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for Dressed Success ~ The Art of Professional Appearance This section will examine: Attire for Interviewing Women's Interview Attire Men's Interview Attire Suit Considerations for Men Special Major-Specific & Religious Considerations Business Casual Attire Career Fair Wardrobe Fashion Faux Pas for Men Fashion Faux Pas for Women What Not to Wear The Law of "Too" Looking like a Million Bucks (without spending it!) Where to Shop Special Major-Specific Considerations Special Considerations for Religious-based Attire Pictures of Professionalism Attire for Interviewing You never get a second chance to... well, you know the rest. Choosing an outfit to meet your potential boss and co-workers can be intimidating experience, but it doesn't have to be! With a little planning and a handy checklist of what is considered appropriate and professional, you'll be on your way to landing a great job. Here are the basics for both men and women when it comes to interview attire: Women's Interview Attire Solid color, conservative suit (pants or skirt) in blue, black, brown, or grey Coordinated blouse, shell, ribbed knit sweater Low to mid-heeled closed-toe shoes Conservative jewelry : if wearing a ring, only wear one Skin-toned hosiery Natural-looking make-up & light or no perfume Manicured nails Portfolio or briefcase Men's Interview Attire Solid color, conservative suit in navy or dark gray in a quality fabric White long sleeve shirt Conservative tie Dark socks, Dress shoes Very limited jewelry ~ watch and/or wedding ring Neat, professional hairstyle Light aftershave (if any) Neatly trimmed nails Portfolio or briefcase Suit Considerations for Men While it may appear that men are limited in their wardrobe choices, it actually requires a great deal of knowledge about suits to choose the best one for your particular size, height, and shape. When shopping for a suit don't be afraid to ask the salesperson for help when choosing a garment. You can also consult a tailor when picking out a suit. For more information on suit options and fitting specifications, visit http://members.aol.com/mbastyle/web/suits1.html Special Considerations for Religious-based Attire If you practice a religion that requires you to wear a head and/or face covering, please be sure that it is conservative in color and matches or complements your suit. Women wearing hijab and/or niqab should choose a neutral color like black or navy to accompany their pant suits. Women opting to wear both the head and gown attire should choose black or navy. Likewise, men wearing a Kippah or a turban should choose one with colors that match their suit's dark blue or black color. Business Casual Attire So you've passed the interview, been offered a job, and have accepted it. Perhaps your company has "dress down" Fridays or, perhaps your boss tells you that she wants a really laid-back and comfortable work environment for her staff. In either case, you will need to incorporate some business casual attire into your wardrobe. There is no clear definition about business casual attire... it is really a matter of each individual company's preference for their corporate culture look. Business casual clothing is designed to serve as an alternative to the more formal suit and tie style of dress. However, it is important to remember when picking business casual clothes that that the emphasis should be on the business part, not necessarily the casual part of the phrase. For some, khakis and polo shirts are acceptable. For other organizations, jeans or flip flops may be worn. As a new hire you might be caught in a dilemma about what to wear throughout the week or on designated "dress down' days. The best way to navigate this dilemma is to ask questions. Does your company have a written dress code? How does the boss dress on business casual days? Are jeans and sneakers allowed? Depending on the company's preference, your wardrobe for special days or throughout the work week will vary. Below, you'll find some tried and true clothing options that are generally acceptable choices for business casual work environments: Men Khaki, gabardine or cotton pants Cotton long sleeved button down shirts, polo shirts, collared knit shirts Sweaters Dress shoes and belt Dress socks Women Khakis, twill or cotton knee-length skirt or pants Twinsets, polo shirt, cardigans, sweaters Solid colors or small print blouses Closed toe shoes Career Fair Wardrobe Career fairs, particularly at large universities tend to be busy, bustling events. Think of a career fair as an "Interview to Go". At most fairs, you'll move from station to station, picking up company materials and speaking briefly with recruiters. While the atmosphere is more casual than a traditional interview setting, your wardrobe should not be casual. Don't let the word "fair" fool you; it is not a social event; the same rule applies to attire at traditional interviews. However, many people treat career fairs as casual meet and greet occasions so they tend to be underdressed. Dress for career fairs as if you were going to a formal interview. It's always better to be overdressed then to be underdressed. In this way, you will make a lasting professional impression on the recruiter and you will stand out from the crowd. Wear comfortable dress shoes since you may be doing a lot of walking around. When attending a career fair at a University, many student will bring their book bag, gym bag and other items to the fair because they won't be returning to their home right after. Carrying a bunch of bags can be burdensome and can look unprofessional. If you are going to class or the gym after the fair, try to plan to have a friend or someone take your bags for you so that all you have to carry is your portfolio or briefcase. If you can't make arrangements to store your belongings then try to limit your items in one backpack so that your hands are free to carry your briefcase and shake hands. Refer to the Independent Job Search section of this manual for more information on what to bring and do when attending a career fair. Fashion Faux Pas for Men These are the 5 most common mistakes that men make when interviewing and dressing on a day to day basis at the job. White socks/ Athletic Socks: You are on your way to an interview; not a pick up game with your friends. Leave the white socks tucked in your sneakers and opt for dark, mid-calf dress socks instead. Right Suit, Wrong Material: A great suit is one that will last for a while. . Choose a suit that is made of a quality material. Tacky Tie Trauma: It is a fashion tragedy to pair a great looking suit with a vulgar tie. To add something different to your tie collection, try a striped, or dotted print. "World's Best Golfer" just doesn't cut it in the workplace. Cologne Catastrophe: Everyone wants to smell good. However, you do not want to drench yourself in cologne or aftershave when going for an interview. Hair: For a polished look, make sure your hair is not a bother to your eyes or if you keep flinging it away from you, change the style to make it more manageable. Hair should be neat and clean. Not following the Law of "Too" (see the "Law of Too" section within this guide) Fashion Faux Pas for Women These are the 5 most common mistakes that women make when interviewing and dressing on a day to day basis at the job. The Classic White Suit: A definite "no-no" for interviewing. White, while stylish and elegant, shows wrinkles and stains too quickly. The Stocking Saga: As uncomfortable as they may be when it's hot, stockings are a requirement when interviewing. You may opt for knee highs when wearing a pant suit however. When on the job, make sure your stockings aren't wrinkling at the bottom. Right Suit, Wrong Material: A great suit is one that will last for a while Choose a suit that is made of quality material. Hair: For a polished look, make sure your hair is not a bother to your eyes or if you keep flinging it away from you, change the style to make it more manageable. Hair should be neat and clean. Not following the Law of "Too" (see the "Law of Too" section within this guide) What Not to Wear for Both Men and Women Depending on your industry, the nature of your work, the particular employer and the office culture, what you wear on a day to day basis will vary. It's a good idea to use your boss or supervisor as an example to follow. Look at what respected co-workers wear and follow suit. For the first few weeks of a co-op, it's good to dress up a bit because it will help you be perceived as a professional and it will make you feel more integrated in the environment. The following is a list of items that should never adorn your frame while you are interviewing, attending a career fair, working in the office or out in the field with clients: Tank tops with spaghetti straps Sneakers (unless needed in the course of your duties) Shirts that show your stomach or midriff Cargo pants Shorts that go above your knee Visible thongs Muscle shirts Cut-offs Athletic attire Open-toed shoes Hats (including caps, headscarves (except for religious purposes) cowboy hats, and wide brim hats) The Law of "Too" In an age where less is more, it's also good to keep in mind that more can be "too much". The Law of Too is simply this: Anything that is too (fill-in-theblank) is inappropriate for work. Now, here are some specific areas where you must make sure Law the of Too is enforced in your wardrobe. Make-up: Choose simple, natural shades that enhance your complexion without being too garish. Avoid brightly colored nail polish because when it chips, it is very obvious (try clear or lightly tinted polish or a French or American manicure instead). Guys should make sure their nails are free of dirt and grime and at the very least filed to a decent length. Jewelry: If it dangles, makes noise, or casts a glare, don't wear it. Anything that is a visual distraction will take the focus off of your responses. You want the interviewer to remember your awesome answer to "Tell me about yourself", not your over embellished bracelet or necklace. For men, wearing earrings, nose rings, tongue rings, eyebrow rings or cheek rings are unacceptable. For women, small, conservative earrings in just one piercing hole on your ear are acceptable. Both men and women should wear a nice, conservative, non-gaudy watch. Clothing Fit: Avoid wearing any thing that is too small, too short, too tight or too loose. If you can answer "yes" to the applicable statements below, your clothes fit you well.. My shirt/blouse buttons without gaps My skirt is knee-length or longer My slacks stop at or below my ankles when I sit down (Men) My jacket's sleeves come to my wrist My tie reaches the top of my belt My shirt 's cut does not reveal any cleavage My pantyhose are not sagging around my ankles My undergarments under my white or light colored blouse are white, beige, or skin-toned My pants fit well without revealing the outline of my undergarments My shoes fit me well and I am able to stand and/or walk in them comfortably Cologne/Perfume: Our sense of smell is our oldest and strongest sense and is directly connected to the part of the brain that houses our memory. When you are interviewing, you want to make a lasting impression on the employer; however, your cologne should not linger in the room after you've departed. You should smell clean, fresh, and crisp. Avoid flowery perfumes and musky colognes as these can be offensive to some tastes and may also cause allergic reactions in some people. Also, if you are a smoker, do not smoke directly before your interview. Looking Like a Million Bucks (without spending it!) College is a time for you to enjoy learning about your potential life and career interests. It's also a time that can be hard on your wallet. Yet, there is hope for the savvy shopper! Buying one or two high quality suits, even at a reduced price is a sure foundation for wardrobe success. You can stock an entire closet little by little if you follow these simple tips: Million Dollar Wardrobe Must-Haves These are staple items that every student should have in their wardrobe. Adding accessories such as ties, pins, belts, and scarves will add variety and make it appear that you have more in your closet than you really have. Women 1. White button-down blouse 2. Navy, black, or dark brown skirted suit 3. Navy, black or brown pantsuit (as well as the skirted suit??) 4. Dark colored pants 5. Black blazer/Jacket 6. Colored jackets 7. Low-heeled closed toe shoes 8. Portfolio or briefcase Men 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Dark blue or gray suit (see section on Suit Considerations) Long sleeved white shirt Long sleeve blue shirt Dress shoes in black or dark brown Dark mid-calf dress socks Conservative neck tie Black or brown belt Portfolio or briefcase Where to Shop For the budding professional, outlet stores are a great place to start when building your wardrobe. High-end thrift stores, vintage clothing stores, and chain stores that carry overstock and off-season items from major department stores are other good sources of fashion phenomena. Lots of fashion magazines feature "bargain shopper" sections where you can buy reduced items at local stores. Also consider buying winter clothes in the summer and vice versa. You'll save a ton of money and you won't have to worry about clothes for the next season. Whether you get your suit off of the clearance rack at the pricey department store, or from the sidewalk sale at the thrift store, make sure it fits well, inspires confidence, and can be mixed and matched with other pieces to help build your wardrobe. Special Major Specific Considerations Perhaps you are in the construction management field where your work requires lots of time spent outdoors.. You may want to wear comfortable shoes and jeans. However, before you don this ultra-casual outfit, consider this: What if you go to work and your boss wants you to meet with a client today? Obviously, you are not suited for the occasion. A better choice would be to dress as if you're going to a client meeting every day and have some field clothes to change into as needed. If your major requires you to work in the field or within a plant or factory-type setting, consider what would be the proper footwear and attire to wear. Prior to interviewing at such a company, inquire if there will be a tour of the facility and whether or not you re required to wear certain footwear etc. If you are in an artistic or creative field where personal wardrobe expression is encouraged, still be tasteful and conservative in your attire. Resist the urge to go all out and express your passion for fashion. Rather, take a minute to examine the culture of the organization to determine how best to dress. If you are interviewing for a job in the fashion and/or design and merchandising industry, wear either the label of the house with whom you are interviewing, or capture the style and look of the company. Pictures of Professionalism With so many wardrobe choices for both men and women, sometimes it helps you to have a visual example to `jump-start' your shopping spree. Check out these stylish professionals for ideas on what items to include in your wardrobe: Interview/Career Fair Attire for Men Models (l-r) Grant, Irv and Andy each chose a great-fitting dark colored suit with a coordinating tie. Dress shoes complete the look for a perfectly professional interview session. A portfolio is a nice substitute for a briefcase. Right & Below: Irv dons dark brown dress socks to complement his suit. Top right: Grant is sure to wear a black belt to match his black shoes. Belts and shoes should be the same color. Above: Andy shows how to button a 3-button jacket (leave the last button open and button the top two). Interview/Career Fair Attire for Women Models (l-r) Jasmine, Melanie and Lora showcase different types of pants and skirted suits perfect for interviewing. Note how their natural make-up and neat hair complement their outfits Below (l-r) models Megan, Kim, and Lora show how a nice crisp blouse under a dark grey or black suit makes the perfect interview or career fair outfit easy and elegant. Left: Lora picks a fashionable silver looped belt to express her personality. Accessories when worn tastefully can allow you to look professional but still maintain your individuality. Business Casual Attire for Men Business casual options for men can include a simple pair of dress pants and a shirt without the tie and/or jacket. Check with your employer for more options based on your industry, job duties etc. Check with your employers to find out if jeans and/or cargo pants are appropriate to wear on casual days or in environments where the dress code is always casual. In either event, make sure your jeans or pants are neatly pressed and clean. Paired with a crisp white shirt or a pressed polo, you will still look professional. Business Casual Attire for Women Business casual options for women can include a simple knot top, kneelength skirt, sweater or pants with a small or no pattern. Check with your employer for more options based on your industry, job duties etc. Megan makes a smart fashion choice by pairing her business casual outfit with a jacket. With this versatile ensemble, she makes a great impression! Remember that a dark or neutral colored jacket can instantly dress up a casual outfit. What's Wrong with These Pictures? At first glance, it appears that our models have mastered the wardrobe war. However, as the orange circles indicate, there are problems with each of their outfits. To see exactly which rule(s) are in violation, Refer to the Fashion Faux Pas and What Not to Wear Sections The Ties Have It. Great suits will not look so great if you pair it with an unprofessional tie. Interview Fashion Disasters Business Casual Gone Bad Spaghetti straps, sweat shirts, sunglasses gym wear and printed tees are not the best choices for business casual days. Career Fair Scares Employers want candidates who are both professional AND appear interested. Proper attire, posture, and enthusiasm are key to ensuring success! A briefcase, book bag, or portfolio is the best option for carrying your resume and related documents. Carry just want you need so that you are not bogged down. Also, closed toe shoes are more appropriate than open-toed shoes. Organize your resume and other documents neatly and remember to dress as if you are going on an interview. Be sure to get plenty of rest before attending a fair; you may be there for a good length of time and you might interview on the spot! Andy Duffy Megan Elrath Lora Furman Irv Hutcherson Grant Keener Jasmine James Kim Lyons Melanie Kraus Photography & Editing provided by Ken Bohrer Staging & Shoot Coordination provided by Nicole Gay

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