Dress For Success
Whether landing a job with Wells Fargo in Uptown or creating your own business in Charlotte, looking professional is a must. And in today's business environment, dress is more casual than ever. No longer does the world of business force its employees to wear the once mandated suit and tie. So how should you dress for an interview? The email stated business casual, but you still want to make an impression. The argument for what to wear and how to wear it is as important now as it was 30 years ago! Take advantage of this dress guide and see for yourself what to wear!
When dressing for any business event, whether an interview or business dinner, it is important to understand the setting in which the event is operating. Is the interview at the office or in a public place? In the same context, is the business dinner with the company CEO at The Capital Grille or down the street at Chili's? Understanding the environment is of utmost importance. As a rule of thumb, in all businesses situations professionalism is key.
For men, this means neatly pressed khaki or dark colored dress pants such as navy blue, black, or gray, a button down dress shirt, without wrinkles or stains, tucked in evenly around the waist. For shoes, you cannot go wrong with brown or black. It is also necessary that they are dress shoes; leather and neatly polished absent of stain or scratches always matching the belt worn. Do not wear a black belt with brown shoes and avoid odd colored belts such as white, tan, or other eccentric colors. There are options for neckties and jackets to be worn. If the environment is casual in the end it is really up to you; however, stay away from a full suit and feel free to mix and match dress pants, shirts, jackets, and/or ties as long as they match. This neat, put together look will radiate professionalism in today's business landscape.
For women, this means an appropriate length skirt, appropriate cut blouse or dress shirt, and the option of a jacket. With shoes women have countless option depending on style (i.e heels, flats, wedges, etc.) and depending on the color of the attire worn that day. It is extremely important that women wear work appropriate clothing, as you would not wear Friday night clothes to church, in the same way keep things appropriate as it does not show professionalism and will not land you a job.
While that professional look is relatively simple and self explanatory, there are exceptions that should be noted. Namely, what business are you interviewing or working for? For instance, no one wants a banker, who handles your hard earned money, to lack professionalism. In the same way, no self respecting boss wants to hire on an applicant who cannot look professional. It is in a questionable situation that over-dressing is better than under dressing. I would advise a full business suit for men and formal business dress for women. For women, the options to expand from the boring business suit do exist in the form of a professional skirt of appropriate length and matching blouse. Many women also choose to sport a jacket tailored to fit appropriately. Men, unfortunately you are stuck with the business suit; however, with so many styles, from Brooks Brothers to Joseph A. Banks, you are sure to find something to please! Feel free to expand into different colors and fits. That being said, stay in the area of darker, more classic colors, as a "coat of many colors" will come across as over confident, which no prospective employer will appreciate. The same rule of thumb can be applied to business dinners, meetings, and other business events. Remember: it is better to overdress than underdress in any business context as it conveys strongly your degree of professionalism.
Business casual can be a difficult concept to grasp and it does not indicate jeans and t-shirt. Take advantage of the guide listed above and go on to pursue your dream job. Do not over think, but keep yourself professional. Men and Women both must adapt to the changing business landscape, but that does not mean a sacrifice in your personal style. As in any thing, let your personality shine through; both in speech and in clothing. Dress for success, and do not let "business casual" strike fear, follow these simple rules of thumb and go nail that interview!