Dress Codes

Before you say a word, your appearance has already made an impression. Appearance is about how you present yourself, not what you look like. You may not like or agree with the dress code (and some of it might feel outdated or uncomfortable), but in professional settings, appearance and presentation matter and should be taken seriously.

Following the dress code shows respect. Just like you wouldn't show up to your friend's black tie wedding in jeans, you shouldn't show up to an interview with jeans if the dress code is business professional. Similar to first impressions, people will make assumptions based on how you show up, and those assumptions can either work for you or against you.

Dress for the Role You Want

Tips to look your best

• Always be well-groomed. At a minimum, this means being clean and neat.
• When in doubt, dress more conservatively and formally.
• Do not mistake casual clothes for business casual attire.
• Neatness is always more important when you are dressed casually.
• Be conscientious of the fit of your clothing. Proper fit and tailoring your clothing (if necessary) are more important than the cost or brand of the clothing.
• Dark colors complement your shape and create the appearance of authority.
• Avoid clothes that have stains, rips, holes, or missing buttons.
• Keep your clothing well-maintained and utilize dry cleaning as needed.
• Choose wrinkle-free options, such as performance materials, if you prefer not to iron.
• When buying a suit, do the "scrunch" test to test wrinkle resistance. The scrunch test is when you ball up the fabric with your hands to see if wrinkles are easily created.
• If you purchase a suit jacket or sport coat and there is thread to keep the jacket flaps in place in the back, cut it before wearing. The same is true with the back slit of a woman's skirt.
• Keep your shoes polished (if leather) and in excellent condition.
• Match your socks to your pants, not your shoes. Stick to solid or subtle patterns for interview settings. Socks should be high enough to cover your shin when sitting.
• Belts should match the color of your shoes.
• Pay attention to the condition of your accessories, such as a padfolio, pen, briefcase, purse, or umbrella.
• Your hands are very noticeable, so make sure you take care of your nails. This applies to both genders.
• Avoid chewing gum. It is not appropriate in business settings.

Business Professional

Suits in dark or neutral colors (e.g., navy or gray) with a long-sleeved dress shirt and tie (depending on scenario). Dress pants and a belt with a button-down shirt and a blazer or sport coat are also acceptable. Polished dress shoes with dress socks that match pants and minimal accessories.

Business Casual

Dress pants, chinos, or dark jeans paired with a collared shirt, such as a button-down or polo, which can also be worn under a quarter-zip, sweater, or blazer. Performance dress pants paired with loafers is also a popular choice. Don't forget a belt.

Tips

• Regarding suit jacket buttons:
  • Two-Button Jacket
    • Top button: Buttoned when standing
    • Bottom button: Never buttoned
    • When sitting: Unbutton completely
  • Three-Button Jacket
    • Top button: Optional (can be buttoned or left undone)
    • Middle button: Always buttoned when standing
    • Bottom button: Never buttoned
    • When sitting: Unbutton completely
• Wear a long-sleeve shirt with a suit.
• Make sure your collar and sleeve lengths are sized correctly.
• Ties should be tied long enough to reach the tip of your belt buckle.
• Hair, facial hair, and nails should be well-groomed.
• Apply cologne and aftershave sparingly or not at all.
• When selecting dress shoes, know that the thinner the sole, the dressier the shoe.

Business Professional

Dresses, pant suits, or skirt suits with a blouse or top. Shoulders should be covered. Closed-toe heels, minimal jewelry, and neat hairstyles.

Business Casual

Dress pants, dark jeans, skirts, or dresses paired with blouses, knit tops, or sweaters. Flats, loafers, or heels are common.

Tips

• Avoid all clothing that is too revealing, including clothes that are too tight, too short, or that show cleavage.
• Jewelry, makeup, and hairstyle should be kept simple.
• Apply perfume and scented hand lotion sparingly.
• If you choose to paint your nails, select a color that is appropriate for your workplace environment.

Dry Cleaning Basics

Dry cleaning keeps dress clothes crisp, structured, and stain-free, which is essential for interviews, internships, and networking events.

What to Dry Clean

• Wool or wool-blended suits or blazers
• Dress shirts (especially if they stain or wrinkle easily)
• Silk, linen, or specialty fabrics
• Men's ties
• Clothes labeled "dry clean only"

Pro Tips

• Rotate your wardrobe and don't over-wash or over-dry-clean clothes, as this can wear them out.
• Use garment bags to protect clothes in transit and from closet dust. If it's something you don't wear often, avoid storing it in plastic garment bags because they can cause clothing to yellow by trapping moisture.
• When getting your cotton dress shirts dry-cleaned, ask for light starch for crispness without stiffness.

The Small Details Matter

Before interviews, networking events, or important first meetings, do a quick personal appearance check. These details may seem minor, but they can strongly influence the impression you make, especially in professional settings.

• Nails: Keep your nails clean and trimmed. If wearing polish, keep it neat and free from chips.
• Hair: Clean, brushed, and styled away from your face; facial hair (if any) trimmed and maintained.
• Hygiene: Fresh breath, deodorant, no overpowering fragrances.
• Clothing: Clean, wrinkle-free, stain-free, and lint-free; properly fitted.
• Jewelry: Simple and clean.
• Makeup (if worn): Not distracting.
• Socks: Match to your pants.
• Belt: Match with the color of your shoes.
• Shoes: Clean, polished (if leather), and in good condition.

Accessories Matter Too

Even items that seem secondary say something about your professionalism:

• Phone case: Clean, simple, not flashy.
• Notebook or padfolio: Presentable and organized.
• Pen: Reliable, professional-looking (for example, do not bring a freebie pen with a company logo).
• Bag, backpack, or purse: Neutral, clean, and in good condition.

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