Dress for Success: A Guide to Business Attire

Business Casual? Business Professional?

Attending a Career Fair… Initial Interview… Second Interview…

Business Professional is the formal, buttoned-up standard — think interviews, career fairs, and client-facing presentations. Business Casual is a step down in formality but still polished — appropriate for networking events, mixers, and most everyday office settings.

It’s all exciting to think about until you are standing in front of your closet…. You want to look polished and professional, without over-doing it.

Stepbrothers. Directed by Adam McCay, Columbia Pictures, 2008. Still image.

(image for illustration purposes only…not an endorsement of what to wear to an interview…)

Business Professional:

For everyone: full suit (matching jacket and pants/skirt), in a neutral color like navy, black, or charcoal. Closed-toe leather shoes. Minimal, professional accessories. Hair neat and controlled.

• Men: matching suit jacket and trousers, dress shirt (long sleeve, tucked in), tie, belt matching shoe color, dress shoes (oxfords or derbies), dark socks.
• Women: matching suit (pantsuit or skirt suit), blouse underneath, closed-toe heels or flats, hosiery optional, understated jewelry.

Business Casual:

For everyone: still put-together, but no suit required. Collared shirts, tailored pants or skirts, and clean, simple shoes hit the mark.

• Men: button-down shirt or polo (tie optional), dress pants or chinos, belt, loafers or clean dress shoes — no jeans, sneakers, or t-shirts.
• Women: blouse or a nice sweater, dress pants, skirt (knee-length or longer), or a professional dress; flats, loafers, or low heels — no jeans, sneakers, or overly casual sandals.