"L" from GOALS program logo

Whenever you meet for a business meeting, ten impressions of you are made within the first ten seconds of that meeting.

It is in your best interest to make certain that those ten first impressions are good ones. Dressing professionally will greatly help you make good first impressions.

Business Professional

Shirt

  • Cotton & button down
  • White, off white, pale, and blue colors are preferred

Suit (Jacket & Pants)

  • Open-collar jacket shirt/suit jacket
  • Dark colors—blue, black, brown, & gray—preferred

Socks & Shoes

  • Dress shoes coordinate with suit
  • Heels intact
  • Socks should coordinate with shoes & suit
  • Long enough to not expose skin while sitting

Accessories (Tie, Jewelry, etc.)

  • Traditional silk tie that coordinates with attire
  • Wear minimal jewelry, such as a watch and ring
  • Wear light or no cologne

Shirt or Blouse

• Comfortably fitting cotton or silk blouse in a neutral color

Suit (Jacket & Pants/Skirt)

  • • Traditional colors of blue, black, gray, and brown
  • • Skirts should be of appropriate length

Stockings & Shoes

  • Shoes in solid colors—black, brown, burgundy, or navy—that match the outfit
  • Closed toe are standard
  • Stockings in neutral color without pattern

Accessories (Jewelry, Perfume, etc.)

  • Earrings should either be small studs or simple design
  • Wear one watch or bracelet
  • Wearing less perfume is best

Business Casual

Professional dress that looks relaxed yet neat and pulled together.

Shirt

  • Button down
  • Must have sleeves & collars

Suit (Pants & Jacket)

  • Khaki slacks acceptable
  • Business suit, blazer, sports coat (optional)

Socks & Shoes

  • Shoes matter, leather preferred
  • Loafers acceptable

Accessories (Tie, Jewelry, etc.)

  • Simple earrings or body piercing
  • Tip of tie if worn should reach below belt-buckle

Shirt or Blouse

  • Certain blouses made to be worn out are permitted
  • Button-down shirts
  • Tuck in shirts

Suit (Pants & Jacket)

  • Khaki slacks acceptable
  • Bus. suit, blazer, skirt, pants, dress

Stockings & Shoes

  • Loafers acceptable
  • Shoes matter, leather preferred

Accessories (Jewelry, Perfume, etc.)

  • Earrings should either be small studs or simple design

What Not To Wear

  • No shirts that have bright colors, French cuffs
  • No ties with loud colors or patterns
  • Avoid work boots
  • No non-traditional jewelry, such as nose rings, eyebrow rings, and multiple earrings
  • No tight fitting or mini-skirts
  • No blouse that is tight-fitting, wrinkled, or distracting because of loud colors
  • Do not wear a sleeveless blouse
  • Do not wear open-toe shoes, high boots, or stiletto heels
  • No printed stockings
  • Avoid large hoop and dangling earrings
  • Do not wear more than one pair of earrings and two finger rings

Other Tips

  • The quality of a suit can impress any potential employer
  • Dress as professionally as possible when hired, and then learn about the dress code
  • If uncertain about an office dress code, wear traditional business attire
  • When wearing casual business attire, dress in a classic but understated look
  • Clothing should always be clean, pressed, wrinkle free, and without holes or frayed areas
  • Hairstyle should project a professional appearance: clean, neatly trimmed, and well-groomed
  • When in doubt, leave it out

Other Dress for Success Resources

Dress to Impress: Business Casual vs. Professional Graphic

Dress for Success lists and students modeling different attire