DRESS FOR WORK SUCCESS: FASHION DO'S AND DONT'S IN THE BUSINESS WORLD
KARA ACHILIHU
In today’s world, your business attire is essential for making a good first impression with your boss, coworkers and clients. Between career fairs, networking events, and class presentations, by now you probably have been faced with the task of dressing professionally. But what exactly is professional attire, and how do you know what is appropriate and when to wear it? Not every situation calls for the same apparel. The first step to knowing how to dress the part for any business setting is learning the three different styles of business garb: Business Traditional Attire, General Business Attire, and Business Casual Attire.
Business Traditional
You now work for a big-name corporation, and it is your first day on the job. You’re frantically looking through your closet for the outfit that will speak volumes when you meet the CEO. What to wear? Business Traditional attire consists of black, navy, or grey business suits paired with dress shirts or blouses for both men and women. Black dress shoes are required, and men should wear ties when traditional business attire is requested. Women should wear closed-toe heels no higher than two inches or flats. As a lady, if wearing a skirt suit, stockings are a must. The skirt may not be too tight or too short. Sleeveless shirts are a no-no. Business traditional attire is worn in the following situations:
- Interviews
- Invitations to upscale networking events
- Meeting with an important client(s)
- Award ceremonies
- A variety of dressy evening business occasions
You now work for a big-name corporation, and it is your first day on the job. You’re frantically looking through your closet for the outfit that will speak volumes when you meet the CEO. What to wear? Business Traditional attire consists of black, navy, or grey business suits paired with dress shirts or blouses for both men and women. Black dress shoes are required, and men should wear ties when traditional business attire is requested. Women should wear closed-toe heels no higher than two inches or flats. As a lady, if wearing a skirt suit, stockings are a must. The skirt may not be too tight or too short. Sleeveless shirts are a no-no. Business traditional attire is worn in the following situations:
- Interviews
- Invitations to upscale networking events
- Meeting with an important client(s)
- Award ceremonies
- A variety of dressy evening business occasions
General Business
General business attire is a step down from professional/traditional attire – not quite as formal yet still professional. Men are still required to wear suits and ties but may wear a sports coat instead of a suit coat. Women may mix and match blouses but should still wear a tailored jacket or blazer. The colors may vary from the black, navy, and grey of traditional business attire. General business attire would be worn in the following situations:
- Networking events/job fairs
- Presentations
- Invitational events where you will be speaking
- Interviews
- Dinner
General business attire is a step down from professional/traditional attire – not quite as formal yet still professional. Men are still required to wear suits and ties but may wear a sports coat instead of a suit coat. Women may mix and match blouses but should still wear a tailored jacket or blazer. The colors may vary from the black, navy, and grey of traditional business attire. General business attire would be worn in the following situations:
- Networking events/job fairs
- Presentations
- Invitational events where you will be speaking
- Interviews
- Dinner
Business Casual
Some places of employment are more lax than others and do not require full formal or general business attire, although still a place of professionalism. This is when business casual attire can be worn at the discretion of your employer. For men, business casual attire consists of slacks and a collared shirt; for women, it includes slacks and a blouse or appropriate length dress or skirt. Business casual attire would be worn in the following situations:
- Pre-approved days of the week at your job
- A presentation in a classroom or amongst peers
- Places that do not require business attire but you want to make a good impression
- Job fairs on campus
Dressing appropriately applies to all three of these categories. Avoid showing excessive skin, wearing loud or distracting makeup, jewelry or bright colors. Conceal your piercings and tattoos if visible. Shoes such as flip-flops, sandals or sneakers are likely not acceptable. Subtleness and conservatism are key. If you’re a new employee, ask when you receive your job offer what employees are expected to wear to work. Start out a new job by dressing just a little bit better than you believe is the norm to make a good first impression. First impressions are significant and you want yours to be memorable. In no time, you will be on your way to being the most stylish professional at your job!
Some places of employment are more lax than others and do not require full formal or general business attire, although still a place of professionalism. This is when business casual attire can be worn at the discretion of your employer. For men, business casual attire consists of slacks and a collared shirt; for women, it includes slacks and a blouse or appropriate length dress or skirt. Business casual attire would be worn in the following situations:
- Pre-approved days of the week at your job
- A presentation in a classroom or amongst peers
- Places that do not require business attire but you want to make a good impression
- Job fairs on campus
Dressing appropriately applies to all three of these categories. Avoid showing excessive skin, wearing loud or distracting makeup, jewelry or bright colors. Conceal your piercings and tattoos if visible. Shoes such as flip-flops, sandals or sneakers are likely not acceptable. Subtleness and conservatism are key. If you’re a new employee, ask when you receive your job offer what employees are expected to wear to work. Start out a new job by dressing just a little bit better than you believe is the norm to make a good first impression. First impressions are significant and you want yours to be memorable. In no time, you will be on your way to being the most stylish professional at your job!
