The concept of a corporate dress code has grown fast in Russia. But some businesspeople still manage to slip through the net; be they the New Russians eager to show off their wealth with garish jewelry, or women who dress for work as if they were going to a party.

Making a good first impression is priceless, especially at job interviews — and that’s where many people make costly mistakes. Tatiana Ovchinikova, an account manager at a recruitment agency Kelly Services, said women often go over the top at interviews by wearing too much jewelry, bright make-up, strong perfume or provocative outfits. Likewise, men can spoil their interviewer’s first impression by wearing a dirty or wrinkled shirts, she added.

Appropriate dress is an indicator of respect for a person you are talking to and a sign of a serious approach to any professional meeting. Roman Portnov, a general manager at recruitment agency KPG Resources, calls for more modesty in business dress in Russia. He points out that you can’t become successful by wearing an ostentatious suit; however, some people in Russia associate flashy clothing with success.

There is a Russian proverb that says clothing is important for first impression, but intellect is essential thereafter. It is clear that, although the right image is important, but true professionalism is vital because it is impossible to earn true respect through clothing alone.