According to a survey of 13,000 employees in the UK, 94% believe that dressing to impress clients and colleagues is one area individuals can influence the outcome of the economy.

Workers and managers believe smartly dressed employees could help bring in new business, and therefore boost success within the company.

The culture of "dress down" is now seen as more suited to a time when business is booming, but looking and working smarter is the "attire of adversity".

More than 90% of respondents said what a person wears determines how professional and trustworthy they look, while 40% said "scruffy clothing" in the work environment had a negative impact on performance.

Nick Acaster, marketing director of Alexandra Workwear, said: "Austerity is now manifesting itself in our attitude to work and what we expect from our workers in terms of what they look like and how they feel about themselves and their long-term job security."

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