fragrance in your pulse points: behind the ear, base of the throat, inner elbow, wrists, and behind the knees. The trick is to not overdo it; the goal is to come off as refined, not overpowering.
YOU MIGHT LIKE TO TRY:
Takeaway
While you may think that your dress code has nothing to do with how well you sell real estate, it’s important to realize that as an agent, your appearance is part of your overall brand.
When clients or other agents see you in person, they are immediately forming an opinion of what it would be like to work with you. This is what makes first impressions in real estate so vital. In a typical scenario where clients meet with multiple agents at once, it may be easy for them to miss technical information, but not so easy to forget someone who leaves a lasting impression.
Remember, looking professional doesn’t necessarily mean spending a fortune on clothes, but rather about polishing and elevating attributes that you might already have. To attract more business, project an image of professionalism through a refined dress code but also try to incorporate a bit of your personality.
Overall, dressing for success is not just about looking professional—it’s about BEING professional in how you conduct yourself every day around others, too!
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