Brothers of Leadership and Distinction The Importance of Etiquette

Etiquette Defined Etiquette, one aspect of decorum, is a code that governs the expectations of social behavior, according to the contemporary conventional norm within a society, social class, or group. Usually unwritten, it may be codified in written form. Etiquette usually reflects formulas of conduct in which society or tradition have invested. Etiquette is dependent on culture; what is excellent etiquette in one society may shock in another. Etiquette evolves within culture.

Why is it Important? Professional dress is a life skill you can learn through experience and exposure. When you interview for a job you must know how to dress for success. Image means a lot in today’s society. New fashion trends may be in style but not necessarily appropriate. The best way to operate is to avoid walking the line. If there is doubt, select something else to wear. Be a professional.

Types of Dress/Attire White Tie Black Tie / Simi-Formal Business Professional Attire Business Casual Casual / Informal

White Tie This is the most formal of evening attire. The gentleman wears a long black dinner jacket with tails. A white vest is worn over his formal shirt and a white bow tie is also worn. Only formal black shoes with a spit shine should be worn with this attire.

White Tie Example

Black Tie It is generally accepted that "Black Tie" requires formal attire. Take advantage of this opportunity to truly look and feel your very best in a tuxedo. Today, " Black Tie " means formal attire, not specifically to wear a black tie. Men wear tuxedos. Most of the ‘formal’ events in America are Black Tie events. For a black tie event, the gentleman should wear the traditional black tuxedo with a formal white shirt and a black bow tie and cummerbund.

Black Tie Cont. If he is wearing a shirt that has the little pointed collar, the points should be on the outside of his tie. If he is wearing a shirt that has a regular collar, the bow tie should be on the outside of his collar. Recently, there have been some innovations to the traditional look of the tuxedo attire. Bow ties and cummerbunds in various colors or patterns are often worn. Some gentlemen prefer not to wear a tie at all but prefer to wear a black button at their necks. These are interesting looks and acceptable for all but the most traditional occasions.

Black Tie Examples

Business Professional Attire Wear a two-piece, single-breasted conservative suit that is dark in color. Navy, black, dark gray or a very dark brown are safe colors. Solid dark colors or a very subtle pattern in wool or wool blend fabrics support the conservative look. Avoid shiny fabrics! A suit jacket should be lined, with sleeves that extend to the wrist bone. Pants should come as a set with the suit and long enough to cover the top part of the shoe. Pants may be straight leg or cuffed. Ties should be made of silk or silk-like fabric with little or no pattern design. Select dark colors that blend with the suit and shirt. The color and pattern should not shout, “Hey, look at me!” Ties complement the suit and supply the polish that brings a professional look together.

Business Professional Attire Cont. Long-sleeved shirts should be worn even in summer. Collars should be clean, buttoned and not frayed. Shirt fabric should be cotton or cotton blend and crisply ironed. White, light blue solid or other soft colors may be worn. Small conservative stripes are appropriate. The shirt pattern and color should not overpower the professional look you are trying to create. If a white dress shirt is worn, a white silk or cotton undershirt with short sleeves should be worn underneath the shirt and tucked into the pants. Jeans, tennis shoes, and other casual attire are unacceptable attire for the Business Professional. Shoes should be polished and without holes in the soles. A leather lace-up or slip-on business shoe that is black or cordovan (mahogany) in color is a good investment. Styles such as Birkenstocks, penny loafers, hunting boots, flip flops and athletic shoes are not appropriate for business attire events.

Business Professional Attire Cont. Socks should match your suit, not your shirt! Wear dark, solid colored socks that are mid-calf length. Sock fabric selection is individual, but a light-weight cotton blend, wool or silk fabric may be more comfortable in business shoes. White socks or athletic socks are not appropriate with business attire. A belt should be black or cordovan leather and blend with your suit and shoes. Wear a conservative watch and remove earrings or other visible body piercing. A wedding ring or class ring may be worn. Limit pocket contents to your wallet, keys, business cards, writing pen. Please do not stuff your hands in your pocket and jingle your change!

Business Professional Attire Examples

Non-Examples

Business Casual Attire Usually means no jeans or shorts. After you have accepted the job offer, you may be working in an environment where business casual or just plain casual is appropriate workplace attire. If you're not sure what you should wear, ask. There is no better way to make a bad impression than to show up for your first day of work standing out like a sore thumb because you're not dressed correctly.

Business Casual Attire Cont. Khaki, gabardine or cotton pants, neatly pressed Cotton long-sleeved button-down shirts, pressed, polo shirts or knit shirts with a collar Sweaters Leather shoes and belt Tie optional

Business Casual Attire Examples

Casual / Informal Attire Generally means anything goes. Can mean the same as casual. However, when associated with a wedding or other special event, some form of decorum and good taste should prevail. A dress for her or a nice pair of slacks and shirt for him are informal, but respectful of the event.

Questions Comments???

Quiz Part I Give the names of three of the major classifications of attire. What is the difference between “White-tie” and “Black-tie” Attire? What type of attire would be appropriate for a job interview? What type(s) of attire would be appropriate for a wedding?

Quiz Part II What type of attire would you wear to a Saturday training? Which item does not belong in the same outfit?: (White Polo, Khaki pants, black belt, tan socks, and brown loafers). If there is a doubt about if your attire is appropriate you should wear it any way. True or False Define Etiquette. Name two things you learned?