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What To Wear To An Open House
Wondering what to wear to an open house? Whether you're a buyer, seller, or real estate agent, the right outfit can help you feel confident, make a great impression, and stay comfortable during your property visit. Here's your complete guide to open house attire.
Written by Seth Cox
Jun 06, 2025 / Open house planning
Wondering what to wear to an open house? You’re not alone. Whether you're a homebuyer, a seller, or a real estate agent, the outfit you choose plays a bigger role than you might think. It’s not just about looking good—it’s about feeling confident, staying comfortable, and making the right impression.
At an open house, your appearance communicates how serious and prepared you are. Buyers should look respectful and approachable. Agents need to balance professionalism with approachability. And sellers—if present—should appear polished yet understated to help buyers focus on the home.
In this guide, we’ll walk through exactly what to wear to an open house based on your role, the season, and the type of property you’re visiting. From outfit tips to fashion pitfalls, you’ll know exactly how to dress to make a lasting impression.
What Real Estate Agents Should Wear to an Open House
For real estate agents, how you dress at an open house reflects your brand, professionalism, and market awareness. Your goal is to appear confident, trustworthy, and approachable—without distracting from the property itself.
What to Wear:
- Men: Dress shirt with slacks or chinos; optional blazer; leather shoes or dressy loafers
- Women: Midi dress or blouse with tailored pants/skirt; clean, closed-toe flats or low heels
- All Agents: Minimal accessories, well-groomed appearance, and clothing that allows ease of movement
Style Tips:
- Match your look to the price point and style of the listing (luxury homes call for elevated attire; starter homes allow for business casual)
- Wear your name tag or brand colors if applicable
- Always choose shoes you can comfortably stand in for 2–3 hours
The right outfit communicates competence and credibility. When buyers feel confident in you, they’re more likely to trust your advice—and more open to sharing their needs.
Related: Open house food ideas to make buyers feel at home
What Buyers Should Wear to an Open House
As a buyer, your goal at an open house is to look respectful, engaged, and ready to make serious decisions. While you don’t need to dress formally, you should avoid anything too casual or distracting. Think polished, comfortable, and low-key professional.
What to Wear:
- Men: Dark jeans or chinos, a polo or button-down shirt, clean sneakers or loafers
- Women: A casual dress, or dark jeans with a neat blouse and flats or low heels
- All Buyers: Simple accessories, neutral tones, and comfortable shoes for walking
What to Avoid:
- Gym clothes, graphic tees, or anything with logos or slogans
- Flip-flops, worn-out sneakers, or high heels that make it hard to walk
- Overly flashy jewelry, cologne, or perfume
Dressing appropriately helps you feel more confident, and it shows sellers and agents that you’re a serious buyer. It also makes it easier to picture yourself in the home—without your outfit becoming the main attraction.
What Sellers Should Wear if They’re Present
While most sellers don’t attend the open house, some choose to stay nearby or be present for part of the event—especially in smaller markets or tight-knit communities. If that’s you, your appearance can subtly influence how buyers perceive both you and the home.
What to Wear:
- Men: Collared shirt with khakis or dark jeans; clean shoes; simple belt
- Women: Casual dress or blouse with tailored pants; understated shoes
- General Tips: Neutral colors, neat grooming, and relaxed but tidy style
Why It Matters:
- You want buyers to feel at ease—not like they’re intruding
- A well-groomed seller can reinforce the impression of a well-cared-for home
- Avoid anything flashy, overly formal, or distracting
Even though you’re not the one being “shown,” your presence—if applicable—should support a clean, professional, and approachable atmosphere.
Seasonal and Weather Considerations
The weather can (and should) influence what you wear to an open house—whether you're a buyer, agent, or seller. The key is to dress comfortably while remaining presentable, no matter the forecast.
What to Wear to an Open House in Summer:
- Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen
- Avoid shorts unless the event is very informal or outdoors
- Leave sunglasses and hats at the door—they can seem unapproachable inside
What to Wear to an Open House in Winter:
- Layers that are easy to remove (e.g., a peacoat over a sweater)
- Avoid bulky coats that take up space in entryways
- Waterproof boots if weather demands, but change into clean shoes if possible
What to Wear on Rainy or Windy Days:
- Bring an umbrella and wear a water-resistant jacket
- Wipe shoes at the door or bring indoor-friendly footwear
- Avoid umbrellas or coats that drip all over hardwood or carpet
No matter the season, your attire should show respect for the home and make movement through the space comfortable and confident.
Open House Dress Code by Property Type
Not all open houses are created equal—and your outfit should reflect the type of home you're visiting or showing. Dressing appropriately for the property’s style and price point helps set the right tone and shows you understand the setting.
Luxury Listings
-
Buyers & Agents: Business professional attire is expected
(e.g., suit jacket, polished dress shoes, elegant accessories) - Sellers (if present): Understated, high-end business casual
- Avoid: Sneakers, bold prints, or casual wear
Related: Luxury open house ideas
Suburban or Mid-Range Homes
- Buyers: Smart casual (e.g., clean jeans, button-down, or neat top)
- Agents: Business casual with stylish but comfortable shoes
- Sellers: Neat, neutral-colored casual attire
Fixer-Uppers or Rural Properties
- Buyers: Comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain
- Agents: Casual-professional with practical footwear
- Sellers: Neat and approachable, but comfort takes priority
Adapting your look to the property shows respect for the home and signals that you understand the market—whether you're there to buy, sell, or guide the experience.
Fashion Mistakes to Avoid at an Open House
No matter your role, there are certain style choices that can send the wrong message—or make you uncomfortable during the event. Avoid these common fashion mistakes to ensure you come across as confident, respectful, and prepared.
🚫 Overly Casual or Sloppy Attire
Skip the gym clothes, pajamas, graphic tees, or anything that looks unkempt. Even at a casual showing, you want to look like you’re taking the event seriously.
🚫 Distracting or Flashy Accessories
Large logos, bright neon colors, excessive jewelry, or loud patterns can take the focus off the home and put it on you—in the wrong way.
🚫 Strong Scents
Heavy perfumes or colognes can linger in the home and distract or irritate others. Stick to a light scent—or none at all.
🚫 Dirty or Inappropriate Footwear
Buyers and agents should avoid shoes that track dirt, squeak, or are hard to walk in. Sellers should ensure shoes are clean and match the home’s vibe if they’re present.
🚫 Tight, Restrictive, or Noisy Clothing
Avoid anything that limits movement or makes noise when you walk. You want to be able to comfortably move through the home and sit or bend as needed.
Dressing well for an open house is about more than looking sharp—it’s about respecting the space and ensuring your clothing supports the experience rather than detracting from it.
Conclusion: Dress for the Home and the Impression You Want to Make
Whether you're buying, selling, or representing a property, knowing what to wear to an open house can help you make the right impression without saying a word. Your outfit should match the tone of the home, reflect your role in the event, and allow you to move confidently through the space.
Buyers should aim for polished comfort. Agents should represent their brand with professional, market-appropriate attire. Sellers—if present—should appear approachable and neat. And in all cases, weather, location, and property type should inform your choices.
When in doubt? Dress one notch above casual. You’ll never regret showing up prepared, professional, and put-together—especially in an industry where first impressions matter.