1. CBP Program – Business Etiquette
Module 8: Business Attire and Professionalism

2. Module 8: Business Attire and Professionalism
Objectives:
Suggest ways for creating a business style and professional image.
Note the attire requirements of dress codes on invitations.
Recommend acceptable business attire.
Discuss the role of personal grooming in the business environment.
Explain the impact that culture plays on business attire.

3. Introduction
Business attire is used to demonstrate professionalism. It allows for individuality and personal expression within the confines of business etiquette guidelines.

4. Business Style and Professional Image
You should dress in a manner to which others relate.
Dress in a manner that demonstrates our core etiquette values of respect and consideration for others.

5. Dress Codes These are some of the different dress codes: Black Tie
Creative Black Tie
Black Tie Optional
White Tie
Semi-formal
Dressy Casual
Business Casual
Sport Casual

6. Guidelines for Appropriate Business Attire
Women
Dark suits
Jacket and skirt
Two-piece dress
Solid color blouses
Gold or silver earrings
Scarves
Darks pumps
Men
Dark suits
Tie
Sports coat
Slip-on and lace-up shoes

7. Guidelines for Appropriate Business Attire continued…
Appropriate “BUSINESS CASUAL”:
Women
Skirts, slacks, skorts
Chinos or corduroys
Cotton shirts
Sweaters
Blazers
Low-healed shoes or boots
Men
Chinos
Sport shirts with collars
Polo shirts
Sweater or sport jacket
Casual loafers or lace-up shoes

8. Guidelines for Appropriate Business Attire continued…
Appropriate “business casual” attire never includes the following:
Jeans
Athletic wear (ex. Sweat suits)
Leggings
T-shirts
Bare midriffs
Low cut garments
Workout clothes (running or gym shoes, sneaker, or sandals)
Hats, caps
Ripped or tattered clothing
Tight blouses, short skirts, or other suggestive clothing

9. Grooming for Success
Grooming is an important part of demonstrating professionalism and excellence.
So pay attention to hair, breath, body odor, nails, and makeup.

10. Multicultural Dressing
Different cultures may have different ways of dressing that is appropriate for different situations.
Examples:
In India – Sari
Africa – Dashiki
China - Cheongsam
We must be careful not to think that our culture holds a monopoly on acceptable attire etiquette.