Dress 4 success

1. What You Wear and How You Looks Makes A Difference.
When Job Hunting: Dress For Success.
Dress for Success the foundation suit.
Dress for Success Women.
What You Wear and How You Look Makes A Difference
• In an interview your attire plays a supporting role.
• Appropriate attire supports your image as a person who takes the
interview process seriously and understands the nature of the industry in
which you are trying to become employed.
• Be aware that in some industries, customer contact and image presented
to the customer is critical. In such industries, your attire will be judged
more critically.
• Your attire should be noticed as being appropriate and well-fitting, but it
should not take center stage.
• If you are primarily remembered for your interview attire, this is probably
because you made an error in judgment!
• Dressing nicely and appropriately is a compliment to the person you meet,
so if in doubt, err on the side of dressing better than you might need to.
• Even if you are aware that employees of an organization dress casually on
the job, dress up for the interview unless you are specifically told
otherwise by the employer.
• Never confuse an interview or business function with a social event. Don't
dress for a party or a date.
• Not every contact with an employer requires interview attire. For some
occasions business casual is appropriate. See business casual for when to
wear it and what it is.
• Changes in fashion may change some things, like the width of lapels,
the cut of pants, or the colors of blouses available in the stores. Basic
professional attire does not change with the whims of fashion. A good suit
should last five to ten years, depending on its quality, how hard you wear
it, how well you care for it, and if it continues to fit you well. You can
express fashion's whims in your off-the-job clothes, and to some extent in
your accessories.

2. Interview Attire Guidelines for men and women
• Suit: A two piece matched suit is always the best and safest choice.
• But what if the job is in a non-suit-wearing work
environment: Even if you would or could wear jeans on the job, or the
work environment is outdoors and very non-suit, wearing a suit to the
interview shows you take the interview seriously as a professional
meeting. Dressing well is a compliment to the person(s) with whom you
meet. If you think the industry in which you're interviewing would frown
on a suit, or the interview will involve going to a work site where a suit
would be inappropriate, look for advice through professional organizations,
your professors who have been employed in that industry, and/or by
asking the employer directly and politely.
• Conservative colors / fabric: Navy, dark gray (and black for women)
— are safe. Other color trends may come and go; avoid the extremes.
Solids or very subtle weave patterns or plaids (the kind that look solid
across a room) are safest. Wool, wool blends, or good quality micro fiber
for women only, are generally the best fabrics in all seasons. Avoid acetate
/ rayon blends.
• Cost / quality: You are not expected to be able to afford the same
clothing as a corporate CEO. Do invest in quality that will look appropriate
during your first two or three years on the job. One good quality suit is
sufficient for a job search if that is all your budget allows. You can vary
your shirt/blouse tie/accessories.
• Details: Everything should be clean and well pressed.
clothes for tags, dangling threads, etc.
Carefully inspect

3. Additional Interview Attire Specific for men
• Suit: A two-piece matched suit is always the best and safest choice.
Don't combine a suit jacket with pants that don't match.
• Conservative colors / fabric: Navy and dark gray are safe and are the
most conservative for men. Black for men was once considered severe or
overly formal, and may still be considered so in very conservative
industries, although it is commonly worn by many. Other color trends may
come and go;
avoid the extremes. Choose a solid or very subtle weave pattern or plaid
(the kind that look solid across a room). Wool, wool blends, or very high
quality blends with natural fiber, are the only acceptable fabrics for a
conservative men's suit.
• Cost / quality: You are not expected to be able to afford the same
clothing as a corporate CEO. Do invest in quality that will look appropriate
during your first two or three years on the job. One good quality suit is
sufficient for a job search if that is all your budget allows. You can vary
your shirt and tie.
• Ties: Tie styles come and go. Select good quality silk ties. Avoid fashion
extremes, like character ties, in interviews. Notice what men in your
industry wear on the job, at career fairs, at information sessions, when
they meet with clients.
• Shirts: Long-sleeved shirts, even in summer. Choose white or light blue
solid, or conservative stripes.
• Socks:
down.
Dark socks, mid-calf length so no skin is visible when you sit

4. • Shoes: Leather, lace-up or slip-on business shoes, preferably black or
cordovan. Invest in a good pair; even if you don't wear them daily on the
job, you'll need them for other occasions and you should expect to get lots
of years out of good shoes.
• Belt:
Black or cordovan leather, to match your shoes.
• Facial hair: If worn, should be well-groomed. Observe men in your
industry if you are unsure what's appropriate or are considering changing
your look.
• Jewelry: Wear a conservative watch. If you choose to wear other
jewelry, be conservative. Removing earrings is safest. For conservative
industries, don't wear earrings. Observe other men in your industry to see
what is acceptable.
• Details: Everything should be clean and well pressed. Suits typically
have tacking stitches to hold vents — on the jacket back and on sleeves —
in place before the garment is purchased. Cut them off if your retailer /
tailor doesn't. And that tag stitched on the outside of your sleeve is not
meant to stay there like a Tommy Hilfiger label — cut it off! Carefully
inspect clothes dangling threads, etc.
Don't confuse club attire with business attire. If you would wear it to a
club, you probably shouldn't wear it in a business
environment.
Additional Interview Attire Specific For Women
• Suit:
Wear a two-piece matched suit.
• Suit - pants / skirts: Tailored pants suits are appropriate for women.
Pants suits can be an excellent choice for site visits, particularly if the visit
involves getting in and out of vehicles and/or the site is (or includes) a
manufacturing plant or industrial facility. If you wear pants, they should be
creased and tailored, not tight or flowing. If you are pursuing a
conservative industry and are in doubt, observe well dressed women in
your industry on the job, at career fairs, at information sessions, etc.

5. • Skirt lengths: Much of what you see on television shows that
masquerades for professional attire is actually inappropriate for a work
environment. Your skirt should cover your thighs when you are seated.
Showing a lot of thigh makes you look naive at best, foolish at worst. A
skirt that ends at the knee when you're standing looks chic and
professional. Longer skirts are professional too; just make sure they are
narrow enough not to be billowing, but not so narrow that you can't climb
stairs comfortably. Don't purchase a skirt or decide on a hem length until
you sit in the skirt facing a mirror. That's what your interviewer will see.
Ask yourself whether it will be distracting or reinforce your image as a
person who looks appropriate for a business environment or gathering.
High slits in skirts are not appropriate. A small back, center slit in a
knee-length skirt is appropriate. On a calf length skirt, a slit to the knee to
facilitate walking and stair climbing is appropriate.
• Color / fabric:
Navy, dark gray, brown and black are safe fabric colors. Other color trends
may come and go; avoid the extremes. Women generally have more
options with suit color than men. For example, while women may look
conservative in a slate blue or light gray suit, these colors would be
considered inappropriate for men. Choose a solid or very subtle weave
pattern or plaid (the kind that look solid across a room). Wool, wool
blends, and high quality blends and synthetics are appropriate for women's
suiting.
• Shirt / sweaters: Underneath the suit jacket, wear a tailored blouse in
a color or small print that coordinates nicely with your suit. A fine gauge,
good quality knit shell is also appropriate underneath your suit jacket.
Don't show cleavage. (Remember that television shows are trying to
attract viewers, and don't represent reality of the professional
environment.)

6. • Jewelry / accessories: Wear a conservative watch. Jewelry and scarf
styles come and go. Keep your choices simple and leaning toward
conservative. Avoid extremes of style and color. If your industry is
creative, you may have more flexibility than someone pursuing a
conservative industry.
•
• Cosmetics: Keep makeup conservative. A little is usually better than
none for a polished look. Nails should be clean and well groomed. Avoid
extremes of nail length and polish color, especially in conservative
industries.
• Shoes: Should be leather or fabric / micro fiber. Shoe styles and heel
heights come and go. Choose closed-toe pumps. Regardless of what is in
style, avoid extremes; no stilettos or chunky platforms. Make certain you
can walk comfortably in your shoes; hobbling in uncomfortable shoes does
not convey a professional appearance.
• Hosiery: Should be plainly styled (no patterns), sheer is most
conservative (not opaque), and in neutral colors complementing your suit.
Avoid high contrast between your suit and hosiery color.
• Purse / bag:
If you carry a purse, keep it small and simple, especially if you also carry a
briefcase. Purse color should coordinate with your shoes. You may choose
to carry a small briefcase or business-like tote bag in place of a purse.
Leather is the best choice for briefcases; micro fiber or fine wovens are
also acceptable.
Grooming Tips (Men and Women)
• Hair:
Should be clean and neat.
• Shoes:
Should be in polished condition. Make sure heels are not worn.
• Details: No missing buttons, no lint; and don't forget to remove external
tags and tacking stitches from new clothes.
• Hands:
Clean fingernails.

7. • Fit:
Clothes should be clean, neatly pressed, and fit properly.
• Smell: Perfume or cologne should be used sparingly or not at all. No
odors in clothes. Don't smell like smoke.
• Pad folios: Preferred over a bulky briefcase. A small briefcase is also
appropriate. But if you have no reason to carry a briefcase, don't; you risk
looking silly.
• Book bags: Leave it at home for an on-site interview. For an on-campus
interview, you can leave it in the waiting area.
Back top Top.

8. Career Planning and Resources
When Job-Hunting: Dress for Success
by Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D.
It's probably one of the most overused phrases in job-hunting, but also one of the most
underutilized by job-seekers: dress for success. In job-hunting, first impressions are
critical. Remember, you are marketing a product -- yourself -- to a potential employer,
and the first thing the employer sees when greeting you is your attire; thus, you must
make every effort to have the proper dress for the type of job you are seeking. Will
dressing properly get you the job ? Of course not, but it will give you a competitive edge
and a positive first impression.
Should you be judged by what you wear? Perhaps not, but the reality is, of course, that
you are judged. Throughout the entire job-seeking process employers use short-cuts -heuristics or rules of thumb -- to save time. With cover letters, it's the opening paragraph
and a quick scan of your qualifications. With resumes, it is a quick scan of your
accomplishments. With the job interview , it's how you're dressed that sets the tone of
the interview.
How should you dress? Dressing conservatively is always the safest route, but you
should also try and do a little investigating of your prospective employer so that what you
wear to the interview makes you look as though you fit in with the organization. If you
overdress (which is rare but can happen) or under dress (the more likely scenario), the
potential employer may feel that you don't care enough about the job.
How do you find out what is the proper dress for a given job/company/industry? You can
call the Human Resources office where you are interviewing and simply ask. Or, you
could visit the company's office to retrieve an application or other company information
and observe the attire current employees are wearing -- though make sure you are not
there on a "casual day" and misinterpret the dress code .
Finally, do you need to run out and spend a lot of money on clothes for interviewing? No,
but you should make sure you have at least two professional sets of attire. You'll need
more than that, but depending on your current financial condition, two is enough to get
started and you can buy more once you have the job or have more financial resources.
Hints for Dress for Success for Men and Women Attention to details is crucial, so
here are some tips for both men and women. Make sure you have:
• clean and polished conservative dress shoes
• well-groomed hairstyle
• cleaned and trimmed fingernails
• minimal cologne or perfume

9. • no visible body piercing beyond conservative ear piercings
• well-brushed teeth and fresh breath
• no gum, candy, or other objects in your mouth
• minimal jewelry
• no body odor
for women
Finally, check your attire in the rest room just before your interview for a final check of
your appearance -- to make sure your tie is straight, your hair is combed, etc.
Go to: http://www.quintcareers.com/dress_for_women.html for specific tips for women.
Go to: http://www.quintcareers.com/dress_for_men.html for specific tips for men.
Other Dress for Success Resources
1. Books: o Quintessential Careers: Dress for Success Books -- all the best
books for making a first great impression!
2. Web Sites: o SYMS Dress to Achieve -- a career site created to help college
students and recent grads about the basics of proper job interview attire, as well as other
helpful career tips to present yourself in the best possible light during job interviews. For
both men and women. No cost to job-seekers.
3. Donations: o Career Gear -- a non-profit organization dedicated to helping
low-income men and men struggling to get off public assistance to obtain and keep jobs
by providing men with interview clothing, motivation and follow-up support that helps
them get and keep jobs. Donations of suits (and more) accepted.
o Dress for Success -- a non-profit organization established in 1996 that provides
programs that help economically disadvantaged women acquire jobs, retain their new
positions, and succeed in the mainstream workplace. Donations of suits, time, and
financial support are all accepted!
Questions about some of the terminology used in this article? Get more information
(definitions and links) on key college, career, and job-search terms by going to our
Job-Seeker's Glossary of Job-Hunting Terms .
Return To Career Planning Resources.

10. vented, and softer shoulder garments in medium to dark tones are ideal for these
types of interviews.
If you're interviewing for a position in marketing, advertising, and other more creative or
casual fields, you can go with the above options or with a more fashion-forward suit, such as
three- or
four-button models in earth tones or possibly even black. Add hounds
tooth and more textured fabrics
in lighter to medium tones to the above options, as
well as non-vented jackets with extended shoulders. Here's a general rule of thumb: the more
creative the work environment, the more creative your options for the color and style of your
attire
•
FABRIC:
Look for suits made of 100% "worsted" wool. The worsting process involves selecting long
wool fibers and twisting them into tight and resilient yarns. Worsted wool yarns create year
round, wrinkle resistant and durable fabrics. Wool is a natural fiber that breathes, which
means you'll be more comfortable, you'll perspire less, and the fabric will travel well.
•
STYLE: A single-breasted suit is appropriate for all fields of employment. Single-breasted
jackets come in a variety of styles, including the classic two-button and modern three- and
four-button styles. Always leave the bottom button on a single-breasted jacket undone.
When wearing a single-breasted suit with more than two buttons, you may button just the top,
just the middle or all of the buttons—except, of course, the bottom button.
You may prefer a double-breasted suit for your interviews. They usually have two columns
of visible buttons on the front of the jacket and one hidden anchor button inside of the
overlap. Always button the anchor button so that the right and left sides of the jacket hang
evenly. This takes practice.
Most suits come with pants that are either double- or triple-pleated. Whether you go with a
cuffed or plain hem is a matter of personal preference. The weight of a cuff helps pleats to
hang smoothly and gives the pants a stylish drape. Suit trousers fit differently than jeans
and casual pants. They should feel fuller through the thigh and should be worn at your
waist, not on your hips.
•
SHIRT ON YOUR BACK?

11. White shirts are best for your first interview. When in doubt, wear white!
100%t cotton works best for shirts for the same reasons that wool works well for suits: it
breathes, so you perspire less and feel more comfortable. A tee shirt worn underneath your
dress shirt gives you added protection against noticeable perspiration and will help your
shirt last longer.
Button tab collar and point collar shirts work well with all styles of suits. Never wear a
button-down
collar shirt with a double-breasted suit. There is no such thing as a
short-sleeved "dress" shirt. Always
wear a long-sleeved dress shirt to your interview
and for all business occasions.
•
DON'T BUY SIZE…BUY FIT.
No matter how beautiful or costly your suit, if it doesn't fit well, you're not going
to look good.
First rule: your suit should feel comfortable. Take a few deep breaths and relax.
Take a stroll around the store and practice shaking hands in your suit.
The jacket collar should closely follow the silhouette of the neck
with no gaping.
Your suit jacket should lie smoothly over your shoulders and across your back.
The length of your suit jacket should be long enough to cover up your entire seat and look
proportional to your physique.
Your jacket sleeves should fall just at or below the break of your wrists. A traditional look is to
show 1/4 to 1/2 inch of shirt cuff below your jacket sleeve, but it is really a matter of personal
preference.
The waist of your trousers should be just at or slightly below your navel and should fit snugly
without feeling tight. A standard suit waist size is generally six inches smaller than a suit's
jacket size. However, there are different cuts created by suit manufacturers such as European
(smaller waist) or Executive (larger waist). With our wide selection of clothing and the
expertise of our Master Tailors, we can accommodate most any physique.
•
ACCESSORIES MAKE THE CLOTHING. Your tie should make you appear
businesslike and complete a professional-looking package. Purchase ties that are 100% silk,
which assures the best knot. They can also be dry cleaned.
Wear jewelry sparingly for your interviews. In some settings. Limit yourself to
one ring per hand, and
leave earrings at home.
When coordinating colors, remember, leather to leather and metal to metal. Always match the
color of
your belt with your shoes and the color of your belt buckle with your watch.
•
THE SHOE MUST FIT!
Comfort is key. If your feet hurt, you will be miserable!

12. Lace-up shoes look professional and work especially well with suits. We suggest choosing
either wing tip, cap toe or split toe styles. Black or burgundy shoes can be worn with navy
blue or gray suits for a professional image. Brown shoes are a wardrobe must, but are not
recommended for interviewing.
Cedar shoetrees not only help keep the shape of your shoes; they also absorb perspiration
and keep
the leather supple.
Be sure your shoes are shined, that the edging is not fading (a magic marker can
sometimes work wonders,) and that laces are not broken or frayed. You can remove water
stains from leather shoes with a bit of leather lotion on a clean cloth.
Never wear a penny loafer or a casual loafer with a suit.
Always be ready for the second interview by having a different shirt and tie
combination or wear a blue blazer as your suit jacket.
Return To Dress For Success The Foundation Suit.

13. WHAT IS YOUR BODY TYPE?
Discover what styles, accessories and patterns work best for your body type.
Triangle or Pear Shape
• Characterized by narrow shoulders, small bust, and generous lower hips,
and full thighs.
• Straight skirts should be tapered toward the hemline toward the hemline
to avoid a square look.
• Dresses should have a soft fit and flow from a defined should line.
• Shoulder pads are your friend. Wear bold colors on top.
• Blouses should not hit across your bottom, this will accentuate that area
and add width . .
• Jackets should clear your hips and should have shoulder pads.
• Handbags should be worn above the hip.
• Cowl necks and square necklines help broaden the shoulder area.

14. • Keep everything from your waist down to a single color family. • Make
sure your jackets are loose enough that they don’t pull across the hips/bottom
area.
Inverted Triangle Shape
• Characterized by narrow shoulders, a small bust, average waist, and
broader hips and trimmer legs.
• Shoulder pads are your friend.
• Avoid wearing belts
• Wear lighter colors or patterns on the top and darker solid colors on the
bottom.
• Shirts or dresses with ruffles, bows, large collars and cowl necks will add
width to your shoulders.
• Avoid leggings or tight tapered pants
Rectangle or Straight Shape
• Characterized by an upper and lower torso that are equally wide, an
average bust, a large rib cage
• Undefined waist and a flat bottom
• Avoid belts which will accentuate or make your waist look thicker, use a
belt to create a waist.
• Wear strong colors and feminine patterns. Avoid monochromatic dressing.
• Sarong skirts will ad volume to your hips.
• Wrap style shirts will define your waist. Blouses that ruffle down in front
will add to your bust
line.
• Try longer jackets with a shorter skirt to help visually lengthen the upper
torso.
Hourglass Shape
• Characterized by a pronounced bust, a defined waist, curved hips,
sometimes protruding bottom, and shapely legs.
• Avoid oversized and baggy styles which will disguise your shape.
• Do draw attention to your waist with waistbands, belts, or wrap tops that
tie at the waist.
• Avoid wearing clothing too fitted; semi-fitted is the most slimming and
tasteful for your figure.
• You have a dream figure, so make sure to never complain and take
advantage of your curves.
Diamond Shape
• Characterized by broad shoulders, a large to average bust with a narrow

15. waste hips and thighs.
• A low-slung belt will help attract attention to the hips and away from
your shoulders
• High set in sleeves visually narrow wide shoulders.
• Pants that are cut full at the bottom will help balance your proportions.
• You can wear bold patterns and lighter colors on the bottom.
• You can wear darker solid colors on top.
• Skirts that ruffle or flare at the bottom will flatter you.
• Avoid shoulder pads. Remove them for garments already purchased.
Round Shape
• Characterized by an ample neck, generous bust, wider rib cage, round
back, generous middle and hips that narrow slightly
• Avoid fitted tops which will accentuate a larger middle.
• Try v-necklines which are slenderizing and elongate the neck. Any
necklines that falls below the collarbone will help to elongate the neck.
• Steer away from gathered or pleated skirts.
• Wear handbags at the hip level or lower.
• Avoid: belts; anything tucked in; bulky fabrics.
• Pants should have a flat front
FIRST IMPRESSIONS IS KEY…
A first impression is made in the first 27 seconds. If you are too formal in your
appearance, you might give the impression of being rigid and stuffy. If you are
too casual, you may send the signal that you do not take the interview or the job
very seriously.
Basic Tips:
• Look clean and neat.
• Make sure that your hair is done appropriately. Do not wear wild
hairdo's.
• Do not wear a perfume or cologne as many people are allergic. •
Bathing with a good quality bath soap will leave a light scent. You will be
nervous and a gentle scent can mask the perspiring you may be doing. An
unscented antiperspirant can be used.
• Cover any tattoos and avoid gaudy jewelry.
• Definitely limit pierced jewelry to ears only. Wear only one pair
earrings—even if you have multiple ear piercings.
• Do not wear nose, eye or tongue jewelry.
Fashion Tips:

16. • Wear a classic suit or a simple dress with a jacket. This is not a time to be
provocative or sexy.
• Some appropriate colors are navy blue, black, dark green, dark red,
burgundy, or gray.
• Dress in a higher style that the position calls for but do not attempt to out
dress everyone there.
• Avoid wearing clothes that are tight, revealing or trendy. It may be the
very latest fashion but it
will not impress the interviewer
• Fingernails should be trimmed to a length that doesn't leave an observer
wondering how you
keep from stabbing yourself.
• Nail polish should not be loud, metallic or black—think conservative,
neutral, basic.
• Wear clean, polished shoes that match your suit and are closed toe pumps
(with comfortable heel –less than 3 inches high)
Some Interesting Facts:
• Women wear 25% of their wardrobe
• Independent studies indicate when dressed professionally that you are
more respected and you get more work done.
• Women who have tastefully applied makeup are more likely to get a job
Excerpts from: Hanna Dekerlegand’s Dress for Success Workshop for Men and Women
Return To Dress For Success Women.
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