What's the appropriate dress code when meeting with a potential client?

[blueberryrain]

ie. for freelance web designers or developers.

Are you meant to dress smart casually? or formal? in a suit?

How do you find a balance between looking professional, but not too 'salesy'.

[Watts]

"Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society." - Mark Twain.

I think "smart casually" works for web design. I wouldn't do a suit and tie unless you were going for "the big bucks" (ie, developing contract with a bank or something). I've never been offended by anyone being "over dressed", but I can't stand account reps that show up in jeans and tennis shoes.

[nshiell]

I do some work in a small office, even though I know the boss the first few days I wore denim, shirt and a jacket now i go more informal.

No boss will look down on u cos u look to posh - if u dress well it says u realy want the job, that can only be a good thing.

[toicontien]

You're probably safe with office casual. Khaki pants (not cargo pants) and a nice collared shirt and loafers. If you're meeting with high-powered business people, then suit and tie are the name of the game. They don't need to know you dress in sweat pants while you're working.

And for God's sake, shave if you're a guy.

For women, I'd say business casual also, and when meeting high-powered business people dress in a suit. Not sure about slacks or skirt though. We'd need a female perspective on that.

[toicontien]

I think beyond what I've said, dress on the same level as the people you are meeting. You don't want to be viewed as "lower" than your client, because how could you trust someone lower than you. On the other hand, you certainly don't want to be viewed as "higher" than your client. No one wants to be bossed around and degraded.

If meeting with a CEO, dress like a CEO.

If meeting with middle management, dress like middle management.

If meeting with a common office worker, dress like a common office worker.

If meeting a lumber jack, dress like a lumber jack.

If meeting a good friend, wear sweat pants. You're not hiding anything from them. :)