Men’s Dress: Business Professional and Casual

X420 DISCUSSION SESSION #51

Business Dress for Men: Professional and Casual

Professional Dress Is Common in the Corporate World

Business Professional: The Suit

The first impression ALWAYS

has the most impact …

Suit Basics

Remember: Match your style to the corporate culture -- for instance,

finance is more conservative, advertising more adventurous

Remember: Match your style to the corporate culture -- for instance,

finance is more conservative, advertising more adventurous

Suit Fabric

AVOID: Sharkskin, “shiny” fabrics, poplin, corduroy, and

other more casual fabrics

Be a little conservative…please!

Suit Care

… just a little knowledge

It doesn’t require a valet…

Suit Fit

“If it feels good, wear it”

Wearing the Suit

looking good = feeling good

The Shirt Tale

Tie One On

TIP: For illustrated instructions on tyingthese knots, try www.menswearhouse.com

Just say “No”…to bow ties

If the Shoe Fits

MEN: NEVER - that is, NEVER -- show some leg. When you are seated, with your legs crossed, ONLY socks should show.

Accessories - Less is More

The boardroom isn’t for skateboarding, and the office suite isn’t a rave so:

NO earrings, NO necklaces, NO studs, NO bracelets.

The Rules of the Game - DO...

• Accommodate your dress to the corporate environment.

• Not sure? Dress up a notch rather than down.

• When in doubt, go more conservative.• Remember, your dress says who you

are.• Buy less, buy classic, buy the best .

Strategy: Choose one of the highest ranking individuals in your company -- CEO, CFO, CIO -- and emulate their style.

The Rules of the Game - DON’T...

• Use short socks – ugh! Go for mid-calf or knee-highs.

• Wear wrinkled shirts – you want that crisp, professional look

• Skip the belt. Empty belt loops are slovenly.

• Wear casual shoes, or shoes with well-worn heels.

• Never wear both braces and a belt.• Wear a brown suit to an interview.• Jangle when you walk – keep the

jewelry and pocket contents to a minimum.

Business Casual:Walking A Fine Line

Professional to Casual

Taking it down a notch…

Sport Coats

Slacks

Business casual slacks work in the office and after hours

Shirts

Collars, turtlenecks –but not crew necks

Business Casual:In General….

• Follow the “Dos” and “Don’ts” for Business Professional dress.

• Keep an eye on the fashion choices of those who set the corporate culture…do not worry about just being part of the herd, let your classic sense of style and your work set you apart.

• When in doubt, dress up a notch.• If you are not sure something is

appropriate, then it probably is not.

Business Casual:Check it Out….

This is okay…. ….and this is NOT!

Related Advantage Sessions on Self-Presentation

02/11/04 #86 Values and Ethics in Business

02/12/04 #15 Making Effective Speeches

02/16/04 #16 Better Business Grammar

02/18/04 #18 Communications Skills

EVALUATION QUESTIONS

• USE: – a. Strongly

agree– b. Agree– c. Disagree– d. Strongly

disagree– e. Don’t know

1. I found the presentation material easy to understand.

2. This discussion session increasedmy knowledge of the subject presented.

3. I will be able to use some of the Information from this session in the future.

4. The presenter was well prepared for this discussion session.

5. This presentation should be repeated in future semesters.