Style Tips for Auctioneers

As an expert in any industry, it is important to look the part, but it is especially true in real estate, as you’re essentially convincing people that you are the ideal person to sell their most valuable asset — their property.

First impressions are paramount, and they are the difference between a customer choosing you or selecting an agent who’s better presented. Looks are everything. If you do not care about yourself, you cannot care about others.

When a couple is selling their home, they would expect to see a well-presented professional standing at their door who isn’t lazy, and it is really easy for one to be lazy with their presentation

For a female realtor or auctioneer, a great pair of heels is vital on auction day. And no, fluffy heels you might wear on your weekends are not an acceptable choice. There is a lot to be said for putting your best foot forward and your choice of footwear is of upmost importance when trying to achieve this. There really isn’t an excuse for a professional residential or commercial agents to have cheap, worn-looking slides or sneakers – it’s unprofessional and reflects poorly on the person donning them.

Stylist Sally Mackinnon, of Styled by Sally, says easy elegance is generally the best approach. She recommends a traditional pump for girls in a medium height that lets them walk confidently and comfortably – leave the 7-inch wrap heels at home.

For guys, Sally Mackinnon recommends a timeless kind of shoe such as these Grafton Brogues. When it comes to suits high-end Australian labels like Scanlan Theodore, Willow, Carla Zampatti and Bianca Spender are a good pick. Suits signify a certain amount of professionalism – well-made, tailored suits are an investment and the quality radiates power and authority.

The “you get what you pay for” adage holds true when it comes to suits. Good bands suited for both sexes include Hugo Boss, Ted Baker and Armani for men, and Karen Millen, Cue and Veronika Maine for girls.

You can expect to spend anywhere from $500 to $1000-plus for a great suit, but there are still occasional deals available for both genders if you look hard enough, depending on the store and time of year you can sometimes walk out of a store having only paid $300 for a high quality, tailored suit. Stylists generally advise against anything oversize or ill-fitting, or out of date.

Skirt lengths should be around knee length and cleavage for girls is a faux pas when it comes to conventional work apparel. Usually, 100% percent wool or wool blend suit is best, anything with polyester will go glossy as you wear it or if it is dry-cleaned.

Wool tends to mould to the body, and is more breathable, too — important to prevent the biggest faux pas of all – bad body odour. Sweat can get trapped in suit coats that are not aired out frequently, but it’s important not to dry-clean suits too often as it can age them prematurely. Hang it up in the bathroom when you shower to steam it out or hang it out in natural air.

Good presentation does not finish with suits and footwear. Auction day is a day where you are on show and have to look your absolute best. Men, should ensure they are cleanly shaven and ladies should ensure their hair is neat and tidy.

It is even a good idea for men to consider putting on a vibrant or distinctive tie to stick out from the bunch. It’s great to wear something different when all men in suits can often look the same, a vibrant tie is something people will remember. It is fine to show a little bit of personality with accessories like scarves and jewellery for ladies, and cuff links, pocket squares, tie pins and socks for men, but ensure it’s not too loud or distracting.

But remember, agents aren’t selling themselves, they are trying to sell a commercial property or residential property, therefore it is important not to be too flashy or outrageous. The trick is to stick out in the ideal way. At the end of the day you need to be noticed and identified as the agent, people need to be able to point you out.