Objectives Identify how having a professional appearance can lead to workplace success Differentiate between “professional attire” and “business casual” Classify the components of traditional business dress for men and women Distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate business attire for their positions and workplaces Create an appropriate outfit for a job interview Assess how to dress for success for their work environment

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

You are an HR Recruiter, the following individuals are here for an interview. What are your first impressions?

How to find a company dress code? You can call the company and ask! You can go on their website Corporation/Business business attire Once you are hired, you should be given a company dress code policy

Example of Company Dress Code Policy Appropriate Business Attire Business attire is to be worn Monday and through Friday. Appropriate business attire for employee include the following: Women: Dresses Skirts Dress slacks Blouses Dress shoes Sweaters Nylons or stocking Men: Blazers, suits, or sport coats Dress slacks             Ties                 Dress shirts with buttons and collars Dress shoes

Example of Company Dress Code Policy Appropriate Casual Business Attire Casual business attire may be worn on Friday of each week. Appropriate casual business attire for employees including the following: Men Sport coats or blazers Slacks, Chinos or Dockers Polo shirts with collars Oxford button-down shirts Sweaters and cardigans Loafers and huaraches Sweaters Women Slacks Stirrup pants Walking shorts Polo shirts Culottes, skorts, or splint skirts Loafers and huaraches Sweaters

Example of Company Dress Code Policy Unacceptable Attire Deck shoes Underwear as outerwear Beach wear             Midriff length tops Provocative attire           Off-the-shoulder tops Workout clothes or shoes         Evening wear Plain or pocket T-shirts Cutoffs T-shirts with logos           Athletic wear Thongs of any kind           Blue denim jeans Spandex or Lycra such as biker shorts     Tennis shoes Tank tops, tube tops, halter tops with spaghetti straps          

How to dress for the business environment?

What comes to mind when you think of “professional” workplace attire?

1. Professional Attire Refers to companies with a formal, professional Dress Code. Employees are expected to project a professional image. Men must wear a conservative suit and tie with polished black/brown dress shoes. Women must wear a conservative pant suit, skirt suit, or dress with closed toe dress shoes.

Examples of Professional Attire for Women Professional Skirt Suit

Professional Dress

Professional pant suit

Conservative two-piece business suits paired with polished lace up leather shoes.

What comes to mind when you think of “Business Casual/ Casual Fridays” workplace attire?

2. Business Casual/Casual Fridays Refers to “dressing down” a retreat from traditional business professional attire. Differs depending on the organization. Some organizations will allow jeans/khakis with a blazer and/or dress shirt, while others prefer dress pants, and a traditional dress shirt.

Examples of Business Casual: Men

Examples of Business Casual: Women

What dilemmas do you face in staying comfortable, and professional at work?

Tips to remain comfortable and professional in workplace attire Wear the correct clothing size. Professionally tailor your clothes to fit your body. Ladies, wear a modest heel (3 inches and under) For added comfort and heel support, try Dr. Scholls massaging gel insoles.

Professional Hairstyles for Women Chic, well groomed hairstyles are ideal in a business environment. Avoid eccentric colors, messy, and extreme hair styles which are considered unprofessional.

Professional Hairstyles for Men Men’s hair, moustaches and beards must be neatly groomed. Eccentric colors, buzzed cut designs, and extreme hairstyles are unprofessional in a business environment.

How much make up should women wear at work? The “natural look” People should not see your make up before they see you. To project a professional image, opt for the “natural look.” Excessive make up is unprofessional, and should be reserved for a girl’s night out.

Professional Shoes for Women Acceptable: Loafers and huaraches, closed toe wedge heels, flats, closed toe high heels Unacceptable: snow boots, sneakers, open toe heels, flip flops, gaudy shoes (light up heels, etc.) Shoes should always be polished, and professional. Torn shoes are unprofessional.

Professional Shoes for Men Acceptable: Loafers and huaraches, lace up dress shoes (preferably black, but also acceptable in browns) Unacceptable: cowboy boots, sneakers, flip flops Shoes should always be polished, and professional. Torn shoes are unacceptable.

What colors are best for the workplace? Conservative Pastels Colors Avoid Bright Colors Avoid “busy” patterns

Color Disasters This is not flattering on anyone… Are you going to the beach, or are you here to work?

More color disasters! If you plan to be successful, don’t wear this… Way too bright…

Professional Colors

The perfect blend of pastel colors, and conservative grey, white, and black.

What not to wear

What not to Wear: Accessories

What not to Wear: Accessories

Unprofessional Hairstyles for Women

Unprofessional Hairstyles for Men

Make-Up

Make-Up

Unprofessional Women’s Shoes

Unprofessional Men’s Shoes

What not to wear: Women

What not to wear: Women

What not to wear: Women

What not to wear: Men

What not to wear: Men Business casual does not apply to grooming standards. Ensure that your appearance is neat and respectable with nicely pressed clothing, and polished shoes.

THANK YOU!!!