Look the Part for the Classroom and the Work Place Office of Career Services

As an up and coming professional, you represent a brand and that brand is YOU! The way you talk, walk, act, and look reflects the brand. Before you even speak a word, most people will size you up by your appearance. Thats why it is imperative that you build a wardrobe that correlates with the brand. The following slides provide some tips and insight on creating a winning brand.

While you are considered an adult, what you wear and the way you present yourself speaks volumes about your character and the manner in which people, including your professors, will treat and respond to you. College is a place of higher learning and wearing pajamas, sagging pants, mini dresses, house shoes, and head scarves/wraps on campus contradicts a higher level of thinking and being. While it isnt necessary to wear a suit to class, it is expected of you to dress like you are suited to learn and not doing chores around the house.

Baseball caps or hats (worn in the classroom) Low-cut shirts Visible bra straps Midriff shirts Pajamas, long johns or underwear styles Hair scarves, wraps and doo-rags Flip flops Suggestive or vulgar wording or pictures on apparel Frayed or torn clothing Tight, formfitting shorts, pants, jeans, dresses and skirts

Inappropriate Class/On-campus Attire

Appropriate Class/On-campus Attire

Business attire is appropriate for job/internship interviews and professional places of employment. Business attire is different from weekend and evening wear. Investing in a good business wardrobe is an investment in your professional future. While skills and experience count, so does personal appearance and that all important first impression.

In men's clothing, fashion does not change significantly from season to season but proper business attire is about being professional and not about being fashionable. It's about presenting yourself in a way that makes the interviewer and your potential clients feel comfortable and confident with you. Dressing for success is still the rule. Keep in mind these points when deciding what to wear to an interview as well as to work. Business Attire Consultant Lydia Ramsey

Pressed and professional suit; dark colors: gray, navy, black, or brown. Solids or muted pinstripes Jacket and pants should be the same color. Button jacket when standing; unbutton when seating White or conservative color dress shirt. Straight collar; long sleeves. Cuffs extending ¼ beyond jacket sleeve Conservative tie Polished shoes and matching belt Dark socks to compliment suit and long enough that skin is not seen when legs are crossed Hairstyles should be conservative; get a haircut if necessary Hands and nails neat and clean Keep cologne to a minimum Earrings, tongue rings, eyebrow rings, nose rings and visible tattoos are unacceptable (use a concealer to hide visible tattoos)

Mens Business Professional

When women entered the workplace in the 1970's and 1980's in greater numbers than ever before and began to move into positions which had traditionally been held by men, many of them believed that they needed to imitate male business attire. The result was women showing up at the office in skirted suits or coordinated skirts and jackets with tailored blouses finished off with an accessory item that looked very much like a man's tie. Happily those days are gone. While the business woman now wears pants to work, she does it out of a desire to appear professional and at the same time enjoy the flexibility and comfort that pants offer over skirts. Her goal is no longer to mirror her male colleagues. Business Attire Consultant Lydia Ramse y

The same overall rules apply to womens work attire as to mens. Business clothing is not a reflection of the latest fashion trend. A woman should be noticed for who she is and her professional skills rather than for what she wears. Her business wear should be appropriate for her industry and her position or title within the industry. Business Attire Consultant Lydia Ramsey

Pressed and professional pant or skirt business suit Solid colors are best: navy, black, gray or brown Solid or muted pinstripes Skirt length should be at or right below the knee Shirt collar or jewel (rounded) neckline, blouse or shell. No visible cleavage Flesh-tone hosiery; no bare legs (bring an extra pair in the event of an emergency) Hair styles should be conservative in style and color Polished closed-toe shoes no higher than 1½ inches Hands and nails should be clean and neat, nails no longer that ¾ inch with conservative nail polish Tongue rings, eyebrow rings, nose rings and visible tattoos are unacceptable (use a concealer to hide visible tattoos) Limited jewelry – earrings no larger than a quarter and one ring per hand, one necklace etc. Keep perfume and scented lotions to a minimum

Womens Business Professional

Campus business casual is appropriate for career fairs, employer information sessions, class and informal segments of an on-site interview.

Pants or skirt: Jacket is not necessary. Darker colors best; soft colors-business patterns. Stay professional no trendy or campus attire Skirt length: At knee or just below. No short skirts or tight skirts or pants Woven shirts: Cotton or cotton/polyester blend. Any muted, conservative solid, stripe, or plaid. Button-down or straight collar. Long sleeves are best. Not even a hint of cleavage. Ensure that button closures across chest are not too tight Knit shirts: Cotton, wool, cashmere or silk blends. Short or long sleeve. Sweater sets. No hint of cleavage Shoes: No bare toes. Black, burgundy, brown leather. Pumps or flats with 1½ heel; no stilettos Pantyhose, tights or trouser socks Tongue rings, eyebrow rings, nose rings and visible tattoos are unacceptable (use a concealer to hide visible tattoos)

1. Ask your human resources department for official guidelines. Business casual means different things at different companies. 2. Before you go casual, check your daily planner to make sure you don't have any meetings that require formal business attire. 3. Select clean, wrinkle-free clothes. 4. Wear a good-quality blouse or knit shirt. Include a casual blazer or cardigan if appropriate. 5. Wear pressed khakis or other slacks, or a dress or skirt. If a dress is sleeveless, wear a blazer or cardigan over it. Check your company's policy before you decide to wear jeans to work. Wear shoes that are comfortable and appropriate for your outfit. 7. Keep the makeup light. Let your natural beauty shine through. 8. Accessorize with a silk scarf or classic bracelet to give your casual outfit a polished look. eHow Fashion

Womens Business Casual Campus & On the Job

Pressed slacks--jacket is not necessary. Check for proper rise fit and inseam. Jacket and pants do not need to be same color Woven shirts: 100% cotton or cotton/polyester blend. Any muted, conservative solid, stripe, or plaid. Button- down/straight collar. Long sleeves Knit shirts: Natural fibers and blends. Must have collar. Short or long sleeve. No crew neck (t-shirt) collars. Sweater vest or sweater over collared shirt Ties: Not necessary, but acceptable Shoes and belt: Dark leather slip-on or lace-up. Polished and clean. Belt should match shoe color Socks: NO WHITE SOCKS. Dark color should complement pants/shoes. Light to medium weight Tongue rings, eyebrow rings, nose rings and visible tattoos are unacceptable (use a concealer to hide visible tattoos)

1. Ask your human resources department for official guidelines. Business casual means different things at different companies. At a large corporation, it may mean a sport coat with a tie; at a smaller company, it may mean khakis and a polo shirt. 2. Check your daily planner to make sure you don't have any meetings that require formal business attire. 3. Select clean, pressed and wrinkle-free clothes. 4. Wear a collared shirt with an undershirt. You can break up the oxford shirt monotony by wearing a linen or flannel shirt or one with a band collar. Knitted shirts and polo shirts are also generally acceptable. A casual sport coat is appropriate. Wear khakis, chinos, corduroys or other non-denim slacks. Check your company's policy before you decide to wear jeans to work. Wear a belt that matches the color of your shoes. Wear socks that match the color of your pants; leave white socks or tube socks in your gym bag. Choose oxfords, loafers, rubber soled leather shoes or boots for casual day. Wingtips are often too formal. Worn-out shoes, sandals or athletic shoes don't make the grade. eHow Fashion

Mens Business Casual Campus & On the Job

The old adage: First impressions are lasting impressions rings true especially when it comes to your attire. You dont have to spend a million bucks to look like it. Style is just as much about attitude and class. Go through your closet and get rid of those items that dont speak to your desired professional and personal path; as well as those items that are too small. Whats the point of earning excellent grades but not scoring a great job or keeping it because of your appearance. Visit the Office of Career Services Clothes Closet if you are in need of professional attire. We are more than happy to assist you.

Contact the Office of Career Services to schedule an appointment for a mock interview, discuss career options, or get assistance in writing your cover letter and resume, and other career-related matters. Monday, Wednesday 12:00-4:00pm Tuesday, Thursday 9:00am-1:00pm Friday 10:00am-12:00pm SBE, Suite 230 or References: Ramsey, Lydia, Dressing Your Best For Women, eHow Fashion,