professional etiquette

PROFESSIONAL ETIQUETTE

How to Dress for Success

OVERVIEW: Making an Impression Building your Professional

Wardrobe Specifics of Dress

BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL

BUSINESS READY BUSINESS CASUAL CASUAL CASUAL

Building your Professional Wardrobe

Invest a portion of your money in a great suit!• Lasts longer, timeless

Shop SMART• Think in advance, look for

sales• Buy pieces that are

versatile

Building your Professional Wardrobe

Before shopping, check your current wardrobe• Find pieces that you

can wear to work, then shop for “FILLERS”

Professional Wardrobe for WOMEN

Professional Wardrobe for

MEN

Building your Professional Wardrobe BUY THE ESSENTIALS

The Specifics for Women SUITS

- Pants or skirt with a matching blazer- Color: Navy, Charcoal gray,

and black - Patterns: Should be muted

The Specifics for Women BLOUSES

- Tops can be button ups, turtle necks, or fashion blouses

- Keep colors neutral. Don’t wear loud colors or patterns

The Specifics for Women SKIRTS

- Should be of modest length- Make sure the skirt is

appropriate for walking, climbing stairs, or sitting

- Slits are appropriate if not too long

- Skirts for professional wear should be fitting but not flowing

The Specifics for Men SUITS

- Pants w/ matching jacket/blazer

- Color: Navy, Charcoal gray, and black

- Patterns: Should be muted

RULE OF THUMB:Any suit jacket should fit your shoulders.

The Specifics for Women JEWELRY

- Earrings, a modest necklace, bracelet, and few rings are acceptable

- Keep the ring count down to one per hand

- Prohibited: • Dangling earrings• Loud and/or noisy

necklace and bracelet

The Specifics for Men JEWELRY

- Keep to a minimum- Wedding bands and a watch are

a maximum- Watches should be conservative

and not flashy- No earring or bracelets

TIES- Should reach the top of your belt

buckle- Buy quality ties that do not

wrinkleRULE OF THUMB:Patterned tie: SOLID COLOR SHIRTSolid color tie: STRIPED SHIRT

The Specifics for Women SHOES

- Must be clean and polished- Wear comfortable ones- Closed toe pumps are

preferred, however open/peep-toed shoes are acceptable

STOCKINGS/HOSIERY- Should be worn with skirts- Must be plain and neutral-

colored- Should look good on the

outfit

The Specifics for Men SHOES

- Best material is leather- Shoes can be with or without

shoe ties SOCKS

- Should match the color of your shoes and slacks

- Should cover or reach mid-calf

- Exposing skin due to short socks is not professional

The Specifics for Women GROOMING

- Keep hair our of your face- Nails should be painted a

natural color. - Makeup should look natural

and clean. Too much color can be distracting

- Keep nails and teeth well-maintained

The Specifics for Men GROOMING

- Keep hair, nails, and teeth well-maintained

- Hair should be short and well-kept. Long beards project a less professional image

The Specifics for Women ACCESSORIES

- Should be kept to a - minimum- Bags/handbags should be

versatile- Scarves/belts should match

your outfit BODY MODIFICATION

- Tattoos should be covered with clothing/makeup

- Piercings: One hole on each ear; any other should be removed

The Specifics for Men ACCESSORIES

- Should be kept to a minimum

- Vests, cuff links, and ties should match the rest of your outfit, but don’t wear all at once BODY MODIFICATION

- Tattoos should be covered with clothing/makeup

- Men should have no piercing visible

The Types of DressesAcceptable during weekdays: Business Professional Business – Ready Business Casual

Acceptable during weekends: Casual Casual


- Three-piece suit- Men should wear a tie- Closed-toe plain heels for

women and black leather shoes for men

RULE OF THUMB:If you have to question an item, don’t wear it.

The goal for Business Professional is to look the best that you can.

BUSINESS-READY

WOMEN: Modest skirt or pants An appropriate blouseMEN: Slacks Button-up shirt Tie

This is defined as one simple change away from business professional wear.

BUSINESS CASUALWOMEN: Wear some neutral colors,

but add one pop of color for a more casual look

Keep your attire classy and timeless

Don’t experiment with radical colors

MEN: Tie is not needed You can step away from basic

colors of blue, white, and gray

Light pastel colors are acceptable

CASUAL SATURDAY Jeans, casual pants Polo shirts/blouses Flats, Sneakers Prohibited:

T-SHIRT• Mini-skirts• Sleeveless, spaghetti

straps, tube tops• Slippers

RULE OF THUMB:Know what is appropriate.

BUSINESS READY

BUSINESS CASUAL

CASUAL SATURDAY

BIG NO NO: JEANSJeans are allowed during Casual Saturdays BUT wearing tattered jeans is strictly prohibited.

Shorts are NOT allowed in the office. Wear skirts or pants.

BIG NO NO: SHORTS

If you can see skin when bending over or sitting down,wear something different.

BIG NO NO: MINI SKIRTS

BIG NO NO: T-SHIRTST-Shirts, promotional and collarless shirts are not allowed.

Dress modestly; leave room for imagination.

BIG NO NO: Sleeveless, Tube tops, Spaghetti

Straps

BIG NO NO:Jersey, Sports Jacket, Rugged Wear Not allowed during corporate weekdays.

BIG NO NO: Sneakers Rubber shoes Sandals Slippers Boat shoes

Make sure your clothes aren’t too big.

NOT ACCEPTABLE

Facial piercings are not allowed in the office. It makes you look less professional.

NOT ACCEPTABLE

Wear solid colors or muted patterns. “Keep it neutral, keep it classy, keep it covered.”

NOT ACCEPTABLE

Leggings/Jeggings should never be worn as an alternative to pants in the office.

NOT ACCEPTABLE

DRESS how you want to be

ADDRESSED.

professional etiquette

Recruiting & HR