Professional Attire How to DRESS to IMPRESS

Importance of Professional Attire A person’s appearance affects the way one is perceived (viewed) by an audience. Example: If President Obama came to a debate in a t-shirt that read “Obama for your Mama”, Would he be president today?

Dressing for Success

Professional Attire for Ladies Dark Suits If you wear skirts or dresses they need to be conservative (to the knee, dark with simple patterns) Coordinated Blouse or Knit Shell (no spaghetti straps) Limited jewelry , Sheer Hose, Close-Toe  Neat (polished), if heels worn no more than 2 inches professional hairstyle (neat and out of face, not distracting) Manicured nails If you wear nail polish (not required), use clear or a conservative color One set of earrings only No visible body piercing (nose rings, eyebrow rings, etc.) Minimal perfume

Professional Attire for Gentlemen Dark Suit, Long-sleeved Shirt (White or Light Blue), Conservative Tie, Dark Socks, Matching Belt & Shoes (polished) Neat, professional hairstyle Neatly trimmed nails No visible body piercing (nose rings, eyebrow rings, etc.) No earrings (if you normally wear one, take it out) Minimal cologne

Presentation Expectations Ladies and Gentlemen are NOT expected to wear suits. At minimum all students are expected to have a collared shirt (polo or long sleeved) Nice slacks Leather shoes (Tennis are NOT acceptable)

Extra Grooming Tips Hair should be clean, neat, trimmed and out of face Nails should be clean and trimmed neatly Clothes should be ironed and should be neat. Make up should be limited and not distracting (sedated colors, should look almost natural) Ties should be simple and not distracting (solid colors work best but sedated designs are acceptable, NO cartoon characters acceptable) All pants and shirts should fit properly