Do you wear jeans to client meetings?  Let’s make this question a little more specific.  Do you routinely wear jeans to your first meeting with a new client or to a meeting with a potential client?

Among wedding planners, this topic is very controversial.  One the one hand, conservative types may say that wearing jeans portrays an unprofessional vibe.  On the other hand, creative types may say that they are dressing authentically, and are not willing to dress differently just to win a client.

Personally, I would not wear jeans to first time meeting with anyone, whether it be a client, vendor, venue owner/director, etc.  My reason is simple – I want to make the best possible first impression.  Even if that means I am overdressed.  Please keep in mind that I am pretty conservative when it comes to business dress.  I’m not saying jeans are inappropriate, just that I choose not to wear them to first meetings.

Once we’ve met, then it’s a different story.  For our next meeting, I would consider wearing jeans if:

-the other party wore jeans to our first meeting

-the location of our meeting is a casual atmosphere

-the location of our meeting was outdoors and we would be walking on a lawn, dirt path, etc.

-the other party is a “creative type” such as a florist, photographer, etc.

-other events of my day were casual enough that I could wear jeans to those also

When I do wear jeans to a business meeting, I always go for a professional look.  I like to wear a stylish, heeled shoe and a nice tailored jacket.  Because I prefer dark wash jeans, I usually go for bold colored jewelry or a broach on the jacket lapel to brighten things up.  Here are two celebrity looks where jeans with a suit jacket works nicely:

The look on the left is Rachel Bilson.  The look on the right is Jennifer Anniston.

Alright, my savvy planner friends, weigh in here! Jeans to meetings – what do you say?