Business Dress For Men And Women

Business Dress – Men

The general dress code guidelines for men during an interview are that they wear suits in navy blue or dark blue. 

This is preferred over gray or charcoal gray. Sometimes brown can be acceptable but not on the first interview. 

 Usually, the darker the suit, the more authority it carries. But beware; a man should never wear black to an interview unless he is applying as an undertaker. 

A two piece suit is acceptable as is a three button single breasted jacket. 

What matters most is that the suit fits well and it is good quality.  

 The trousers should fit comfortably at the waist and a slimmer fit is preferred.   

There should only be a slight break where the trouser hits the shoe.

 If your ankles are showing, they are way too short. 

A man at an interview should always wear a long sleeved shirt either in white, cream or pale blue.

  Monograms are not a good decision on the first interview.  If you tend to perspire often, cotton shirts are the way to go professionally cleaned and starched. 

  The higher the cotton content, the better the shirt will look.  Make sure your shirt fits the neck properly and that the sleeve cuff ends just at the wrist. 

All your interview clothes should be professionally cleaned and pressed and ready to go.

Ties that are cheap looking do not give off a good first impression. 

A pure silk tie makes the most powerful professional impact, has the best finish and feel, and is easiest to tie well.  The tie should complement your suit, not match it. 

 No outlandish, flamboyant ties are necessary.  The length of the tie should be extended to your trouser belt.

Shoes should be brown or black leather.  No other materials or colors are acceptable.  Socks should complement the suit, blue, black, gray, or brown. 

 A briefcase is a symbol of authority, which makes a strong professional statement.  Brown or burgundy are the colors of choice. 

As with women, men’s jewelry should be kept to a minimum.  No visible body piercing or tattoos -if you can help it.

This clean cut, well manicured image says a lot about a professional man. 

He should smell wonderful, have a nicely trimmed hair cut and appear clean and crisp.  Good luck.

Business Dress - Women

Like it or not, the first impression people get from you is your appearance.  When engaged in an interview or you are already hired, you always want to look best. 

 Clean cut, professional looking people get treated like a professional. 

 How you dress sends specific signals to people.  Let’s start from head to toe for women.  First of all, never wear too much jewelry or makeup.  One item of jewelry is enough.  

 A small ring on one finger, or small earrings is plenty.   

No big loops ladies.  Makeup should be conservative, just plain powder or concealer and barely any eye makeup.  No lipstick is appropriate at an interview.  

 It is just not professional.  The woman’s suit should be wool, linen, or cotton/polyester. 

Stick with navy, gray, and medium blues, at least for the first interview. 

As for blouses, solid colors and natural fabrics, such as cotton or silk look clean and professional.  

 A scarf says a lot about a business woman; it is a powerful status symbol. 

 Shoes should never be open toed and stay within 2 ½ inch heels, nothing faddish or multicolored.  

 The color of your shoe should be the same or darker than your skirt. 

Pantyhose should always be neutral skin tones, nothing outlandish, unless you are interviewing in the fashion industry. 

  A briefcase is an excellent choice for a business woman, but don’t bring along your purse too.  It looks awkward trying to juggle them around. 

You should choose either brown or burgundy, black or navy, either one is fine. 

  You do not want to ever distract the interviewer with your outfit, makeup or accessories.  Last but definitely not least is your personal hygiene. 

Bad breath, dandruff, body odor, and dirty unmanicured nails do not give a good impression.   

When it comes to body odor, you are what you eat.  If you consume a lot of garlic, onions, cilantro, and junk food, not only will it show in your skin, but it will seep through your pores.  Gross. 

Make sure you eat a natural healthy diet so you always smell pleasant.