What to wear for presentations: how clothing boosts credibility and confidence

Halloween always brings costumes to mind – like the 80s party I dressed up for last year. As you can see, my husband and I went all out for the occasion!

When you’re presenting, your clothing choices can do more than change your look. They can boost credibility, build connection, and even make your audience more receptive to your message. 

3 principles for choosing what to wear for presentations:

1. Match your audience (but one step up)

If they’re in jeans, wear smart casual. If they’re in business casual, add a jacket. If they’re in suits, wear your sharpest. This builds credibility and common ground—without creating distance.

2. Choose colours with intention

Colours carry energy. Brighter tones can lift the room, but extremes can distract or clash with company culture. The right palette can signal warmth, authority, or creativity before you’ve even spoken.

3. Avoid distractions

Busy patterns, loud prints, or ill-fitting outfits can literally make your audience’s eyes work harder—especially online. Keep it simple, and let your message stand out instead.

On a personal level, I’m intentional with what I wear, and it can even depend on when and what I’m presenting. If I’m observing participant presentations during a workshop, I’ll dress down a little to help them feel more relaxed. Online, I avoid dizzying patterns. But most days, I choose bright colours to bring energy—balanced with neutral tones to create a calming vibe. That way, the room feels lively without overwhelming participants who may be nervous.

The goal isn’t fashion for fashion’s sake—it’s about building trust, establishing credibility, and keeping the focus on your message, not your outfit.

And it’s not only about how others see you. 
It’s also about how you feel.

The right outfit can boost your confidence and help you show up as your best self. A friend of mine recently swapped her usual flats for heels before a panel presentation. Afterwards, she admitted the heels gave her a huge boost—she stood taller, felt sharper, and it showed in how she spoke. She nailed it, and she believes the shoes played a big part.

For you, that confidence boost might come from a favourite suit, a bright tie, or yes—even a pair of heels. The key is wearing something that feels like you, while still aligning with your audience.

So next time you’re preparing to present, think about how your clothing choices work on both sides:

1. For your audience: How others perceive your credibility, energy, or warmth

2. For you: How they affect your own confidence, comfort, and presence

Because when you feel good in what you’re wearing, it shows. And your audience feels it too.