Your professional image and visual presentation weigh heavily on an employer’s impression of you. It is important to note that different employers and environments will have differing expectations of formality when it comes to dress codes. For example, a construction company may be much more casual than a law office. As a general rule when interviewing or networking, focus on dressing one step above what they would wear to work. This may involve researching the company beforehand or asking the person who has called to schedule the interview what the dress code is. Use the images below to help you to prepare.
- Avoid any clothing that is ill-fitting, revealing, or uncomfortable.
- Have polished, clean shoes, and avoid shoes that may be difficult to walk in.
- Choose solid colors and subtle patterns, avoid distracting patterns or bright colors.
- Avoid noisy or distracting jewelry, watches, and heavy makeup.
- Make sure your clothes are clean, ironed, and not wrinkly.
- Ensure you are well-groomed by having clean and neat hair.
- Be aware of scent-free policies.
FEMININE BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL
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- TOP: Light-colored, collared blouse, tucked in
- SUIT: Typically two pieces in black, charcoal or navy
- BOTTOMS: Skirts are not shorter than two fingers above the knee with minimal slits, pants are wrinkle-free
- ACCESSORIES: Minimal and conservative jewelry can be worn, avoid anything that’s dangling or distracting.
- SHOES: Matching, closed-toe, polished shoes with a low to moderate heel
- HAIR: Clean & neat
- MAKEUP: Natural and conservative
- HOSIERY Wear black or neutral hosiery with a skirt
- NAILS: Neutral polished nails or none at all, avoid bold colors and remove if chipping
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FEMININE BUSINESS CASUAL
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- TOP: Tailored shirts, blouses or sweaters with a conservative neckline
- BOTTOMS: Skirts are not shorter than two fingers above the knee with minimal slits, and pants are wrinkle-free and fitted. Khaki or other colors are appropriate
- ACCESSORIES: Several pieces of jewelry can be worn, avoid being flashy. Belt should match shoes
- SHOES: Matching, closed or opened toe, polished shoes with a low to moderate heel
- HAIR: Clean & neat
- MAKEUP: Natural and conservative
- HOSIERY Wear black or neutral hosiery with a skirt
- NAILS: Neutral polished nails or none at all, avoid bold colors and remove if chipping
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MASCULINE BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL
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- TOP: A solid colored, button-up dress shirt, tucked in
- TIE: Conservative pattern or solid color, hang to belt line
- SUIT: Typically two to three-piece suit in black, charcoal or navy
- BOTTOMS: Wrinkle-free and fitted pants that break just above your shoe
- SOCKS: Dark colors that match attire
- HAIR: Clean & neat
- FACIAL HAIR: Neatly trimmed & well-groomed
- ACCESSORIES: A belt that matches the color of your shoes
- NAILS: Trimmed and clean
- SHOES: Black or brown, polished, closed-toe shoes
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MASCULINE BUSINESS CASUAL
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- TOP: Subtly colored or patterned button-up shirt, tucked in
- TIE: Optional, conservative pattern or solid color, hang to belt line
- BOTTOMS: Dress pants, khaki or other colored fitted pants
- SOCKS: Colors that match attire
- HAIR: Clean & neat
- FACIAL HAIR: Neatly trimmed & well-groomed
- ACCESSORIES: A belt that matches the color of your shoes
- NAILS: Trimmed and clean
- SHOES: Black or brown, polished, closed-toe shoes
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GENDER-NEUTRAL BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL
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- TOPS: Sweater, subtly colored or patterned collared shirt, tucked in
- SUIT: Typically two to three-piece suit in black, charcoal or navy
- BOTTOMS: Wrinkle-free and fitted pants that break just above your shoe
- HAIR: Clean & neat
- MAKEUP: Natural and conservative
- FACIAL HAIR: Neatly trimmed & well-groomed
- ACCESSORIES: A belt that matches the color of your shoes
- SOCKS: Colors that match attire
- NAILS: Trimmed and clean
- SHOES: Black or brown, polished, closed-toe shoes
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GENDER-NEUTRAL BUSINESS CASUAL
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- TOPS: Sweater, sweater vest, subtly colored or patterned button-up shirt,
tucked in
- BOTTOMS: Dress pants, khaki or other colored fitted pants
- HAIR: Clean & neat
- MAKEUP: Natural and conservative
- FACIAL HAIR: Neatly trimmed & well-groomed
- ACCESSORIES: A belt that matches the color of your shoes
- SOCKS: Colors that match attire
- NAILS: Trimmed and clean
- SHOES: Black or brown, polished, closed-toe shoes
Test your knowledge and sort the images into the correct dress categories:
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