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