Professional Dress

Business Attire

Looking the part helps set the tone for you as a professional. Quality garments wear longer, fit better, and therefore, save money in the long run. Above all, if your clothing projects a professional image, others will respond to you in kind. Here are a few suggestions for maintaining your professional image

Men

Do wear your suit jacket when you conduct business outside your office. Your authority travels with you.
Do polish and maintain dress shoes.
Do keep hair and nails clean and neat.
Do wear appropriate jewelry.
Do not overpower your appearance with heavy cologne!
Do not wear short-sleeved shirts under suit coats. Showing a clean cuff is a must.
Do not wear ankle socks or light colored socks with a dark suit.

Women

Do wear a suit when you conduct business outside your office. Your authority travels with you.
Do wear comfortable shoes and hosiery to complement your outfit.
Do wear natural looking makeup.
Do wear appropriate jewelry.
Do keep hair and nails clean and neat.
Do not overpower your appearance with heavy perfume!
Do not wear elaborate hairstyles.
Do not wear jeans or casual slacks.
Do not wear trendy fashions with built-in obsolescence unless a trendy appearance is appropriate for your industry.

Business Professional

Men

Suits: Look for…

Classic fabrics, patterns, and colors which are always in style and easy to accessorize.
Contoured jacket collar that fits smoothly around the neck with no space between it and your shirt.
Smooth, straight seams with a single row of stitching.

Suit care: Be sure to…

Hang suits on wooden or plastic contour hangers. Leave your jacket unbuttoned and be sure to empty pockets.
Leave space between hangers so garments will be free of wrinkles.
Read and follow the care instructions on your garment.

Shirts: The best ones have…

A single row of stitching along shoulder and side seams to prevent puckering.
More stitches per inch. A quality shirt will have 15-18 stitches per inch for strength and better appearance.
Store ties unknotted to hang out wrinkles.

Outer coats: Keep in mind that…

Outer coat sleeve length should cover the suit coat sleeve.
You should sit in your outer coat in the store to be certain that it is comfortable.

Shoes:

Wear shoes that coordinate with your suit.
Keep shoes in good condition and polished.

Women

Suits/dresses: Look for…

Classic fabrics, patterns, and colors which are always in style and easy to accessorize.
Dresses in solid color or conservative print.
Contoured jacket collar that fits smoothly around the neck with no space between it and your shirt.
Smooth, straight seams and hems.

Suit care: Be sure to…

Hang suits on wooden or plastic contour hangers. Leave your jacket unbuttoned and be sure to empty pockets.
Leave space between hangers so garments will be free of wrinkles.
Read and follow the care instructions on your garment.

Blouses/shirts:

Tailored blouses/shirts, not a lot of frills or ruffles.
Solid color or conservative prints to coordinate with suit.

Shoes:

Wear low heeled pumps that coordinate with your suit/dress.
Keep shoes clean and in good condition

Business Casual

Khaki pants, neatly pressed, and a pressed long-sleeved, buttoned solid color shirt are safe for both men and women. Polo shirts, unwrinkled, are an appropriate choice if you know the environment will be quite casual, outdoors or in a very hot location. The object it not to stand out for the cutting edge look, but for your good judgment in a business environment.
Leather belt and leather shoes are expected (no athletic shoes).
You are not expected to be able to afford the same clothing as a CEO. However, do invest in quality that will look appropriate in all positions.
Everything should be clean, well-pressed, and not show wear. Even the nicest khakis after 100 washings may not be your best choice for a reception. Carefully inspect new clothes for tags, and all clothes for loose threads, etc. (as with interview attire).
A briefcase or portfolio is not usually necessary for most business casual receptions or events.

Men's Business Casual

Ties are generally not necessary for business casual, but if you are in doubt, wear a tie. It never hurts to slightly overdress. By dressing nicely, you are paying your host a compliment.
Long-sleeved shirts are considered dressier than short-sleeved and are appropriate even in summer. Choosing solid colors or conservative stripes is your safest bet. Polo shirts, (tucked in, of course), are acceptable in more casual situations.
Do wear dark socks, mid-calf length so no skin is visible when you sit down.
Wear a conservative watch. If you choose to wear other jewelry, be conservative. Removing earrings is always a safe bet.

Women's Business Casual

Women can wear casual pants or skirts. For the most business-like appearance, pants should be creased and tailored and skirts should fit appropriately.
Skirt lengths (including slit) often vary from season to season but should fall just above the knee or lower.
In addition to tailored shirts, tailored knit sweaters and sweater sets are appropriate business casual choices for women.
Wear a conservative watch, simple earrings or necklace. Jewelry and scarf styles come and go. Avoid extremes of style and color.
Avoid extremes of nail length and polish color, especially in conservative industries.
Shoes should be leather or micro-fiber. Regardless of style, avoid extremes. Make certain you can walk comfortably.
Hose are not essential for business casual, but are recommended with shorter skirts and in more formal environments. Trouser socks or knee-high hose are appropriate with slacks.
A tailored purse is best and one that hangs on your shoulder is helpful as it frees your hands for shaking hands or holding a beverage. Often, leaving your purse behind is preferable if you are uncertain what to do with it. If you need to carry business cards at an event, try choosing a jacket or slacks that allows you to carry a few small items with you.