Dress for Success or… How to look the part To win the position!! CRInternship Workshop Series, 2012

So… It’s 2013 – What IS good business attire? And, what is expected of YOU in the business world?

Let’s take a look --

Professional Interview Attire dark suits for business organizations conservative jacket w/ tailored slacks can also be appropriate Neatly ironed, long sleeved white shirt is preferred

Men’s Professional Dress…. Avoid flashy ties; a subtle design is usually suitable Jewelry should be kept to a minimum; watch and single finger ring is fine. Removing any body piercing is advised Color coordinate socks with black polished shoes is recommended

Women’s Professional Dress Conservative dress or suit with a knee-length skirt is most appropriate. Avoid wearing pants to the interview. Hose should not be darker than your skirt. A neutral flesh tone is always a safe choice. Take an extra pair just in case.

Women’s Professional Dress Accessorize with subtle jewelry & stick with natural looking make- up. Removing any body piercings is advised. Closed toed shoes that coordinate with your suit or dress are appropriate.

Appropriate dress? For what venue?

Appropriate Dress? When?

Inappropriate attire, for both men and women, includes: - Jewelry in visible body piercing, other than ears - Denim or chambray fabric clothing of any kind, overalls, shorts, skorts, stretch or stirrup pants, exercise or bike shorts

Inappropriate dress… Backless, see-through, tight-fitting, spaghetti straps, strapless, extremely short, or low-cut blouses/tops/ dresses/skirts T-shirts, Lycra™, spandex, midriff tops, tank tops, bathing suits

As well as… - Sandals, athletic shoes, industrial work shoes, hiking boots, bare feet, or over-the-knee-boots - Athletic wear, including sneakers - Hats or flannel fabric clothing - Bolo ties - Visible foundation garments

Your first Impression…

Yes or No?

The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly

Zippers, Length, and More

More Professional Options

Let us give you a hand-bag!

Leave the Baggage at home!

Let’s discuss some DETAILS

Time for a little QUIZ!!

Prints and Stripes It is acceptable to mix stripes and prints in business attire, especially in springtime. ◦True ◦False

Dress Length – Ladies? A. Dress/skirt Length is acceptable above the knee for a work environment B. Dress/skirt length is acceptable just above the ankle for a business work environment C. Dress/skirt length is most acceptable just below the knee for a work environment

Men–Shirt Sleeve Length In the summer months, it is completely acceptable to wear a short sleeve shirt under your sports coat to work.  True  False

Jewelry (Men) It is acceptable to wear earrings to work, as long as they aren’t “flashy” or too large. ◦True ◦False

Jewelry (Women) It is acceptable to wear multiple necklace chains, even if they become tangled throughout the day.  True  False  Don’t know

Jewelry (Unisex) – the jewelry fashion of enlarging earlobes (gage earrings) is acceptable to continue with, as long as the earrings aren’t “flashy” or interfere with the work environment. ◦ True ◦ False ◦ Don’t know

Shoes - Women Shoes with heels higher than 2.0 inches are acceptable at the workplace for daytime, if you are attending meetings throughout the day and not walking around a lot. ◦ True ◦ False ◦ Don’t know

Shoes - Unisex In the summer, open toed sandals are acceptable footwear in the workplace ◦True ◦False

Sandals Sandals are acceptable in the workplace, especially if you’re going sock-less (both men and women) ◦True ◦False

Shoes – evening wear It is acceptable to wear evening shoes* (women) to work, because there is a company function after work that requires them. ◦True ◦False *(includes strappy heels, stilettos, slings)

Hair and Grooming Your hair should be freshly groomed every 6 weeks 8 weeks 10 weeks When working in an business environment.

Suit colors The most professionally accepted color suit, for either men or women, is ◦Black ◦Navy Blue ◦Sage Green

Suit Color Suit color for every day business can vary in shades, but should always stay in the dark, solid color line of blue or black. A.True B.False

Neck Ties When giving a presentation, the most appropriate color tie to wear is: ◦Yellow ◦Tan ◦Green ◦Red WHY?

Earrings Any earring that hangs below the earlobe more than 1/2” or is “dangling” is acceptable for office day attire (men and women). ◦True ◦False

Now let’s field some of your questions!