8 tips to help new car salespeople dress for success

Those wearing sweatpants, plastic sandals, and other casual clothing, made an average profit of $680,000, while those who dressed professionally made an average profit of $2.1 million. Dressing appropriately for the car dealership is essential as it can lead to great first impressions, high self-confidence, better productivity, and an increase in reputation.

8 tips to dress for success

Car dealerships should focus on creating guidelines for their employees to increase success, sales, and self-confidence. Keep on reading to find eight simple yet efficient tips and tricks to follow that will help you dress for success.

1. Color palette

Did you know that there is a psychology to colors? Not all colors are the same. It is not enough to match your outfit and look stylish. Bright colors like red, yellow, and orange can make your employees stand out. These colors are eye-catching and can be powerful tools to attract customers.

However, black, navy, and dark gray shades look professional and imply that you are a successful individual with lots of knowledge. 

2. Style

There is nothing wrong with dressing casually, but leave the casual wear for home instead of work. Car dealerships are customer service-heavy and face-to-face jobs. Wearing casual clothing can cause a relational imbalance in perception between car dealers and customers.

​​Certain clothing items help salespeople achieve their goal of appearing polished, professional, and enticing. Dress pants, an ironed blouse or shirt, and a blazer or suit jacket are examples of these items. If you don’t want to wear a full business suit, you can mix and match by wearing khaki pants with a darker jacket, for example.

Workplace clothing should be professional. Wearing business casual attire makes you look professional while also stylish and approachable.

3. Fit

We all come in different sizes and body shapes, and nothing is wrong with that. Car dealership employees, though, should look for clothing that fits them and is the right size. Wearing baggy clothing can look unappealing to interested car buyers.

4. Flexibility/comfort

Working at a dealership is more physical than some people would think. Car dealership salespeople are on their feet the majority of their shifts, showing cars, greeting people, and finishing applications. It is not enough to dress for the job you want. Instead, you should focus on finding clothes that are flexible and comfortable.

5. Grooming/hygiene

There is no one haircut or hairstyle that all car dealers should wear, but it is good to practice positive grooming and hygiene habits. No interested car buyer wants to be around a salesperson with stained clothing or an unwashed appearance.

Hair grows fast, we understand, but men who grow thick facial hair should invest in grooming products to trim and keep their beards and facial hair smooth and in place. Managers need to feel comfortable speaking with employees about grooming, workplace clothing, and hygiene habits if there are problems.

6. Tattoos/piercings

Tattoos and piercings can be difficult to hide, but every target market is different. There is no clear answer on if or when you should allow employees to use piercings and display their tattoos. Instead, car dealership owners should analyze their typical customer base to make that decision.

One study conducted in 2021 found that customers did not negatively or positively change their minds about a company because of an employee’s tattoos. However, tattoos should be tasteful and family-friendly. 

7. Dress according to age

Aging can be frustrating, but there is nothing wrong with dressing to your age. Some clothing styles, like baggy clothing, can make an employee look older than they are. Similarly, dressing younger than your age can lead consumers to think you are inexperienced or immature.

8. Jewelry/perfume

Jewelry and accessories can be used as statement pieces to show off your employee’s style. It should be okay if the jewelry is family-friendly and safe. Perfume, though, is tricky. Strong scents can cause headaches or create problems for customers with allergies or asthma. To dress for success, consider using a light perfume.