Bernard Hall 311 501.450.3134 robynw@uca.edu Dressing for success Bernard Hall 311 501.450.3134 robynw@uca.edu bears4hire@uca.edu

Overview Making an Impression Building your Professional Wardrobe Types of Dress: Business Professional Business Casual Casual Specifics of Dress Do’s and Don'ts Quiz

Making an Impression People make their first impression of you within the first 5 seconds! “75% of recruiters believe how a person dresses for work affects one’s job, salary, and possible promotions.”(http://wingsforsuccess.org) Interviewers can decide in 10 seconds whether or not they want you – it takes them longer to decide if they do want you You are marketing a product - YOURSELF “You never have a second chance to make a first impression!”

Building a Professional Wardrobe Invest your money in a great suit! Lasts longer, timeless Shop smart. Think in advance, look for sales Seek the assistance of a sales associate Buy pieces that are versatile Before shopping, look at your current wardrobe Find pieces that you can wear to work, then shop for filler’s Spend less money by using more of what you currently have Need help perfecting your professional wardrobe? Follow us on Pinterest!

What are the types of Professional Dress? Business Professional Business Casual Casual

Your Professional Wardrobe for… Click for WOMEN Click for MEN

Building your Professional Wardrobe Buy the essentials A black pencil skirt A white blouse Dress pants (in gray/black) Black pumps Elegant hand bag

The Specifics for Women Suits Pants or skirt with a matching jacket Best material is pure wool or a wool blend Colors: navy, charcoal gray, and black are acceptable Patterns should be muted Choose a conservative style that is versatile

The Specifics for Women Blouses Tops can be pretty much any material Don’t wear super loud/neon colors or patterns Whatever you wear make sure it keeps you covered!

The Specifics for Women Skirts Should be a modest length – no shorter than 2 inches above the knee Should cover thighs when sitting Not too tight – easy to walk in, climb stairs, and sit Slits are appropriate if not too long Should be fitting but not too clingy or flowy (flowy skirts are more “casual” dress)

The Specifics for Women Shoes Must be clean Heels should be no higher than two inches Closed toe pumps are preferred– open toed are acceptable for a more casual look Socks/ Hosiery Socks must match If you choose to wear hosiery make sure it is plain and neutral colored

The Specifics for Women Jewelry/Accessories Keep the number of earrings in each ear to two maximum Accessories should always match Grooming/Tattoos Keep your hair neat Makeup should look natural and not over the top – too much can be distracting Keep nails and teeth well maintained Body Modifications Tattoos that are distracting should be covered – with clothing or makeup Any type of piercing besides an earring should be covered or removed

Women: Types of Dress… Business Professional Business Casual Casual

WOMEN: “Business Professional” What you should wear to an interview Slacks Modest skirt Matching jacket Button up shirt or nice blouse Closed toe pumps

WOMEN: “Business Professional” The goal for business professional is to look the best you can You may be meeting new people or representing your organization at an event The way you dress represents you and your organization Rule of thumb: If you have to question an item, don’t wear it!

WOMEN: “Business Casual” Keep in mind: Each office has a different view of what business casual is Modest skirt Dress pants Closed toe shoes – flats or pumps Staying covered is ALWAYS a safe bet No low necklines or mini skirts

WOMEN: “Business Casual” You don’t want to be too casual Know what’s appropriate – if you don’t know, ask! Our advice: Keep it neutral, keep it covered, and keep it classy.

WOMEN: “Casual” Think of what to wear at a company picnic Jeans (no leggings or sweats!) Casual pants T-shirts Tennis shoes Sandals DOES NOT include: Short shorts or mini skirts Spaghetti straps Tube tops Shirts with inappropriate graphics or profanity Know what’s appropriate!

Click to go to NEXT SLIDE… Click to go to MEN…

Building your Professional Wardrobe Buy the essentials Button up shirts A dark and light pair of slacks Dark dress shoes A simple belt

The Specifics for Men Suits Pants with a matching jacket Charcoal gray, black, and navy are acceptable Patterns should be muted Choose a conservative style that is versatile Shirts Best material is cotton or cotton blend Long sleeve is more professional than short sleeve

The Specifics for Men Jewelry – keep it to a minimum No earrings Ties Should reach the top of your bet buckle Learn to tie a tie: www.tie-a-tie.net

How to Build a Tie Wardrobe The Specifics for Men How to Build a Tie Wardrobe Buy Quality ties Don’t wrinkle Stain resistant Patterns No crazy patterns Colors Compliment your suit or shirt Enhances your appearance – doesn’t over power it Stay away from neon

The Specifics for Men Shoes Best material is leather/faux leather Keep them clean! Socks Should match the color of your shoes and slacks Reach mid calf – exposing skin due to short socks is not professional

The Specifics for Men Grooming Keep hair, nails, and teeth well maintained Hair should be short and well kept Beards and mustaches should be well groomed Accessories Keep to a minimum Vests, cuff links, and ties should match the rest of your outfit – but do not wear them all at once Body Modifications Tattoos and piercings should be covered Think wisely before you get something done!

Business Professional Business Casual Casual Men: Types of Dress… Business Professional Business Casual Casual

MEN: “Business Professional” Think like what you would wear to an interview Shirt and tie are required! A suit is preferred, but you can wear a blazer or sport jacket

MEN: “Business Professional” The goal for business professional is to look the best you can You may be meeting new people or representing your organization at an event The way you dress represents you and your organization Rule of thumb: If you have to question an item, don’t wear it!

MEN: “Business Casual” Keep in mind: Each office has a different point of view of what business casual is Nice slacks Button up shirt or polo (can be short sleeved) – tucked in Tie not needed You can step away from the basic colors No neon, super bright colors, or crazy patterns though

MEN: “Business Casual” You don’t want to be too casual Know what’s appropriate – if you don’t know, ask! Our advice: Keep it neutral, keep it covered, keep it classy.

MEN: “Casual” Think of what you would wear to a company picnic Plain t-shirts Polo Khakis Jeans Shorts **shirts don’t necessarily have to be tucked in DOES NOT include: Short shorts Shirts with inappropriate graphics or profanity Know what’s appropriate!

REMEMBER: DO’s & DON’TS Wear deodorant Brush your teeth Trim and/or polish nails Brush your hair Iron your clothes DON’T: Wear overpowering cologne or perfume Try out new/elaborate hairstyles Keep it neutral, keep it classy, and keep it covered!

W.O.W. CLOSET If you need clothes to help you dress for success, visit our World of Work Closet located on the 4th floor of Bernard Hall! (Click HERE for video) Bernard Hall 4th Floor Monday – Thursday 12:00 – 2:30 p.m.

Quiz Time! To complete the quiz visit the below links: Men: https://goo.gl/forms/Tu3E8VZERnFRWeYh2 Women: https://goo.gl/forms/YaW0XrTYG03WfXBn2