Dressing to Impress: The Do鈥檚 and Don鈥檛s of Professional Attire
Professional attire is important because it鈥檚 expected at every job interview, career fair or professional event. It shows respect and creates the impression that you鈥檙e confident and know what you鈥檙e doing.
Professional attire can look different depending on your industry and the company you鈥檙e targeting. If you鈥檙e meeting someone from an Accounting firm, they will probably expect you to dress in business professional attire. A non-profit may expect more business casual attire. Location plays into this, too. For example, the culture of Washington D.C. tends to expect more business professional attire than Southern California鈥檚 culture. This may require some extra research on your part, keeping in mind not only the type of industry, but its location too.
What is 鈥淏usiness Professional鈥?
Classic. Conservative. Black, gray or navy suits.
For men, we鈥檙e talking a suit and tie. Guys, please iron your shirts, wear shined up dress shoes, and don鈥檛 wear your white athletic socks. An extra tip: wearing a suit tailored to your body is going the extra mile. If you can鈥檛 do this, don鈥檛 worry, but also avoid wearing a suit that鈥檚 too big.
Ladies, you have a few more options. A modest dress, skirt and blouse, or pantsuit is expected of you. Everyone should be mindful of clothing that is too tight, too loose, or low cut. Most employers recommend avoiding heavy makeup, excessive jewelry and unkempt hairstyles.
So what does 鈥淏usiness Casual鈥 mean?
Business casual is about putting effort into making a good first impression while feeling a bit more comfortable.
Men, you could wear dark jeans with an ironed blazer and a button down shirt, or khakis and a nice sweater. Nice black or brown shoes are pretty standard with this look. Avoid tennis shoes, and again, the white athletic socks.
Women, try a nice dress and statement necklace, dark washed jeans and a blouse, or a skirt with a blouse and maybe a cardigan. For shoes, you can鈥檛 go wrong with wedges or flats. Again, most employers recommend avoiding heavy makeup, excessive jewelry and unkempt hairstyles.
Top Tip: Personalized business cards are always impressive.
One question you might be asking is 鈥渉ow do I show off my personality while also dressing professionally?鈥 I promise it is possible to do both. Your personality can shine through with color schemes, accented pieces like handkerchiefs, socks, tie clips, watches, glasses or jewelry, appropriate hairstyles and personalized business cards.
In the end, your outfit requires your own discernment, but always dress to impress 鈥 it鈥檚 better to be too formal than too informal.
Take Away Tips
- How you present yourself influences a potential employer鈥檚 first impression.
- Know your audience. Use LinkedIn and company websites or social media to see how current employees dress, and then go one step above what you saw online.
- Go through your closet and evaluate what you need to make a great business professional and a business casual outfit.
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