HOW TO DRESS FOR SUCCESS

Finding the balance betweenpersonality and professionalism

OVERVIEW• Building your Professional Wardrobe • Specifics of Dress• Women • Men • Business Casual vs. Professional • Final Thoughts & Questions

BUILDING YOUR PROFESSIONAL WARDROBE• Look at your current wardrobe before shopping• Look for clothes that could be used if paired with a professional piece

Ex: a nice button down, neutral undershirts, dress shoes etc.

• Shop Smart• Think in advance, look for sales• Buy versatile pieces

BUILDING YOUR PROFESSIONAL WARDROBE Females

• Black pencil skirt• White blouse• Wide leg trousers (grey and black)• Modest black heels • Neutral professional bag• Black cardigan/blazer

Males• Black and grey dress pants• White long sleeve shirt• Dress pants with matching jacket • Black dress shoes and socks • 3 ties (patterns, if any should not be loud) • Black Belt

The Essentials

SPECIFICS FOR WOMEN

THE SPECIFICS WOMEN

• Skirts• Should be 2 inches above the

knee• Sitting down test – thighs should

still be covered • Jewelry

• Studs, a modest necklace, and a few rings are acceptable• Avoid dangling earrings, and loud

bracelets (Alex and Ani’s!!)

THE SPECIFICS WOMEN

• Shoes• Closed toe• Less than 2 inches high

• Socks • Should match pants• Stockings should be worn

with skirts

THE SPECIFICSWOMEN

• Hair• Keep it away from face• Keep it natural • Well groomed and washed

• Nails • Painted a natural color

• Makeup• Clean and natural, not a time to test a

new look or product

• Coverage• Tops- Straps should be more than three

fingers wide • Avoid low-cut, sheer, and tight tops

SPECIFICS FOR MEN

THE SPECIFICSMEN

• Suits• Pants and jackets should always

match• Best material is pure wool or a

wool blend• Stick with colors like navy,

charcoal, black and gray • Patterns if any should be muted

• Shirts • Best material is cotton or a

cotton blend• Long sleeved shirts are more

professional than short sleeved

THE SPECIFICS MEN

• Ties • Should reach the top of your belt

buckle• Know how to tie a tie correctly – NEVER

use a clip on! • Quality ties are made from silk and

won’t wrinkle• Stick to geometric, diagonal stripes, or

small to medium dotted patterns • With colors make sure to compliment

your suit

Enhance your appearance not over power it

THE SPECIFICSMEN

• Shoes• Best material is leather • Socks must match the color of pants

• Hair • Keep it short and well groomed• Facial hair should be shaven off or at

least very well groomed

• Belts• Make sure belt matches shoes and

pants

BUSINESS CAUSAL VS PROFESSIONAL

WHAT TO WEAR: BUSINESS CASUAL

WHAT TO WEAR: BUSINESS CASUAL

WHAT TO WEAR: BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL

WHAT TO WEAR: BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL

FINAL THOUGHTSDo• Wear deodorant, brush your teeth, trim and polish nails, brush hair• Wear appropriate jewelry• Check the weather • Feel comfortable, confident, and career ready!

Don’t • Wear overpowering cologne or perfume

ANY QUESTIONS?! Thank You!