Business Professional Dress

1. Business Professional Dress Interview Dress Guidelines For Men and Women

2. Remember… • Your wardrobe reflects who you are, don’t let it say the wrong things! • Rule of Thumb: • Dress one level above everyone else there • No matter what you wear, be professional

3. Women’s Dress Guidelines • Suit (pants or skirt) • Skirt should be conservative • dark colors, i.e. black, navy, or charcoal gray • Blouses should be simple in style, white or soft color • Stockings that match your skin tone

4. Accessories • Shoes should be conservative • No strappy sandals! • No platform shoes • Closed toe shoes • No bulky purses/bags

5. DRESS FOR SUCCESS-MEN • Suit-Dark blue, gray, muted pin-stripes • Shirt-White, pale blue or yellow • Tie-Conservative, classic • Shoes-Polished dress shoes

6. Other, Other, Other • Portfolio to carry paperwork • Light on the perfume/cologne • Be well groomed! • Get a hair cut • Shave

7. Other Accessories-Jewelry • Wear one pair of simple earrings for these events. • Rings and bracelets can be worn but in moderation and if they are essential to you. One ring on each hand is most appropriate. • Jewelry should never be a distraction for you or the employer.

8. What NOT to Wear in an Interview-Top 20 Wardrobe Malfunctions 1. Carrying a backpack or fannypack instead of a briefcase or portfolio: Some image consultants suggest women ditch their purse, too! 2. Sunglasses on top of your head or headphones around your neck. 3. Too-short skirts: Forget what some of those gals on 'The Apprentice' are wearing. Your skirt should cover your thighs when you are seated. 4. The wrong tie: Ties should be made of silk, no less than three and a quarter inches wide with a conservative pattern. Image consultants say the best colors are red or burgundy. 5. Overly bright or large-patterned clothing: With the possible exception of creative fields like advertising, it's best to stick with navy, black or gray.

9. Top 20 Wardrobe MalfunctionsContinued 6. Heavy makeup on women (or any makeup on a man) 7. Earrings on men:: avoid wearing any jewelry unless it is a wedding ring, class ring or watch. 8. More than one set of earrings on women 9. Facial piercings, tongue jewelry or visible tattoos 10. Ill-fitting clothes:

10. Top 20 Wardrobe Malfunctions-Continued 11. Long fingernails, especially with bright or specialty polishes. 13. Short-sleeved shirts, even worse when worn with a tie 14. Fishnets, patterned hosiery or bare legs (no matter how tan you are). 15. Men whose socks don't match their shoes, or whose socks are too short and leave a gap

11. Wardrobe Malfunctions Cont… 16. Rumpled or stained clothing: If interviewing late in the day. 17. Scuffed or inappropriate footwear, including sneakers, stilettos, open-toed shoes and sandals 18. Strong aftershaves, perfumes or colognes: Many people are allergic to certain scents. 19. Belts and shoes that don't match 20. Telltale signs that your wearing a new suit. Remove all tags and extra buttons -- and remember to cut off the zigzag thread that keeps pockets and slits closed!

12. What to wear for your interview??? • Guys (minimum) • Nice dress slacks (kaki pants ok if interviewing for a “trade” • Nice long sleeve dress shirt • Tie • Clean dress shoes

13. What to wear for your interview??? • Girls (minimum) • Conservative skirt or dress pants, dress capris • Blouse or button down shirt….conservative is key! • If you are wearing a skirt, you need to wear stockings...no bare legs! • Closed toe shoes, or professional dress shoes (no strappy sandals or extremely high heels)