Whether you are a police officer, an undercover agent, or just an average person who needs to conceal their identity for work, wearing undercover clothes discreetly can be a challenge. Here are some tips to help you avoid being detected.

Rule #1: always write a job title or office name in capital letters, mainly when it refers to a specific person.

Dress for the Job

Typically, you’d dress up in professional business attire for an interview or a job-related event. This means a tailored suit, coordinating shirt, and tie for men and a simple dress and jacket for women. Pair your outfit with polished leather shoes, typically dress oxfords for men and low-heeled closed-toe pumps for women.

The key is to be careful and keep your choice professional but fun. As a rule, wear neat clothing free of wrinkles, stains or rips.

Another career advice is to “dress for the job you want, not the one you have.” This means you shouldn’t wait for a promotion or recognition before acting and dressing like you would in that position. You’ll make yourself look better, gain more respect and credibility from managers and colleagues, and have more opportunities to showcase your skills. You’ll also be more prepared when the time comes to jump into a new leadership role.

Dress for the Environment

One of the most challenging aspects of being an undercover cop is blending into the fabric of society. This is where a well-designed, high-tech ensemble comes in handy. Many modern-day police officers have a wardrobe that rivals any department store. This is why it is not uncommon to see an undercover officer wearing black dress shoes that would be out of place in a club-hopping nightclub. Proper footwear can go a long way toward improving your reputation and avoiding unwanted physical contact. Similarly, choosing the right accessories can help keep your look classy and your wits about you. The secret to success lies in the right combination of etiquette, a bit of research and common sense.

Dress for the Audience

Whether you’re delivering a speech, making a presentation or running a campaign, your clothes say a lot about who you are. They convey your confidence, authority and approachability.

First impressions are formed instantly, so that a well-groomed appearance can influence someone’s initial opinion of you and your business. Dressing to reflect your audience’s interests, values, and personalities is a good idea.

The audience is a big part of the decision-making process when evaluating a person’s credibility and capability, so dressing for the right audience can help you respond better to your message.

For example, wear a business suit when meeting investors at a Silicon Valley startup. Wear a more casual outfit for an event with a more entrepreneurial crowd. It would help to research your audience’s clothing preferences to determine what will work best.

Dress for the Situation

There are several ways to dress for the occasion, but you don’t have to go overboard. The most streamlined approach involves using clothing that fits you well without drawing too much attention. For example, the best choice for a dress shirt is loose and breathable; for pants, a pair of jeans or pants that are a touch snug will suffice. You also want to avoid using the same color for your pants and top. This can be done by choosing complementary colors. You might also want to consider the type of shoes you wear. For example, women might be more likely to wear sneakers than men. The same goes for shoes that are too tight or too long.