Whatever happened to socks? And, no, I am not referring to Socks, the former White House cat. I am speaking of mens socks in the business world. Just a few weeks ago I was attending a meeting in the middle of the day at a downtown facility. I happened to glance down at the feet of the man seated next to me and was somewhat startled to find myself looking at a bare ankle. My first thought was that my glasses had fogged over in the humidity and that the man must be wearing some sort of flesh colored socks. However, after wiping my glasses and taking a second look, I realized that I was staring at bare skin. Clearly this man did not have on socks.

This phenomenon is occurring all too frequently. You might say that it is a growing trend among some businessmen.

As always when it comes to business attire, there are four considerations that determine how you dress:

1.The industry in which you work.
2.The job you have in that industry.
3.The geographic region in which you live.
4.What your client expects to see.

The client is the most important factor to bear in mind when you are deciding how to dress. If your client doesn't wear socks with his business suit, then he is comfortable with your not having them on either; but if his idea of the complete professional look includes socks, yours should as well.

Earlier in the summer, a local business man was representing an international corporation in the selection and possible purchase of a large piece of commercial real estate This seasoned and savvy professional was assigned two rising stars from a well-recognized real estate firm to show him various properties. They were driving an expensive car, wearing designer clothes and sporting fashionable footwear; however, neither one had on a pair of socks.

The would-be buyer endured a long day of site visits and sales pitches, but when all was said and done and the day had come to an end, he did not buy. And he did not buy because he simply couldn't bring himself to take seriously these seemingly successful, but sockless salesmen.

In business, it doesnt matter whether you are comfortable or not---it matters whether your client is comfortable with you. You can be the most skilled person with the finest product or service, but if you don't dress the part, someone else will seal the deal.

About the Author:

Lydia Ramsey is a business etiquette expert, professional speaker, corporate trainer and author of MANNERS THAT SELL - ADDING THE POLISH THAT BUILDS PROFITS. She has been quoted or featured in The New York Times, Investors' Business Daily, Entrepreneur, Inc., Real Simple and Woman's Day. For more information about her programs, products and services, e-mail her at lydia@mannersthatsell.com or visit her web site http://www.mannersthatsell.com

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