- Your attire should be a respectful reflection of who you are as well as the market in which you engage.
- Classic never goes out of style and can be dressed up or down with accessories.
- Dress for your market but always look clean and professional.
Global Connect 2016 is going to be a fantastic opportunity to see how top brokers present themselves. Whether you are selling a farm, a mansion or a fifth-floor walk-up, what you wear as a real estate broker while representing your clients speaks volumes. First impressions are everything, and this is where fashion comes into play as well as professionalism.
How do you dress professionally, yet fit into your current market? I have seen real estate brokers show up in yoga clothes as well as listing agents looking like they stepped out of a magazine. Here are my thoughts:
Rebecca Cavallaro
Sotheby’s International Realty, NYC
I am a uniform dresser and tend to wear navy blue quite a bit. I like to be on brand. Because I am selling luxury homes in New York City, I have to dress accordingly. Classic dressing is smooth if you stick to the basics. I like a navy or black dress, pearl earrings and low-heeled pumps. I add a blazer or trench coat according to the weather.
Looking for some inspiration, I asked top brokers for their go-to looks, and here is what they had to say on how to be fashionable in real estate:
Andres Perea-Garzon
Compass-NYC
“I dress for my clients and colleagues; I always make sure that my style is a respectful reflection of who I am on a professional and personal level (calm, detail oriented, sophisticated and determined).
“I never want to distract my clients from the property I am selling by being unnecessarily flashy, and I want them to feel confident that their decision is just as important to me as it is to them.”
Dusty Baker
The Epstein Partners-Santa Barbara
“Ever since I started in real estate, I dressed according to the business I wanted to get, not necessarily the business I was currently doing.
“Santa Barbara is a luxury market but casual in nature, so my go-to outfit is fitted slacks with dress shoes and a button-down shirt.
“If it is cold, I wear a suit with no tie. My wife works in fashion, so she buys me everything. Honestly, I haven’t bought anything for myself in years! I get a lot of compliments from clients — so apparently what she’s doing works!”
Marijane Bates Hvolbeck
Sotheby’s International Realty in Greenwich, Connecticut
“I dress in business attire daily, regardless of whether I am meeting a client or showing a property. I probably dress for the high-end market, but I believe that my clients deserve a professional appearance regardless of price point.
“I think that people respect that and, consequently, have respect for the knowledge I share. A black dress with great shoes always works.”
Lisa Lauricella
Signature Premier Properties, Long Island, New York
“First impressions are what it’s all about! Just like the photos I take of my homes, I take pride in the way I dress for appointments and the way I present myself to a customer or client. Image makes a statement of who you are and your personality, too.
“My go-to outfits are typically a black suit or a classic dress. Any simple suit or dress can always be accessorized with a great necklace or designer shoe. I am definitely a shoe addict — as most women are.”
What do you wear to work? I will be closely watching at Global Connect 2016 in NYC and post my findings on Instagram @RebeccaCavallaroNYC. See you there!
Rebecca Cavallaro is an associate broker Sotheby’s International Realty. Follow her on Instagram or on Twitter.
