The phrase dress to impress is fairly common, but how does someone go from a t-shirt and jeans to being properly dressed for, say, a big meeting with the VP of Marketing? Unless your company has a lenient dress code policy, just putting on whatever smells clean on your floor won’t cut it. You need to present yourself in a fashion that represents your dedication and respect for your position.

This lesson is especially important for teenagers and young adults who are just breaking into the corporate world. While a conservative style of dress may not be your preferred style, obtaining a job that pays well and dressing appropriately for it are important points to consider if you want to remain employed at that great paying job for very long.

Business attire for women should be conservative, fitting and feminine. Pants are acceptable business attire for women now, though skirts were once the only acceptable form of leg clothing allowed for women in a corporate environment.

Remember, your professionalism and reliability will depend not only on your actions, but how you present yourself through your attitude and clothing choices.

Choose a blouse which covers everything up and isn't too tight or too baggy. The same rule applies for your slacks or skirt. When in doubt, dress slacks and a button-down jacket with a button-up shirt underneath is a great combination. Be sure to coordinate the color of your outfit to match.

Shoes, shoes shoes. Ladies, don't wear stilettos to an important business meeting, presentation or interview. If the heel is higher than an inch and a half, leave those shoes at home.

Makeup is a part of your outfit also, and the key is to be conservative with it. Raccoon eyes and that pomegranate lipstick you thought was awesome for the bar are not acceptable makeup choices. Keep your makeup to a minimum, use natural shades on your eyes, blush and lips. Colored lip gloss is a great option, and can also save you from embarrassing lipstick marks on your water glass or coffee cup during the big meeting.

The most important facet of proper business dress for a man is to shave. A scruffy beard is not only unprofessional, it is sloppy. Be sure you take that five o'clock shadow and shine a light on it!

It is important for everyone, man or woman, to dress sharply in corporate environments. For men, this means dress slacks, a button up shirt, and a blazer or waistcoat, and a tie. In some situations you may be able to get away with not wearing a jacket, however you should assess this possibility based on your own individual situation, environment and the audience you're dressing for.

Your cologne or aftershave should be subtle, and your hair should be clean and well-groomed. This, combined with a clean shaved face and a sharp outfit, will enhance your image and complete your ensemble.