The adage "You only get one chance to make a first impression" remains a tried and true method of showing your professionalism!

See photo left. 

I'm shirt & tie 6 days per week unless we exceed 80 degrees, then shirt & loose tie  I was raised in The SF Bay Area, it's old school formal up there, at least it was growing up. We dressed nice to go to events, work & church back in the day.

I read this question and wonder ... what is that really?  I go to my accountant and he wears dockers and polo type shirt.  My doctors and surgeons dress similarly.  I never looked at any one them and wondered their level of professionalism based upon what they were wearing. 

Just slacks and a dress shirt for me.  I'm going more casual in my old age.

i think first impressions are important, but, if you put on your special dress or special behavior, or special ethics , or great smile just for first meetings..where does that leave the impressions on the 2nd or 3rd...

Harry F. D'Elia Not many. We call ourselves professionals, but many feel it doesn't apply to our dress code. 

It really depends on the client and market. Where I am in Santa Cruz many would be turned off if I showed up in heels and nice dress or blazer. Its a laid back beach town where looking "nice" is a bit different than other areas. Know your audience and dress accordingly - everyone is different and you should match not just your style of dress, but your communication, etc. 

I like to look professinal.

Coat and tie, cuff links.   Following meetings (with that same customer or client) I may switch to business casual.  At the Closing, I will again wear coat and tie.

my peeps always wear casual business attire to appointments....they always look professional....

And there in lies the problem . . .  what does "dress up" mean?  I have worked with people who are so uber casual, for them "dressing up" means their fancy flipflops! 
It is like asking someone's opinion of a travel destination or restaurant:  on what are they basing their opinion?  Where have they been? What are they comparing it to? 

Always professional and ready to go to any appointment.  I've found in this business it's best to dress professionally during the work day...yes, even in casual CA.  It doesn't mean one has to be in a suit or for women dress and heels, but professional.  Have you ever tested this while running around doing errands?  I have and have met people who have ended up being clients.  I always think stepping it up is best in this profession.

Shockingly, most are going a bit too casual!

I think it is a sign of respect for the client to dress professionally. 

Not this summer it has been business casual!

Yeppers, just as Jennifer Mackay says - only one chance

First Impressions are worth a thousand words.

Always present the best first impression, you may not get another chance.

If we want to be treated like professionals we should at least try to look the part.... ;)

Wayne always wears a shirt and tie, and I always wear a dress, even when the clients are friends we've known for a long time.

I generally "dress up" for a first appointment. I want to make a good first impression and you only get one shot at that!

I do dress up always when I meet anyone for the first time. But I'm couscous about jewelry and shoes. I prefer not to flesh unless I know it is a good thing. 

Harry F. D'Elia - it depends on who I am meeting!

For the first time consultation of buyers, I do dress up.

And so is true when I am meeting someone at listing appointment.

Not as much as I used to, but then many laugh when they see their Forester show up in the woods in a tie.

I dress for comfort and the weather.  Always have, always will. 

I dress down from the way I used to dress but still dress business casual and above most of my peers who are in their yoga pants and short shorts.

What Jennifer said!  Absolutely!

absolutely!

It's a bit different in my market. Jeans and a nice shirt are very acceptable. 

I try.  

I dress professional and it has gotten me more than one listing.  I try to dress one step above my clients.

Old habits die hard so I still dress up (somewhat) for the first meeting although here in Florida "dress up" may be different from other areas. Thereafter, it's business casual for showings and daily wear.

Yes, we do!

I always dress nice because you never know who you will meet in the course of the day.

Close to 100%  Now what we feel is impressive differs massively.

Always, unless I already know them (98% of the time).

Depends. If you wear a three piece suit to sell a farmers land then that probably won't relate. When in Rome......

I always try to look professional! 

Business casual for both of us, year round Harry F. D'Elia.  In cooler months, pants with a sweater or a dressy top, in warmer months a sundress with sandals.  No suits or ties here, though jackets can go to the next level, and they can be mix 'n match, or taken from a suit, or a blazer.

For me business casual for a first time meeting.

Always dress professionally.

I still do, first impression are important.

Yes I do

Clean & casual, on time with my ears cleaned and ready to listen followed by questions about them, past present and future. Works (pun) everytime

Jennifer Mackay said it best.