Dress For Success EOU Career Services Kathlyn Welch and Justin Chin

What is Business Casual? ★

Clothing that is less formal than traditional business wear, but is still intended to give a professional and businesslike impression. (“Google,” n.d.) ○ Business Casual is a ‘tricky’ situation for many Professionals--it’s always a good idea to overdressed than underdressed

(“Google,” n.d.)

Dressing For An Interview Guidelines Guys: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Dress in a manner that is professionally appropriate to the position for which you are applying Your suit should be comfortable and fit you well so that you look and act your best Avoid loud colors and flashy ties Clothing should be neat, clean, and pressed Shower or bathe the morning of the interview Wear deodorant. ○ Avoid excessive perfume, cologne or aftershave Make sure you have fresh breath. Your hair should be neat, clean, and conservative

(State, n.d.)

Dressing For An Interview Guidelines Women’s: ★ Dress in a manner that is professionally appropriate to the position for which you are applying. ★ Wear a suit jacket with a skirt or pants ★ Anything tight, bright, short, or sheer should absolutely be avoided ★ Knee-length skirts are suggested ○ Very long skirts, while modest, are also considered too trendy for an interview ★ Wear a conservative blouse with your suit ★ Makeup and nail polish should be understated and flattering ★ Keep your jewelry and hair accessories to a minimum ★ Shoes should be conservative and fairly low-heeled ○ Don’t wear shoes with an open toe or back ★ Your pantyhose should be neutral ★ Your hair should be neat, clean, and conservatively styled ○ You may want to wear your hair in an updo, pull it back into a low ponytail, or wear a barrette

(State, n.d.)

Color Meaning ★

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Black – Leadership ○ Glamour, sophistication, exclusivity ○ Management position Blue - Team Player ○ Credible and trustworthy ○ Preferred color Gray - Logical/Analytical ○ Ultimate safe choice ○ Independence or isolation (Show confidence) ○ Self-sufficient and capable White/ Beige – Organized and Detail-Oriented ○ Looking to make a clean start Brown – Dependable ○ Warmth, safety, reliability, and dependability ○ Simple and old-fashioned Red – Power and Passion ○ Bold, assertive, courage, excitement, and energy ○ Persuade or impress someone ○ Sales and the law Green, Yellow, Orange or Purple – all four colors were associated with Creative ○ Purple- Artistic and unique ○ Yellow- Optimism and creativity (Bourne, 2015) (Giang, 2013)

Do’s and Don’ts Do’s: ★ ★ ★ ★

Formal business attire (After all, it’s almost always OK to overdress.) Business-appropriate casual shirts, polo shirts, sweaters and blouses Dress shoes (for men and women) and dress sandals (just for women, most likely) Minimal, tasteful jewelry and fragrances

Don’ts: ★ Denim and sneakers — unless approved by your manager ★ Casual pants, capri pants, dresses and long skirts ★ Athletic clothing — i.e. sweatpants, sweatshirts, T-shirts, jumpsuits, tight-fitting stretch pants and leggings ★ Shorts, beachwear, halter tops, tank tops or crop tops ★ Flip-flops, clogs, rubber-soled sandals or slippers ★ Hats and hoods ★ Distracting, tight, revealing, loose or low-cut clothing ★ Visible undergarments ★ Torn or frayed clothes ★ Offensive, political or religious messages ★ Offensive or distracting tattoos or body piercings ★ Unprofessional hairstyles or hair colors ★ Excessive jewelry or use of fragrances

(Schappel, 2016)

Local Retailers for Professional Men

Local Retailers for Professional Women’s Wear

Sources Bourne, L. (2015, August 18). What colors you Should—And Shouldn’t—Wear to a job interview. Retrieved February 22, 2017, from Fashion, http://stylecaster.com/colors-you-should-and-should-not-wear-to-a-job-interview/ Google. Retrieved February 22, 2017, from https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=Define:+business+casual State, M. Dressing for interviews. Retrieved February 22, 2017, from http://careernetwork.msu.edu/jobs-internships/appearance-and-attire/dressing-for-interviews.html Schappel, C. (2016, June 10). What exactly is business casual? A do’s and don’ts dress code policy. Retrieved February 22, 2017, from http://www.hrmorning.com/what-exactly-is-business-casual-a-dos-and-donts-dress-code-policy/