Dress for Success
| MEN | WOMEN | |
| SUITS | 100% Wool blend looks and wears better than any other material.Darker suits carry more authority, but avoid black (it’s too formal)Solid colors and pinstripes are best, as long as the pinstripes are muted and narrow. | Solid dark color suits carry more authority, preferably navy, burgundy or gray.Skirts should be knee lengths or longer, so when you sit it does not rise above the knees.Dresses are too casual for interviews.Please cover all body tattoos. |
| SHIRTS/BLOUSES | Pinstripes should be thin.Solid white convey honesty, intelligence, and stability.Cotton looks better and holds up better under perspiration.Always wear an ironed shirt, even if the shirt claims to be “wash and wear”.Always wear long sleeved shirts, with cuffs extending below suit sleeve.Always wear a totally white T-shirt with sleeves under shirt.Cotton/polyester blends are acceptable. The higher the cotton content, the better you’ll look. | Wear a blouse that is a business style.Solid white conveys honesty, intelligence and stability.Your blouse should always compliment and add color to your suit.No ruffles and scarves.Absolutely NO cleavage exposed at any time.No loud colors or busy prints, it’s too disturbing. |
| TIES | Linen wrinkles too easily.Wool ties are too casual for interviews.Your tie should compliment and add color to your suit.Width should be approximately the same as lapels, generally 2 inches wide.100% silk ties make the most powerful and professional impact and are also the easiest to tie. | |
| SHOES | Large wing tips are the most conservative.Black and brown leather are the best colors.Slip-on dress shoes (even those with tassels) are the most versatile for day to evening. | Dark basic pumps. |
| SOCKS/HOISERY | Socks should complement the suit or be the same color as shoes.They should not bunch around your ankles.They should be long enough that skin is not seen when legs are crossed. | Sheer black, blue, taupe, ivory and natural colors enhance the appearance.No loud colors, designs or stripes, it is unprofessional.Please do not wear hosiery with any types of runs or discoloration. |
| HAIR | Clean hair in a professional conservative style. | Clean hair in a professional conservative style.No corn rows or colorful hair extensions.No stringy or shaggy style.Clean braid tastefully styled. |
| MAKE-UP | A natural/soft application of color to enhance your beauty.No strong or loud colors, it’s too distracting.No false eyelashes. | |
| ASSESSORIES | Jewelry should be very simple and conservative.Avoid body piercing jewelry, earrings, bracelets and rings on index and pinky fingers.Avoid sharp or smelly colognes.Avoid lapel pins except your school’s or professional organization’s logo/seal (approximate size of a nickel).Briefcases should be leather; browns and burgundy are the best colors.Watches should be simple and plain (avoid Mickey Mouse, logo, and sports watches).Belts should be leather and should match or compliment shoes (blue/black/gray suit=brown belt and shoes). The buckle should be simple. | Jewelry should be simple and conservative,ONLY one set of small earring sand no more than two rings worn at one time.Avoid body piercing jewelry, ankle bracelets and ring on index and pinky finger.Avoid sharp and smelly perfumes.Watches should be simple and plain (avoid Mickey Mouse, logo, and sports watches).Your briefcase should be dark leather, preferably no purses.Polished fingernails with a natural or french manicure color, no designs or jewelry.Take notes with a gold or silver pen. |