Appropriate attire—know difference between business casual and casual attire
Gain edge in business with appropriate attire Be sensitive to your industry Dress the part for the role you play Appearance may make or break career First impression continues to make a lasting
impression Recognize the value of company’s business
casual guidelines
Attire appropriate for meetings or an office environment
Purpose is to convey a professional appearance, as well as create an environment conducive to work
Personal expression is encouraged, but should not be taken to extremes
A classic suit A navy or black blazer
and skirt A cardigan sweater A plain white or cream
blouse in silk or rayon or a tailored tee
With a light colored jacket or sweater wear a darker colored blouse.
Pantsuits are great investments on business casual days.
Trousers and a blazer or a cardigan sweater are also appropriate.
Twill pants in black, navy, or khaki are appropriate.
If you are unsure if slacks are appropriate, simply mirror the highest-ranking female in your company.
Basic skirts in black, navy, khaki, or taupe
Skirts should be same length as business professional skirt length or longer
A long skirt makes a feminine statement for business casual
Coordinate with the other items worn Classic leather pumps or flats in black, navy,
taupe, or burgundy Hosiery should be the same shade or lighter
than shoes and hemline With short-sleeved jacket or top skin-toned
hosiery is a must Make black, navy, or burgundy handbag /
briefcase the smallest size possible to still be functional
Hair should be or give appearance of shoulder length or shorter
Makeup should accentuate features rather than jumping out--eyes and lips important communication tools
Fingernails should be well maintained
Dressing too casually 4 of the most commonly made business casual
Not wearing hosiery Wearing a skirt that is too short Wearing sleeveless or halter tops and see-through
blouses Wearing stretch pants
How to decide what is appropriate Look good Dress up a notch Thinking an outfit inappropriate means it probably is
Don’t wear business casual attire when… Not yet invested in business casual attire When talking about salary or a performance
appraisal When unsure of outfit When outfit is not cleaned or pressed When unsure about an organization’s dress code
on a visit When interacting with potential clients or
international clients
Are jeans appropriate? When the highest-ranking woman or CEO wears
them to work And, only if they are cleaned, pressed, and in
good condition
Women must look right to get foot in the door
Only suits? Some companies have
unwritten rule for suits only In other companies,
business professional dress can mean suit, dress, pantsuit, or blazer and skirt
Suits in black, navy, gray, and taupe Brighter colored jackets and skirts from
business casual may be blended into business professional
Skirts that are calf-length are appropriate A blazer and coordinating skirt is appropriate
when policy is more relaxed Long-sleeve classic style dress in a good color Black, gray, navy, and tan are good color
choices--project authority Avoid floral designs and other prints
Easy to maintain hairstyle Hair length—appearance of shoulder length
or shorter Make-up--accentuate features Eyes and lips are important communication
tools Fingernails--well maintained, subtle polish
colors or natural lookEyeglasses Glasses denote serious/intelligent Conservative frames
Dress up a notch rather than down a notch
Give extra edge by looking good on her way up ladder
Quality clothes Investment Thinking an outfit
inappropriate--probably is
Company manual Distributed to potential and present
employees Followed Enforced
Dress by and for example Knowledgeable Sensitive to own industry Dress the part for the role you play