What to Wear! During a presentation  During an interview  At a place of employment

What your clothes say about you In an interview or presentation your attire should play a supporting role.

What your clothes say about you Appropriate attire supports your image as a person who takes the situation seriously and understands the nature of the industry in which you are trying to become employed or are working.

What your clothes say about you 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.

What your clothes say about you 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 attire, this is probably because you made an error in judgment!

What your clothes say about you 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.

For Men A two-piece matched suit is always the best and safest choice. You are not expected to be able to afford the same clothing as a corporate CEO.

For Men Always wear a tie. Avoid fashion extremes, like character ties, in interviews. Wear a long-sleeved shirt, even in summer. Button your sleeves. Do NOT roll them.

For Men Dark socks, mid-calf length so no skin is visible when you sit down. Leather, lace-up or slip-on business shoes, preferably black or cordovan.

For Men If facial hair is worn, it should be well- groomed.

For Men Wear a conservative watch. If you choose to wear other jewelry, be conservative. Remove earrings.

For Men 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. 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 for dangling threads, etc.

Pants: NO: Cargo pants! They are too casual Ideally: dress slacks.

TOO CASUAL… NO: Rolled up sleeves or casual attire. Save that look for another occasion. (Like teaching English at Solon High School)

Shoes: NO: casual shoes: athletic or loafers

Remember to ALWAYS dress conservatively during an interview, a presentation, or a visit to a workplace. Take a look around you when you enter a place of employment and be aware of the requirements for dress. **Be careful on your Senior Project experience! We’ve had students sent home on day one because of the way they were dressed!

Overall Appearance: Remember that how you carry and present yourself shows your self- confidence…. And that impresses people.

For Women: Don't confuse club attire with business attire. If you would wear it to a club, you should not wear it in a business environment. Wear a two-piece matched suit, ideally.

For Women Tailored pants suits are appropriate for women. If you wear pants, they should be creased and tailored, not tight. Yes: Yes:

For Women Much of what you see on television shows that masquerades for professional attire is actually inappropriate for a work environment. No:

For Women Your skirt should cover your thighs when you are seated. Showing a lot of thigh makes you look naive at best, foolish at worst. No: Yes:

For Women A skirt that ends at the knee when you're standing looks chic and professional. Don't chose a skirt or decide on a hem length until you sit and stand in the skirt facing a mirror. That's what your audience/interviewer will see. Ask yourself whether it will be distracting or reinforce your image as a person who looks appropriate for the situation.

For Women High slits in skirts are not appropriate. Skirts or dresses that to not hit near the knee are too short. Do NOT wear them. No:

For Women Underneath a suit jacket, wear a tailored blouse in a color or small print that coordinates nicely with your suit.

For Women Don't show cleavage. (Remember that television shows are trying to attract viewers, and don't represent reality of the professional environment.) Do NOT wear a form-fitting top. No:

For Women Do NOT show shoulders.

For Women Yes: full-coverage, not form fitting.

For Women 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. No excessive jewelry. No:

For Women Shoe styles and heel heights come and go. Choose closed-toe pumps. Regardless of what is in style, avoid extremes; no stilettos or spiked heels. No flip flops or strappy sandals No:

For Women Make certain you can walk gracefully in your shoes; hobbling in uncomfortable shoes does not convey a professional appearance. No: Yes:

For Women Hosiery should be plainly styled and neutral. No patterns. No lace tights; no footless tights. No:

For Women, in review… Most young women have an incorrect perception of what is appropriate dress for a conservative situation, such as meeting at a workplace or giving a presentation. They embarrass themselves and are not taken seriously. Do you want this to be you?

These looks say: I’m trying to be cute These looks say: I’m trying to be cute. Pay attention to what I look like.

These looks say: Take me seriously. I have something to say.