Appropriate attire—know difference between business casual and casual attire

Gain edge in business with appropriate attire

Be sensitive to your industry Dress the part for the role you play Appearance may make or break career First impression continues to make a

lasting impression Recognize the value of company’s

business casual guidelines

Attire appropriate for meetings or an office environment

Purpose is to convey a professional appearance, as well as create an environment conducive to work

Personal expression is encouraged, but should not be taken to extremes

A classic suit A navy or black blazer

and skirt A cardigan sweater A plain white or cream

blouse in silk or rayon or a tailored tee

With a light colored jacket or sweater wear a darker colored blouse.

Pantsuits are great investments on business casual days.

Trousers and a blazer or a cardigan sweater are also appropriate.

Twill pants in black, navy, or khaki are appropriate.

If you are unsure if slacks are appropriate, simply mirror the highest-ranking female in your company.

Basic skirts in black, navy, khaki, or taupe

Skirts should be same length as business professional skirt length or longer

A long skirt makes a feminine statement for business casual

Coordinate with the other items worn Classic leather pumps or flats in black, navy,

taupe, or burgundy Hosiery should be the same shade or lighter

than shoes and hemline With short-sleeved jacket or top skin-toned

hosiery is a must Make black, navy, or burgundy handbag /

briefcase the smallest size possible to still be functional

Hair should be or give appearance of shoulder length or shorter

Makeup should accentuate features rather than jumping out--eyes and lips important communication tools

Fingernails should be well maintained

Dressing too casually 4 of the most commonly made business casual

Not wearing hosiery Wearing a skirt that is too short Wearing sleeveless or halter tops and see-through

blouses Wearing stretch pants

How to decide what is appropriate Look good Dress up a notch Thinking an outfit inappropriate means it probably is

Don’t wear business casual attire when… Not yet invested in business casual attire When talking about salary or a performance

appraisal When unsure of outfit When outfit is not cleaned or pressed When unsure about an organization’s dress code

on a visit When interacting with potential clients or

international clients

Are jeans appropriate? When the highest-ranking woman or CEO wears

them to work And, only if they are cleaned, pressed, and in

good condition

Don’t wear business casual attire when… Not yet invested in business casual attire When talking about salary or a performance

appraisal When unsure of outfit When outfit is not cleaned or pressed When unsure about an organization’s dress code

on a visit When interacting with potential clients or

international clients

Are jeans appropriate? When the highest-ranking woman or CEO wears

them to work And, only if they are cleaned, pressed, and in

good condition

Women must look right to get foot in the door

Only suits? Some companies have

unwritten rule for suits only

In other companies, business professional dress can mean suit, dress, pantsuit, or blazer and skirt

Suits in black, navy, gray, and taupe Brighter colored jackets and skirts from

business casual may be blended into business professional

Skirts that are calf-length are appropriate

A blazer and coordinating skirt is appropriate when policy is more relaxed

Long-sleeve classic style dress in a good color

Black, gray, navy, and tan are good color choices--project authority

Avoid floral designs and other prints

Easy to maintain hairstyle Hair length—appearance of shoulder length

or shorter Make-up--accentuate features Eyes and lips are important communication

tools Fingernails--well maintained, subtle polish

colors or natural lookEyeglasses Glasses denote serious/intelligent Conservative frames

Dress up a notch rather than down a notch

Give extra edge by looking good on her way up ladder

Quality clothes Investment Thinking an outfit

inappropriate--probably is

Company manual Distributed to potential and present

employees Followed Enforced

Dress by and for example Knowledgeable Sensitive to own industry Dress the part for the role you play