dress for success - women
TRANSCRIPT
Dress for Success
Career Services Office
Introduction Appearance & conduct matter – we are initially judged by how we present ourselves; the business world is no exception!Attention to detail makes a huge impactProfessionalism is based on how you look and act…professionalism is an “attitude”
Dress Codes
Business CasualBusiness DressFormal Wear
Business CasualSlacks (solid or conservatively patterned); khakis may be acceptableSkirts, medium to long in lengthCoordinating silk, cotton, or rayon blousesCardigan sweatersNice, well-maintained shoes (low heeled)Casual, well-coordinated accessories including belts, purse or handbag
Important to Note
NEVER dress business casual for a job interview…even if the recruiter says that you can or should!FIRST IMPRESSIONS are lasting impressions
Business DressGood-quality, lightweight wool suits (if not wool, then should have full lining) with coordinating silk, rayon, or cotton blousesGood-quality, closed-toe dress pumps (medium heeled – 1 ½” to 2” heel at most)Good-quality dress accessories including scarves, belts, jewelry, purses, and of course, hosiery–KEEP IT SIMPLE & CONSERVATIVE!
Formal Wear
Cocktail evening dress (medium to full length)Matching or coordinated evening pumps (medium to high-heeled)Hosiery (neutral-toned)Fine-quality accessories including scarves, shawls, and jewelry
Dressing for an Interview
SuitsBlousesShoesAccessoriesPersonal Grooming
Suits100% wool, Microfibre & Lycra offer the best comfort & versatilityBest fabric weaves: Gabardine & Crepe (soft, yet durable)Style should be classic not trendyStick with dark, solid colors such as navy, black, charcoal gray, and brownSkirt should be just above or at the kneePantsuits acceptable although some view as business casual
Popular Suit Brands
KasperLe Suit Liz ClaiborneJosephine ChausJones New YorkBanana RepublicExpress
Calvin KleinDKNYAnn TaylorTalbotsPreston & YorkBrooks BrothersAnne Klein
Blouses
Should never be cut lower than necklineSilk, cotton, or rayon are best for both comfort & appearanceColor of blouse should never overpower the color of your suit; soft-toned neutrals are appropriate against a dark background, as well as tone-on-tone looks
Shoes
Color of the shoes should match your suit Closed-toe pumps with no more than a two-inch heel are best; sling-backs are acceptableMake sure your shoes are polished and look new – no worn heels
Accessories
Neutral hose, avoid dark when possibleBelt & purse should match shoesDon’t overdo jewelry – nothing flashy or too big (a single strand of pearls, a watch, no more than 1 ring on each hand and simple hoop or stud earrings is good)No visible body piercing – one piercing per ear
Accessories, cont’d
Do not carry a purse AND an attaché case – choose one or the other, but not bothSimplicity is KEY
Personal Grooming
Wear minimal, neutral-toned make-up that enhances your appearanceHairstyle should reflect your personality yet be well-groomed and cleanPerfume: a little is just enoughNails: clean, short & manicured (clear polish or French style)
No Matter What
Make sure that what you wear fits you properlyBe comfortableAs for level of appropriateness: if you are in doubt, either ask someone you trust or wear something else
Image “Dos”
Keep a straight postureGive a firm handshakeMake eye-contact when speakingUse proper grammarMake sure you have fresh breath & clean teeth
Image “Dos”
Keeps knees together when sittingWear clothes of good qualityThink “professional” not “trendy”
Dress for the position you want, not the position you have
Image “Don’ts”
Speaking too softly or too quicklyWear scuffed up or scruffy shoes – polish themWear clothing with loose or missing buttonsWear clothing with hems in need of repairWear stained, spotted, or perspiration-stained clothing
Image “Don’ts,” cont’d
Curse or use profane languageWear too much jewelryChew gumWear shoes with no hosieryHave an outdated or unbecoming hairstyleHave hair roots in need of retouchingHave chipped nail polish
Image “Don’ts,” cont’d
Keep nails that are too longWear excessive or no make-upWear white pumpsWear hose with sandals (toeless kind acceptable) Wear cheap-looking or worn-out belts or pursesWear large prints and outrageous colorsWear jacket sleeves that are too long/too short
Image “Don’ts,” cont’d
Show underwear linesWear heavy perfume/cologneCarry an inappropriate handbag (too large, too casual, too detailed; carry a day bag with evening wear, etc.)Wear hosiery with a run – always keep a spare pair
Image “Don’ts,” cont’d
Have un-manicured feet when wearing sandals (nobody wants to see “funky” feet)Have worn off/too much lipstickWalk with an unfeminine stride (or stance)
“Think and act like a professional”
Additional Resources
Career Services Organization on Bb; Career-Related Videos
CareerSpots – Interview Dress for WomenDress for Success – What to Wear(Ladies)