SUITS
Good quality wool blend or new washable twills
• Jackets
– Choose classic colors and styles
– Navy, black, gray, or brown best
– Avoid trendy styles – classic cuts stay in style
– Sleeves should reach the base of your hand and show a bit of the blouse cuff
• Skirts
– Just below knee length to mid-calf
– Avoid overly tight or short skirts
– Slit should be in back and not above knee
BLOUSES FOR SUITS OR SEPARATES
• Select sophisticated, complimentary colors
– White/off white
– Beige or other light colors
– Avoid red – considered a power color
– Not sleeveless for interview
• Choose silk, cotton, or quality blend fabric
• Opt for tailored blouses or shells
• No revealing cleavage or too many undone buttons
PANTS SUITS
• Acceptable business attire
• Mix and match for multiple outfits
• Choose coordinating blouse or shirt in silk, knit, or cotton
OUTERWEAR
• Invest in a good raincoat and winter dress coat
DRESSES
• Belted dresses
• Coat-style dresses
• Combine with jacket
• Below knee or mid-calf dresses
• No spaghetti strap or sleeveless dresses
SHOES
• Leather is preferable
• Colors – black, navy blue, brown or burgundy
• Pumps - up to 1 1/2" or low flats
• Closed toes and heels
• Hose should be skin color or one shade darker or lighter
• No runs or fancy patterns
• No white hose or white shoes
ACCESSORIES
• Wear small stud pearl, gold, or silver earnings – no large hoops or dangling earrings
• If you have more than one hole in your ear, adorn only one hole per ear
• Do not wear more than one pair of earrings, two finger rings, one conservative watch or bracelet
• Remove all non-traditional jewelry; i.e., nose rings, eyebrow rings, tongue studs
HAIR, MAKE-UP, AND OTHER
• Conservative and natural
• A natural shade of lipstick and blush
• Minimal eyeliner and mascara
• Neatly manicured and clean nails – shorter nails, conservative nail color
• Hair should project professional appearance: clean, neatly trimmed, and well groomed
• Longer hair should be neatly styled or pulled back from the face and secured
• Sparing use of cologne or perfume, no strong hair sprays, or other scents
• Well-brushed teeth and fresh breath
• No gum, candy, or other objects in your mouth
THE LANGUAGE OF DRESS
• Business dress – conservative - a skirted suit, dress with jacket, pants suit, tailored blouses, tailored knit tops
• Business casual – pants or skirts, tailored shirts or blouses, tailored knit sweaters and sweater sets
• Cotton, silk, and wool blends are appropriate
GENERAL TIPS
• All clothes should fit properly – not too tight or too baggy
• Attire should be always be clean, neat, pressed or wrinkle free, and without frays or holes; pants should be creased
• Shoes should be polished and shined - should not be scuffed or run down
• Quality is more important than quantity
• Pay attention to details - no missing buttons, no lint; and don’t forget to remove external tags and tacking stitches from new clothes
• Padfolios preferred over bulky briefcases; small briefcases also appropriate
