Professional Dress

PROFESSIONAL DRESS

With several levels of professional dress, it’s important to know the different classifications and when each type is acceptable. When in doubt, always ask a supervisor or your interviewer. Casual attire should only be worn when explicitly indicated as acceptable.

Business Professional – Serves as daily wear in professional industries

Men

Suit • Suit jacket is required • Suit should be solid or subtle pinstripes • Jacket should be buttoned while standing and unbuttoned while seated • Neutral colors: black, gray, brown, navy Women

• Two-piece suit, jacket required • Neutral colors: black, gray, brown, navy • Jacket sleeve length should fall one-half inch below wrist

Shirt • White or muted shirt with collar • Long sleeves • Shirt sleeve should extend one-half inch beyond suit jacket sleeve Bottoms • Match suit jacket • Pant length should touch the front of the shoe and fall above the heel in the back

Shoes • Polished, leather shoes • Dark socks that match shoes and are calf length

Accessories • Tie should be conservative in color and length should reach the belt • Be conservative with watches and other jewelry • Match belt to shoes • Blouse or camisole • Light colors • Cleavage should be completely covered

• Match suit jacket • Neutral colors • Pants should fall one-half inch above the ground • Skirts should end at the middle of the knees and avoid high slits • Avoid open toed shoes • Flats or basic pumps with a 1-3 in heel. No stilettos or platforms • Neutral hosiery or trouser socks • Simple and conservative • Only one pair of earrings • Maximum of one ring per hand • Simple, small purse or professional bag • No backpacks or large purses

Source:

(Callahan)

Business Casual – A more comfortable and relaxed wear that is a step above what you would wear in daily life

Men

Suit • Sports coat without a tie • Blazers

Shirt • Shirt with collar • Sweaters Women

• Suit jacket or blazer • Trendier or casual suits are also appropriate

• Blouses, cardigans, or sweater sets • Cleavage should be completely covered

Bottoms • Khakis • Solid color slacks

Shoes • Oxfords or loafers • Dark socks that match shoes and are calf length

Accessories • Tie may be worn with longsleeve collared shirts in conservative colors • Be conservative with watches and other jewelry • Match belt to shoes • Dress pants, khakis, or a neutral colored skirt that hits at the middle of the knees and does not have a high slit • Avoid capris

• Avoid open toed shoes • Flats or basic pumps with a 1-2 in heel. No stilettos or platforms • Neutral hosiery or trouser socks

• Simple and conservative • Only one pair of earrings • Maximum of one ring per hand • Simple, small purse or professional bag • No backpacks or large purses

Source:

(Callahan)