Dress to Impress Gregory Victory Director Center for Leadership & Student Involvement Colgate University
Sep 21, 2014
Dress to Impress
Gregory VictoryDirectorCenter for Leadership &Student Involvement Colgate University
The Basics
• The traditional rules of interview dress are still the best rules: – Simple and Conservative– Apparel should be clean and pressed.– Apparel should fit well and remain in place when
sitting or walking.
• Your interviewing wardrobe should consist of the basics:– A solid color.– Conservative suit with a coordinated shirt or blouse.– Moderate shoes.– A portfolio or briefcase.
The Basics
• Hygiene– Clean hair– Fresh breathe– Men (clean shaved) – Controlled body odor
• Body Decorations– No visible tattoos– No visible body piercing
Guidelines for Women
Women’s Suits
• When interviewing for a professional position, a classic suit is a must have.
• Choose a solid color so you'll be properly attired, regardless of where you're interviewing.
Women’s Suits
• High End Suit Makers– Ann Taylor– Ann Taylor Loft– Jones New York – Casual Corner– Kasper– Talbots– Banana Republic – Worthington
Women’s Suits
• Petite Sizes– Ann Taylor – Ann Taylor Loft– Petite Sophisticate– Talbots
Women’s Suits
• Plus Sizes– Worthington
(JC Penny)– Lane Bryant – Talbots– Just My Size
(on-line)
Women’s Blouses
• Fitted or loose fit. • Consider a cotton
or silk collared shirt or a blouse.
• The color or pattern should coordinate with your suit.
• Absolutely no cleavage.
Skirt and Hosiery
• Skirt is knee length. • Buy skin-matching
panty hose. – No Prints
• Consider support hose if you're going to be on your feet all day.
Women’s Shoes
• Flats or shoes with a low/moderate heel will comfortably dress-up your interview attire.
• Make sure your shoes match or coordinate with your suit.
• No open-toed shoes.
Hygiene
• Hair– Clean– Neat– Conservative– Don’t play with hair
• Make-Up – Sparse– Light perfume– Manicured nails– Conservative and
natural colors.
Accessories
• Small • “Natural”
– Pearls– Silver/diamond– Gem stones
• No jingling bracelets• Cell phone OFF
Carrying Cases
• Briefcase or purse, but not both.
• Also consider a simple portfolio as an effective substitute.
Professional Over Trendy
Guidelines for Men
Men’s Suits
• The Suit– Wear a matching suit in
navy, black or gray (pinstripe or solid).
– Wear a navy blazer and gray dress slacks.
• The Shirt– Wear white or blue dress
shirt that contrasts with the jacket and/or tie.
– And iron them if they are new!!
The Tie
• A (silk or silk-like) tie should coordinate with the jacket and pant.
• Choose a tie that strongly contrasts with the color of your shirt.
• Select subtle or simple patterns to enhance credibility.
Shoes
• Shoes– Wear conservative,
clean, and polished shoes.
– Select lace-up, not slip-on dress shoes.
– The color should be dark or blend with pant.
• Belt– Select a leather belt that
visually blends or matches your shoes.
Socks
• Socks should be calf-length or above the calf.
• Choose natural-fiber blends that allow a flow of air and do not hold in perspiration and heat.
• NO WHITE SOCKS!!!!
Hygiene
• A short hair cut and no facial hair is expected
• Cologne should never be strong. A fragrance can cause an allergic reaction or offend the interviewer.
Carrying Cases
• Your briefcase is part of visual effect.
• Also consider a simple portfolio as an effective substitute.– No commercial
logos.
QUIZ
Dressing on Budget
• Plan ahead…and Don’t Pay Full Price!!!
• Invest in impressive, classic, well-made separates that can be combined for a 'professional' or 'casual Friday' look
• Purchase matching components. Having options such as wearing a skirt or pant with jacket or vest multiplies possible combinations.
• Use shirts/blouses/sweaters to create variety of visual effects.
• Select ties/scarves and jewelry that add to possible visual variety.
Do Your Research
• Ask about the dress code at the company
• Some fields have stricter guidelines than others: finance/law/accounting
• Dress for the position 2 levels higher than what you are interviewing for
• When in doubt, dress conservatively!
Questions and Answers