Professionalism

1. Once each card marking all students have the opportunity to dress in professional attire (according to the national DECA dress code) to earn up to 100/0 points in the classwork section of their grade. This is OPTIONAL • DECA Activity Students: • Students who choose DECA as their activity, will be required to dress according to these guidelines an additional 2-4 times (up to 8 times) throughout the school year. • Students will need to purchase their own dress pants, dress shoes and dress shirt. If needed, students may borrow a WBHS DECA blazer when needed. Professionalism Dress and Act the Part

2. How long does it take for someone to form an opinion of you? Six Seconds!

3. What are you “saying” before you speak? • Eye contact • Facial expressions • Posture • Handshake • Clothing

4. Eye Contact • Maintaining eye contact with a person or an audience says you have confidence! • Practice daily making eye contact with your parents, teachers and adults • It says you are someone who can be trusted! • It shows you are interested and invested in the conversation

5. Facial Expressions • A smile says you are friendly and approachable. • Raised eyebrows say that you are interested in others.

6. The Handshake • Grasp the other person’s hand firmly, shake several times and release. This says you are self-assured and enthusiastic. • Practice with your mom, dad or grandparent. They will tell you if it is a, “good” handshake.

7. Posture • Stand up straight but not rigid. It says you are receptive to others. Your hands should be at your sides and may be used to emphasize a point. • When seated, sit up straight and lean slightly forward. It says you are interested. Your hands should be folded on your lap. Your feet should be flat on the floor or crossed at the ankle.

8. Clothing • The appropriate clothing says that you are a leader with winning potential. • This is not the place to show your individuality or creativity in your attire. • Students must follow the dress code or they will lost points. • Conservative

9. Do you form an opinion about people based on their attire? YES! Career Income Status Prestige Intelligence

10. Remember. . . Your image and that of WBHS DECA are inseparable!

11. Hair Do’s • Conservative • Clean • Styled • Combed

12. Makeup Do’s Don’ts • Natural Bright • Conservative Excessive Dark

13. Teeth/Mouth • Brush your teeth • Carry small mints • Do not chew gum

14. Jewelry • Small and conservative • No more than 2 earrings • Remove facial piercings if possible

15. Nails • Short and clean for males and females. • Females should chose pale shades of polish.

16. Blazer or Suit Jacket • Colors: Tan, gray or black • tan or gray pants are preferable for ICDC • Fabrics- wool, rayon, acetate • NO: cotton, rain material, fleece… • Avoid lycra & spandex as much as possible, or ensure garmet is not excessively tight • Details- 1, 2 or 3 buttons - good • No visible- zippers, snaps or unconstructed

17. Blouse/Shirt • Females— • Your blouse or dress shirt should be buttoned to your collar bone and tucked in. • A shell may also be appropriate. • The blouse or buttondown should have sleeves. • Avoid lycra, spandex or other form fitting materials • No writing or messages • Clean and ironed • Males— • Your shirt should have a collar and be tucked in. • A tie is a must. Red, navy, yellow, white • Must be cleaned and ironed

18. Pants • Pants should fit at the natural waistline. • Black, tan or gray for professional day, Local competition, district and states is fine • Tan or gray pants are preferable when wearing the DECA blazer for ICDC (not black) • Belts should match your shoes. • Black or Navy

19. Skirts/Dresses • Skirts and dresses should fit well. They should not be too tight! • If the items are made with lycra, spandex or similar, be cautious they are roomy enough to not be glued next to your body. • The length should be no shorter than two inches above the knee. • Points will be deducted otherwise. Check with a ruler ;)

20. Hosery/Socks • Dress socks should always be worn with pants. • Hose or tights should be worn with dresses or skirts.

21. Shoes • Females—Your shoes should be a comfortable, closed toe pump or flats. • -Competing in DECA? WB DECA students know that flats are a must! Trust us! • If you choose to wear heels, nothing above 3-4 inches in height. Wearing these to one competition, you are likely to never wear them again. ;) Flat shoes! • Males—Your shoes should be a polished dress shoe. • No boat shoes, sneakers…

22. Perfume/Cologne • Be conservative! • No more than one spray!

23. Purse/Briefcase at a DECA Competition • Females should carry one or the other. • Purses or briefcases should be neat, clean and polished. • No backpacks walking into seeing your judges at competition

24. The DECA Blazer-Only needed at ICDC • What goes with it? Below is preferred: Bottoms: - Tan or gray dress pants • Tan, gray or red skirts • Tops: • White button down dress shirt • white or red blouse • Ties: • Navy, red, yellow, white • Shoes: • Navy blue or black shoes • Belts and socks • black

25. Where do most WBHS DECA students find their clothes? • Express • Kohl’s • Target • Macy’s • Ann Taylor/Ann Taylor Loft • They have petites for those under 5’4” • Check the outlet mall too • www.deca.org • Helpful: • Wrinkle free • Stain free • Alterations • You are still growing. Have them hem leaving some room for if you grow over the year

26. How to tie a tie 1. Situate the tie so that the end "A" is longer than end "B" and cross "A" over "B". 2. Bring "A" up through loop between collar and tie; then back down. 3. Pull "A" underneath "B" and to the left, and back through the loop again. 4. Bring "A" across the front from left to right. 5. Pull "A" up through the loop again. 6. Bring "A" down through the knot in front. 7. Using both hands, tighten the knot and draw up to collar.

27. Quesitons? • See Ms. Zalla or email her at Julie.zalla@wbsd.org • If you are unsure of the outfit, email Ms. Zalla a picture of it before wearing or taking off the tags.

28. Rundown • Females: • Black, gray or tan suit or separates • Pantyhose or tights • Flat dress shoes • Blouse or dress shirt • Males: • Black, gray, tan or navy suit or separates • Black socks • Black belt • Black dress shoes • White dress shirt • Red, yellow or navy tie