How to Dress to Impress:A Guide to Professional

Success

Christina BourgeoisDirector, Undergraduate Professional Communication

ProgramSchool of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Georgia Institute of Technology

WECE Workshop SeriesSeptember 8, 2011

Definition of pro·fes·sion·al

• a : of, relating to, or characteristic of a profession

• b : engaged in one of the learned professions

• c : characterized by or conforming to the technical or ethical standards of a profession; exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, and generally businesslike manner in the workplace

What’s Not Professional

A Head-to-Toe Look at What Not to Wear

Too Much Make-up

Extreme Hair: Style and Color Matter

Too long

Highlights should look natural

Rainbow brite is never a good idea

Too Much Frangrance

Avoid heavy perfumes and body odor

Over Accessorizing

Ill-Fitting Clothes

Tattoos and Body Piercings

Clothing That is Too Revealing

Workout Gear and Beach Wear

Fine for “Going Out” NOT for Going to Work

Too short

Denim is too casual

Too revealing

Too high

What IS Professional

Attire?

Women’s Business Formal • Suit (pants or skirt)

o Fitted top and bottomo Dark colors (navy blue/black/gray)

• Shoeso Closed-toeo Polished, well-maintained

• Hygeineo Always wear deodoranto Maintain fresh breatho Nails should be trimmed; polish should be clear or

natural tone

What Business Formal Looks Like

Business Casual• Skirts and Dresses

o No shorter than 2” above the kneeo Must be able to sit comfortably in publico Nothing tight, mid-thigh

• Slacks and Pantso Cotton, linen, or blendso No shorts, jeans, athletic wear

• Shirts, Tops, Blouses, and Jacketso Sweaters, turtlenecks, sweater setso No sleeveless, midriff, halter, or graphic t-shirts

• Shoeso Flats, dress heelso No flip flops, sandals, open-toe, or strappy heels

What Business Casual Looks Like

Low heeled shoes

Conservative, muted make up

Conservative shirts/tops

What Professional Looks Like

Examples of Professional Attire

Professional Hairstyles

Pop QuizAre these women dressed professionally?

Sleeveless

Too long

Too low

Too short

Too high

Questions?