It’s important to dress your best for an interview AND a career fair. But it’s hard to always know what is appropriate to wear and what is not. Here you’ll find some quick-tips to help you look your best and dress for success.
- Women’s Business Attire
- A dark or gray-colored pant or skirt suit
- A solid-colored blouse
- Flats or pumps with a mid or low heel
- Natural makeup
- Simple jewelry
- Grooming: Hair combed and/or pulled back
- Women’s Business Casual
- Dress pants or pencil skirt
- A solid-colored blouse, top, button-down or cardigan
- Flats or pumps with a mid or low heel
- Natural makeup
- Simple jewelry
- Grooming: Hair combed and/or pulled back
- Men’s Business Attire
- A dark or gray-colored business suit
- A solid-colored button-down shirt (light-colored or white), subtle pinstripes
- A solid or subtle patterned tie
- Belt and socks (black or brown)
- Dress shoes (black or brown)
- Grooming: hair combed, facial hair trimmed/shaved
- Men’s Business Casual
- Dress slacks or khaki pants
- A solid-colored button-down shirt (light-colored or
- white), subtle pinstripes
- A solid or subtle patterned tie
- Belt and Socks (black or brown)
- Dress shoes (black or brown)
- Grooming: hair combed, facial hair trimmed/shaved
What NOT to wear
Women
- Sleeveless, thin-strapped or strapless dresses and tops
- Low cut or revealing dresses or tops
- Skirts or dresses that are too short. Hems that reach the knee or a little above the knee are the best options!
- T-shirts, shorts, jeans or workout clothing
- Open-toed shoes, sandals or tennis shoes
- Heels that are too tall. 2 inches or lower is the ideal heal size.
- More than 4 pieces of jewlery
- Grooming: heavy perfume, unbrushed hair
Men
- Loud patterned shirts or ties
- T-shirts, short sleeve shirts, shorts and jeans
- Flip-flops, sandals and tennis shoes
- Bare feet (always wear dress socks)
- Rolled-up sleeves
- Sunglasses
- Hats or ball caps
- Grooming: messy hair, untrimmed beard or stubble on your face
Things You Should Know
- Keep it clean, first impressions are important. Consider taking out your piercings and covering up your tattoos.
- You should cut the threads (usually is the shape of an “X”) that hold the vents (or flaps) together on new suits, blazers and skirts.
- Avoid wearing strong perfumes or lotions. Remember some people can be overpowered by smells.
- You should wear your name tag on your right side so the person shaking your hand will not only hear your name, but also see it.
- Leave phones, sunglasses, lanyards, backpacks, or anything that could be distracting in your car or at a designated storage space.
- Dressing for success doesn’t have to cost a fortune—think outside the box! Check out reasonably-priced stores such as Target and Walmart, or even local consignment shops like Goodwill and Salvation Army. And don’t hesitate to borrow from someone!
Brought to you by: Ashley Alcala