If you’re like most people, you probably hop out of bed in the morning, open your closet, and hope that you have something decent and clean to wear to work or class. However, on the day of your speech—just like the day of a job interview or an important date—you don’t want to leave your appearance to chance.

According to image consultant Diane Parente (2013), the way you dress is essentially your visual résumé; it can either help to present you as competent and prepared or as disheveled and unprepared. Indeed, research indicates that attractive people are more persuasive (Chaiken, 1979; Davies, Goetz, & Shackelford, 2008). However, that doesn’t mean that you need to have Hollywood-perfect hair or an expensive wardrobe to be an impressive speaker. Rather, you can signal authority and enhance your credibility by dressing professionally in neat clothing—like a pair of black pants or skirt with a button-down shirt or a simple sweater (Cialdini, 2008; Pratkanis & Aronson, 2001). You should certainly avoid looking overly casual (for example, wearing flip-flops and a tank top) unless a casual appearance is crucial to your presentation. Indeed, you might look a little silly demonstrating surfing positions on your surfboard in a tie or dress. The key is to dress appropriately for the image you wish to present, given your topic and your audience.