As I write this column, I am in my flip-flops in the privacy of my own home. I love my flip-flops, I can’t get enough of them, and I even own multiple colors to match my summer casual wear.

Frankly, I just love dressing casually. It represents who I am more than the business attire demanded in my professional role. I’m not a fashionista. I am certain most people who know me would agree with that statement.

I say all this so you can fully appreciate it when I ask: WHAT IS UP WITH THE DRESS CODE? I love that businesses in general are more accepting of business casual, but I think we are taking it too far.

I was recently at a job fair where employers were actually prepared to accept resumes and set up potential interviews. I couldn’t believe how some people were dressed. Who thinks that pajama pants and flip-flops will land you that job you’ve always dreamed of?

In another case, I saw a man trying to get hired as a vendor even though he was wearing a ball cap, a T-shirt and jeans that could have stood up on their own in a corner. What the heck?

Do you want to be taken seriously with your first impression? If you don’t care that no one heard a thing you said during your presentation because they were trying not to stare at body parts, then fine. If you don’t care that you couldn’t close the sale because you looked like you just got out of bed, forgot to brush your teeth or shave, and threw on a ball cap, then so be it.

First impressions are still important in our business world. Quite frankly, so are second, third and fourth impressions. Doing business is not just about the product. You represent the product or service. You can look like you represent it well or sloppily.

So, in closing, flip-flops are awesome, but so is making a great first impression. Go make a great first impression!