Dress to Impress

Career Development Services is excited to host the Career Closet, which provides students access to FREE professional attire appropriate for career fairs, interviews, networking events and the workplace.

Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression. 

Seek workplace environments where you will feel most comfortable

Formal Business Attire

All

• Conservative colors are best for suits – navy , grey , black . Suit jackets and blazers should have three buttons or less
• All-leather belts and shoes are the typical standard
• Avoid clothing that is too tight or too loose
• Polish and shine shoes; press all clothing

Women

• Skirt suits in cotton, synthetic, wool or silk, no more than two inches above the knee
• Suits should be paired with tailored blouses
• Shoes should be closed-toe and conservative in style and color; heels should not exceed 3 inches
• Flesh-toned stockings
• Nail length and polish color should be conservative

 

 

Men

• Long-sleeved shirts are standard. Choose white , light blue , or conservative stripes
• Belts should have a simple buckle and match shoes
• Ties with understated striped or dotted patterns are best in shades of maroon, blue, navy, gray and black
• Lace-ups and loafers are standard
• Socks should match shoes; mid-calf length will keep skin covered when sitting
• Facial hair, if worn, should be well-groomed
• Removing earrings are safest
• Nails should be clean and well-groomed

 

 

Jewelry, Makeup, Perfume, Cologne, Bags, Body Piercing and Tattoos

• Jewelry should be simple and understated
• Makeup should be conservative and natural looking; less is more
• Strong fragrances can be offensive; avoid wearing them in interviews and the workplace
• Only one bag should be visible. It should be conservative in style and color
• Visible body piercings and visible tattoos are not considered appropriate in some workplace settings

After you secure the position, be sure to ask about the attire and observe people in your workplace. Some offices have a Business Casual attire, which is slightly less formal than formal business attire.

*Students must wear business attire to enter the Career Fair.