Proper Business Attire: Dress To Impress

By Career Guide 2007 Staff Writer Hannah Hager

What does your style of dress say about you? The image you present speaks to supervisors and coworkers, and dressing for the job you want is a great way to move ahead in an office environment. Arrive for the interview dressed for the job you want to have in 10 years. In the office, dress daily for the job you want to have tomorrow. Employers will not take you seriously if you don’t take yourself seriously. Remember, you are selling yourself.

Dressing well is a way of showing respect for the environment. Be yourself, but dress appropriately. Knowing the situation and meeting it with confidence is key. Being suitably dressed will help employers see your superior qualifications and your pleasant conversation in the best light. Dressing well is a matter of keeping in mind a few simple things.

MEN:

Go neutral for suit color and choose charcoal, navy or gray. Choose wool or gabardine fabric. Avoid cotton blends, which wrinkle. The suit jacket must match the slacks in color and fabric.

The length of the slacks should touch the front of the shoe and graze the back of the heel. Wearing a cuff or no cuff is based on preference.

The shirt must be collared and long-sleeved, with the length extending past the jacket sleeves by a 1/4 inch. Limit shirt colors to white, ecru or light blue. Always wear an undershirt. Do not wear any clothing with emblems.
Wear a solid colored or subtly patterned tie of only 100 percent silk. It must be darker in color than the shirt and reach to the mid-belt point.

Shoes must be laced or wing-tipped, of very good condition, polished black, brown or burgundy. They must match the belt in color. Wear socks that match the suit color and rise to the calf. Never wear white socks.

Of the following accessories, only three should be chosen and worn: dress watch, ring, handkerchief, lapel pins, cufflinks and tie tack. Do not wear bracelets, necklaces or visible piercing or tattoos.

Hair must be conservative and neat, and never touching the collar. Limit facial hair to moustache and sideburns. Trim facial hair.

Have well-manicured fingernails and avoid cologne. Only soap and antiperspirant are necessary.

WOMEN:

Avoid trends. Choose a skirt suit over pantsuits, which are less formal. Choose gray, navy or beige in wool, gabardine or rayon fabric. The jacket and skirt or pant must be of similar color and fabric.

The skirt must be knee-length, and not too baggy or tight. It should neither move nor twist while walking or sitting. Sleeves should extend a 1/4 inch past the wrist.
The blouse should be well tailored and of a neutral color such as white or light blue. Never wear a see-through or low cut blouse or camisole.

Wear leather shoes of a darker color than the suit. Pumps or sling-backs with a one- to two-inch heel are best. Do not wear shoes with open toes, open heels or ankle straps. Comfort is essential to avoid fidgeting.
Nude or black sheer pantyhose are essential. Never wear colored or patterned hose.

Hair and makeup should be styled neatly. Avoid bright colors. Carry either a purse or briefcase, but not both.
Wear only five accessories, with earrings counting as two. Necklaces and scarves are both appropriate. Only one ring per hand is appropriate.

Article reprinted from Broadside’s 2007 Fall Career Guide