Webster University: Professional Dress

Professional Dress

General Guidelines

Your appearance should be conservative
You should feel comfortable and confident in what you are wearing
In an interview especially, the interviewer should remember you for your qualifications, not for what you wore
Visit your potential employer to see how the employees dress (make sure it is not a casual day) and dress a little better for the interview
When purchasing interview attire, talk to an "experienced" salesperson in a reputable,conservative clothing store

General Guidelines for Men and Women	Specific Guidelines for Women	Specific Guidelines for Men
Hair Have an industry-appropriate hairstyle	Consider pulling your hair back if it is distracting to you or others Make sure your hair is out of your face, so your expressions are not hidden	Trim sideburns to an appropriate length for your industry Determine whether or not facial hair is appropriate for your industry
Blouse/Shirt Have a simple, understated style Pressed	Understated colors A basic shell is appropriate	White or blue are the most commonly used colors for men Choose an appropriate collar style
Dress/Suit Avoid red, orange, green, or other trendy/bold colors Never wear a suit you bought last night - buy it early Make sure it is a tailored fit Coordinated top and bottom Purchase wool or wool blends; also, some of the newer microfibers wear well and are durable	Gray, navy and black are always appropriate Almost any style is acceptable No short skirts (no more than two inches above knee when sitting) Pants suits may be appropriate for some industries	Gray, navy and small pinstripes are always appropriate Choose either a traditional 2- button, double-breasted, or 3-button suit Make sure the lapel width is appropriate
Jewelry Simple watch with metallic or leather band (no sports watches)	No more than one ring on each hand No dangle bracelets Simple earrings (diamond, gold, silver or pearl stud) that do not move after nodding head	No more than one ring No earrings
Makeup	Minimal/subtle usage Conservative or clear nail polish Fingernails not excessively long	None Clean and clipped/filed fingernails
Hose/Socks	Neutral colored hose No runs (carry an extra pair with you)	Coordinated with your suit and shoes Try over-the-calf dress socks
Shoes Darker than your suit Cleaned and polished	No high heels, as you may be standing or walking a fair amount Low pumps are preferable	Wing tips Loafers Lace-up shoes are best
Briefcase/attaché/purse Leather Lightweight Coordinating portfolio case	Purse should be small, simple, and ideally match attaché, briefcase, and/or shoes Carry a portfolio or attaché to hold copies of resume, references, etc.	Carry a briefcase, attaché, or portfolio to hold copies of resume, references, etc.
Belts Dark colors are preferable	Coordinated with suit/dress	Leather/understated buckle
Scarves/Ties Silk Coordinating with your outfit	Scarf coordinated with suit/dress	The bottom of your tie should reach your belt buckle
Cologne/Perfume	Either none or very minimal	Either none or very minimal
Misc. Empty pockets (no dangling noises) No chewing gum, but carry breath mints instead No visible tattoos or body piercing