- Suit
- Long sleeve shirt (white or pastel coordinated with suit)
- Polished dress shoes
- Tie
- Plain black or brown belt
- Dark socks, tall enough to cover legs
- Little or no jewelry (no earrings)
- Neat, professional hairstyle
- Limit the aftershave or cologne
- Neatly trimmed nails and face
- Light briefcase or portfolio
- Suit (pant or skirt suit)
- Suit skirt must be below knees
- Coordinated blouse
- Closed toe dress shoes or basic pumps (1-2” heels allowed)
- Limited jewelry
- Professional hairstyle
- Neutral pantyhose
- Light make-up and perfume
- Neatly manicured clean nails
- Light briefcase or portfolio
- No missing buttons, crooked ties/scarves, lint or loose threads
- No food, drink, gum, candy, or cigarettes
- No cellphone, music player (IPod), etc.
- Limit jewelry (no jewelry is better than cheap jewelry)
- Cover all visible tattoos and piercing's
- Empty pockets—no bulges or tinkling coins
- Tuck shirt inside undergarments for smoother fit
- Before going to an interview, make sure attire is appropriately laundered and fits correctly
- Have clothes ready night before to save time gathering them day of interview
- If clothes are dry clean only, have them cleaned after interviews to be ready for next time
- Bring a breath mint and use it before entering the building (dissolve before interview)
- Clothing should not be revealing: cleavage, stomach, back, and legs must be covered
- Monochromatic dressing and vertical lines within clothing looks taller and thinner; a richer look
- Judgment is usually made by the interviewer within the first two seconds, make it positive
- Ask a friend to evaluate and provide feedback on chosen attire
- Invest in a full-length mirror to appraise own appearance
- Students rarely get turned down for being overdressed
The way you dress for a meeting is an indication of how you perceive the importance of the interaction.
Al Catrone
Put even the plainest woman into a beautiful dress and unconsciously she will try to live up to it.
Lady Duff-Gordon
We suggest students think in terms of 'office dress' as the appropriate dress for interviews. Dress up, not down. If you don't know, it's easier to take a tie off than not have one to put on. Make an error in dressing more formally than the opposite.
Bill Brady