1. Dress for Success
Career Services Office

2. Introduction
Appearance & conduct matter – we are
initially judged by how we present ourselves;
the business world is no exception!
Attention to detail makes a huge impact
Professionalism is based on how you look and
act…professionalism is an “attitude”

3. Dress Codes
Business Casual
Business Dress
Formal Wear

4. Business Casual
Slacks (solid or conservatively patterned);
khakis may be acceptable
Skirts, medium to long in length
Coordinating silk, cotton, or rayon blouses
Cardigan sweaters
Nice, well-maintained shoes (low heeled)
Casual, well-coordinated accessories including
belts, purse or handbag

5. Important to Note
NEVER dress business casual for a job
interview…even if the recruiter says that you
can or should!
FIRST IMPRESSIONS are lasting impressions

6. Business Dress
Good-quality, lightweight wool suits (if not
wool, then should have full lining) with
coordinating silk, rayon, or cotton blouses
Good-quality, closed-toe dress pumps
(medium heeled – 1 ½” to 2” heel at most)
Good-quality dress accessories including
scarves, belts, jewelry, purses, and of course,
hosiery–KEEP IT SIMPLE & CONSERVATIVE!

7. Formal Wear
Cocktail evening dress (medium to full length)
Matching or coordinated evening pumps
(medium to high-heeled)
Hosiery (neutral-toned)
Fine-quality accessories including scarves,
shawls, and jewelry

8. Dressing for an Interview
Suits
Blouses
Shoes
Accessories
Personal Grooming

9. Suits
100% wool, Microfibre & Lycra offer the best
comfort & versatility
Best fabric weaves: Gabardine & Crepe (soft, yet
durable)
Style should be classic not trendy
Stick with dark, solid colors such as navy, black,
charcoal gray, and brown
Skirt should be just above or at the knee
Pantsuits acceptable although some view as business
casual

10. Popular Suit Brands
Kasper Calvin Klein
Le Suit DKNY
Liz Claiborne Ann Taylor
Josephine Chaus Talbots
Jones New York Preston & York
Banana Republic Brooks Brothers
Express Anne Klein

12. Blouses
Should never be cut lower than neckline
Silk, cotton, or rayon are best for both comfort
& appearance
Color of blouse should never overpower the
color of your suit; soft-toned neutrals are
appropriate against a dark background, as
well as tone-on-tone looks

13. Shoes
Color of the shoes should match your suit
Closed-toe pumps with no more than a two-
inch heel are best; sling-backs are acceptable
Make sure your shoes are polished and look
new – no worn heels

14. Accessories
Neutral hose, avoid dark when possible
Belt & purse should match shoes
Don’t overdo jewelry – nothing flashy or too
big (a single strand of pearls, a watch, no more
than 1 ring on each hand and simple hoop or
stud earrings is good)
No visible body piercing – one piercing per ear

15. Accessories, cont’d
Do not carry a purse AND an attaché case –
choose one or the other, but not both
Simplicity is KEY

16. Personal Grooming
Wear minimal, neutral-toned make-up that
enhances your appearance
Hairstyle should reflect your personality yet be
well-groomed and clean
Perfume: a little is just enough
Nails: clean, short & manicured (clear polish
or French style)

17. No Matter What
Make sure that what you wear fits you
properly
Be comfortable
As for level of appropriateness: if you are in
doubt, either ask someone you trust or wear
something else

18. Image “Dos”
Keep a straight posture
Give a firm handshake
Make eye-contact when speaking
Use proper grammar
Make sure you have fresh breath & clean teeth

19. Image “Dos”
Keeps knees together when sitting
Wear clothes of good quality
Think “professional” not “trendy”
Dress for the position you want, not the
position you have

20. Image “Don’ts”
Speaking too softly or too quickly
Wear scuffed up or scruffy shoes – polish
them
Wear clothing with loose or missing buttons
Wear clothing with hems in need of repair
Wear stained, spotted, or perspiration-stained
clothing

21. Image “Don’ts,” cont’d
Curse or use profane language
Wear too much jewelry
Chew gum
Wear shoes with no hosiery
Have an outdated or unbecoming hairstyle
Have hair roots in need of retouching
Have chipped nail polish

22. Image “Don’ts,” cont’d
Keep nails that are too long
Wear excessive or no make-up
Wear white pumps
Wear hose with sandals (toeless kind acceptable)
Wear cheap-looking or worn-out belts or purses
Wear large prints and outrageous colors
Wear jacket sleeves that are too long/too short

23. Image “Don’ts,” cont’d
Show underwear lines
Wear heavy perfume/cologne
Carry an inappropriate handbag (too large, too
casual, too detailed; carry a day bag with
evening wear, etc.)
Wear hosiery with a run – always keep a spare
pair

24. Image “Don’ts,” cont’d
Have un-manicured feet when wearing sandals
(nobody wants to see “funky” feet)
Have worn off/too much lipstick
Walk with an unfeminine stride (or stance)
“Think and act like a professional”

25. Additional Resources
Career Services Organization on Bb; Career-
Related Videos
CareerSpots – Interview Dress for Women
Dress for Success – What to Wear(Ladies)