Career Closet
PREPARE FOR PROFESSIONAL INTERVIEWS AND CAREER EVENTS!
Dress professionally to make a good first impression. Check out our Career Closet located in the Advising & Career Center, Wyllie D175 (right behind the welcome desk). You can try on and keep any clothing to wear for a job interview or the Internship & Career Fair.
HOURS
MON-FRI | 8 AM-4:30 PM
HOURS
MON-FRI | 8 AM-4:30 PM
STYLES OF PROFESSIONAL DRESS
Where to start? There are multiple styles of business attire in corporate and business settings: casual, smart casual, business casual, business professional, and business formal. Each company can be different and we recommend you do your research before you interview for a job. Generally, business professional is recommended for formal interviews and business casual for many of the career events on campus.
BUSINESS CASUAL
Business casual is still considered “office professional” with an emphasis on professional. Wear something you would dress in if you are trying to make a great first impression. According to U.S.News, “Business casual is not about your ‘comfort,'” explains Gottsman. “It is a toned-down version of a more formal suit or dress. For women, it would be wearing slacks, blazer and a dress shoe versus a more formal suit (skirt and jacket) – comparable to men’s sport coat and button-down shirt without a tie.”
Business Casual Do’s for Women
Colors | Focus on neutral colors for introductions and first meetings and interviews
Pants and Skirts | knee-length pencil skirts, dress pants that are straight cut or have some ease like wide-leg trousers or kick flair. If meeting with a more conservative company, were leg coverings with skirts.
Shirts and Sweaters | cotton collard blouses and patterned shirts with various sleeve lengths (avoiding sleeveless).
Blazers | Bazers coordinated with a nice blouse
Shoes | fully covered toes, flats, a small heeled pump
Modest Make-up
Pressed clothing | Take an iron or steamer to your outfit
Business Casual Don’ts for Women
Pants | yoga, athletic, leggings, jeggings, skinny jeans, (avoid any jeans including dark denim and black stretch)
Skirts | anything above the knee, avoid strong colors and trends, no bare leg
Blouses and tops | sleeveless (unless paired with sweater or blazer) logos or text
Shoes to Avoid | athletic sneakers, flip-flops, anything that shows toes
OTHER SUGGESTIONS
- Avoid distracting jewelry
- Oversized or too loose clothing
- Avoid wrinkled clothing
- Brightly colored hair and tattoos can be discouraged by conservative companies. Cover the tattoos or do research on if you are a fit with that company.
Business Casual Do’s for Men
Pants | khakis, chinos, dress pants
Shirts | button-down shirt with collar, sometimes polo
Shoes | loafers, dress boots, oxfords
Optional Blazer | cardigan, crew, v-neck sweaters, sport coats
Business Casual Don’ts for Men
Pants | joggers, denim (not for first impressions or interviews), athletic gear,
Shirts | t-shirts, henleys, oversize shirts, wrinkled shirts
Shoes | athletic sneakers or tennis shoes, unpolished or dirty dress shoes
OTHER SUGGESTIONS
- Avoid distracting jewelry
- Avoid wrinkled clothing
- Brightly colored hair and tattoos can be discouraged by conservative companies. Cover the tattoos and/or do research on if you are a fit with that company.
BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL
Business professional is recommended for interview opportunities and can be different depending on the company and profession where you are seeking employment. The right interview outfit can help you feel confident and professional. Generally speaking, a more conservative dress for both men and women is recommended when interviewing. Reference the Business Casual information above but take it up a notch with suits, matching jackets and pants, as well as shoes and belts for men, and ties.
Research the Company Dress Code | There are many variables that can determine a company’s dress code including industry, job roles, location, season, etc. If the dress code seems casual, lean toward a more professional dress. There are many resources available for researching companies including social media.
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