impressions
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A Young Professional's Survival Guide to Business Dress and EtiquetteTRANSCRIPT
A Young Professional’s Survival Guide to Business Dress and Etiquette
Impressions
by Sydnie Payne
A Young Professional’s Survival Guide to Business Dress and Etiquette
Impressions
by Sydnie Payne
Thank you to all my talented and wonderful instructors at
Red River College.
Contents:8 Business Casual
18 Business Professional
22 Casual Friday
28Wardrobe Staples34Shoes and Accessories
MEN38 Business Casual
46 The Perfect Suit
52 Casual Friday
60 Interview and Resume
LADIES}56 Shoes
Tips and Tricks
}
From me to you, I hope the guidance I’ve included in this book helps with the journey into your new career.-SP
Quite a few years ago I was hired for a summer position in an office. When I was given the
job, my boss told me the dress was ‘business casual’. I had never worked in an office before
and had absolutely no idea what it meant. I asked my friends and family, but of course on
my first day I was totally off. As the summer continued I got better though, and started to
understand what this new term meant.
A few years down the road and I’m a student in Red River College’s Creative Communications
program. Pretty soon I’ll be working in the industry, and back in my business clothes.
The idea of going into the professional world fashionably unprepared scares me to my core,
and I realized, other students must go through this every year.
So, I decided to take matters into my own hands by creating this book. I set out with a few
ideas of my own, and interviewed a group of professionals in Winnipeg, Manitoba. They gave
me their opinions, tips, and style tricks, which I combined with my existing knowledge to
create this book.
Not only does creating this book combine my love for writing, fashion, and photography, it
allows me to share something with all of you that I think is very important.
Recent graduates sometimes have a hard time being taken seriously in the professional
industry. That’s why we need to up our game and make a lasting first impression that counts.
Being dressed well is half the battle, if you look good, you feel good, and people will
take notice.
This book is written with my views and the opinions of the business professionals I
interviewed. Take this advise and combine it with your own style, after all, people want to get
to know your personality.
Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoy Impressions.
-Sydnie
Introduction
THE LADIES
LADIESBusiness Casual
10 IntroductionBusinesses today want their employees to dress in a way that reflects the
company in a positive way. They want you dressed professionally, but
comfortable; uniformed, yet uniquely your own. This style of dress is most
commonly known as business casual.
The first time I heard this term it made my head spin. The first thing that
came to mind was business: a stuffy pantsuit with ugly shoulder pads,
pantyhose, and ugly shoes that belong in 1985. And casual: my rockin’
jeans with rips in just the right places and a cute t-shirt that fits me just
right. Well, after some research and observation, I have come to
realize that this business casual term is actually a
mix of both. So don’t worry, you won’t have to wear
shoulder pads, or your grandma’s shoes.
Tops
In a business casual environment as
long as you’re not wearing the same
shirt to the club on the weekend,
or while painting your room, you’re
probably okay. The top you wear
doesn’t have to be overly fancy. But
at the same time, you don’t want to
look like you just rolled out of bed. For
business casual I like a collard shirt,
something with or without buttons,
I think it makes you look much more
put together without even trying. If
you’re not into a collar, try something
that has a bit of embellishment or
ruffle. These characteristics will take
an ordinary t-shirt from casual to
business appropriate.
For business casual, choose tops with an extra bit of flare:
The biggest things to watch for on top: cleavage and midriff. These are
non-negotiable. You can’t show too much skin in an office because you
won’t be taken seriously as a professional. If you think it might be even
the slightest bit short at the hips, or might be showing a little too much
cleavage, don’t chance it.
The best way to look at it is: Would I wear this to go see my boyfriend’s
parents? If the answer is no, put it back and save it for a night out
with friends.
Here are a couple examples of tops to wear in a business casual office:
“”
Businesses want their employees to dress in a way that reflects the company in a positive way.
TIPS12
Belt your cardigan over a top at the
waist to give yourself instant shape
and style (see picture to the left).
Do you have a beautiful top you
want to wear but it shows too
much cleavage? Try putting a
bandeau or camisole underneath.
They can really help to cover up skin
that shouldn’t be shown.
Try on the shirt you want to wear
with a pair of pants that go with
it. Squat down to the ground and
stand back up again. Did your shirt
rise up at all during that exercise? If
any skin was exposed it’s time to
re-think this outfit. Try a long
camisole underneath and try again,
or pick a different shirt.
To me, it seems like in the summer, offices want to waste all the money
they can on air conditioning, and in the winter, pinch every penny on
heating. Why are offices always so cold? My solution is to own a simple
cardigan in a couple neutral shades: black, brown, beige, or grey. These
four colours go with anything and everything, and I almost always have
one on while at work. Even if it’s a scorching 30 degrees Celsius, throw
one in your bag, you never know when you might need it.
Add a Belt:
Too Much Skin?
Watch your Back:
Another quick trick is to add a blazer to your outfit. The blazer doesn’t
have to necessarily match your pant, and it adds an instant touch of class
to any outfit.
An added touch...
In this example, just adding a simple blazer to the outfit adds a professional touch:
For more on blazers, see page 21.
TIPS14
If you don’t know what style will
flatter your figure, my suggestion
is to go to your local business attire
store, and ask a sales associate
to fit you with a nice pair. Try
them on and see what you think.
Remember, you have no obligation
to buy, just see what they look like,
you can always find the same style
somewhere less expensive.
Do you have a pair of pants you
want to wear but they’re too
long and you don’t have time to
get them hemmed? Double sided
tape works as a quick fix. But
don’t always rely on taping,
when you get the chance have
them hemmed.
Need to get a pair of pants
hemmed? Don’t go to a chain
company, those small mom and
pop stores charge about half the
price, and do a better job in
my opinion.
Bottoms
There have been a lot of questions
on whether or not it’s okay to
wear jeans in a business casual
environment. After some research
I’ve come to the decision that
jeans should never be worn to
work unless it’s a casual Friday
situation.
Dress pants are safe, as long as
you get a pair that fit you properly
they’ll look professional. How
do you know if they fit properly?
Can you see the outline of your
underwear? If yes, you need to go
a size or two up, no one should
know what style panties you wear.
In terms of length, you want them
to sit about half an inch from the
ground when you’re standing
up straight. Too long, and they’ll
get frayed at the bottom and
look awful, too short, and (as my
mother always said) you’ll look
like you’re waiting for the flood.
The last thing you need to worry
about is are they too low in the
hips. Like I said before, no one
needs to know what kind of
underwear you have on, make
sure they go up high enough
to cover anything you don’t
want seen.
Find Your Perfect Fit:
No Time for Hemming?
Find a Good Tailor:
Never too tight, never too short. What to wear on the bottom:
Skirts are great for the office in both summer and winter. My general rule
for skirts: keep it around knee length. Also, like pants, make sure it’s not too
tight. If you can see a panty line, take it off and pick something else to wear.
To the left is a great example of a skirt for the office.
Want to wear a skirt in the winter?
Just throw on a pair of opaque tights
and you’re good to go (see picture
to the right). See, here’s the same
skirt, with tights. Perfect for those
cold days.
We’re going to talk about shoes a little bit later, but if you would like to check it out now, turn to page 28.
An added touch...
Skirts
16
Ruffles and a tie add
to this otherwise basic
top, making it look
more professional.
Watch the neckline. If your shirt
is too low cut, add a camisole
underneath to cover up.
Simple black dress pants
are a staple to any business
professional wardrobe.
No sandals allowed! Stick
to closed toe shoes.
Make sure your
shirt is long
enough so it
doesn’t ride up
when you sit at
your desk.
Chapter Summary:
When in doubt, dress on the conservative side:If you think your shirt might be too low cut, trade it up for something that’s
a better fit. better safe than sorry in this case.
The bar rule:Did you wear it to the club last weekend? Then don’t wear it to work.
Chances are if you wear out with your friends, it won’t be a good match for
the office.
Add a blazer:Adding a blazer to any outfit will make it instantly more professional. Even if
you’re wearing a simple t-shirt under it, people won’t even be able to tell.
Cardigans are your best friend:Offices are always cold - at least to me. Keep a cardigan at work, or throw
one in your bag. They look good, and will keep you warm.
Choose a shirt with a kick:Choose something other than a plain t-shirt for the office. A top with
buttons, frills, or another type of detailing will instantly come across as
more professional.
Not too tight:Nothing you wear should be too tight. Your pants should fit comfortably,
and your shirt should leave a lot to the imagination. If people can tell what
type of underwear you’re wearing, your pants are too tight.
Business Professional
20 Business Professional
Some businesses will ask their employees to dress business professional. If I were to
quickly describe this dress type, I’d call it ‘business casual’s big sister’. You’re basically
taking all the rules of business casual and upping the ante.
Some professionals won’t have to dress business professional on a
regular basis, and will probably be working in a more casual office
environment. However, you may need to dress yourself in business
professional attire for special events or conference situations.
Ladies, your business professional look should be an upscale
version of what you would wear in a business
casual environment.
Through my research I have found that business professional
means you should be wearing a suit, or a blazer with a skirt
or pants. There are some great options for women’s suits
today, from pantsuits, to skirt suits, and in all different
styles and shapes. Whether you opt for the pant
or skirt is up to you as both are considered
equally acceptable.
If you opt for a skirt suit, no bare legs. I
know pantyhose is so old-school and
weird to wear, but in this case you’re
going to have to wear it. Opaque black
tights are a great way to take a skirt to
winter appropriate, and you can choose
a lighter hose for summer.
The top you wear under your blazer should
be a blouse, either a button up with a collar,
or something with a detail. A blouse might not
necessarily be button up, but you should look for
something with a collar detail, or something extra
that gives it that professional look.
Business casual’s big sister. Yes you have to be professional, but you can still let your personality shine through:
A blazer should fit in two places:
Blazers
The shoulder seams should line up with the natural
curve where your shoulder meets your upper arm.
This fit is crucial, as the shoulder cannot be altered.
The fit where the buttons attach should fit
comfortably. When closed, the blazer should not
be pulling at the waist or bust area.
12
Don’t worry about the length
of the sleeves, this can easily
be altered at your local tailor.
Blazers are a great way to add a professional touch to any outfit. You
can choose to wear a neutral coloured jacket, like the one on the
right, or make a bold statement with a bright colour, like the blazer
to the left.
Length is a personal choice, but depending on your body type, you
might be better suited for a short or long blazer. Try on a few to
see what style you like best.
The top you choose is one of the only pieces in this look that will really show
your personal style; so have fun with it. Wear a bright or multicoloured blouse
under your suit, it will add some personality to an otherwise typical look.
Keep your blouse tucked into your pants or skirt under your blazer, that way
when you get hot, you can take off the blazer and still look great.
Closed toe shoes are a must when dressing business casual. And the heal
height you choose should be fairly modest. For more on shoes,
see page 28.
Casual Friday
24 How Casual is too Casual?Many offices will have casual Fridays every week, sometimes known as ‘jean
day’. However, some businesses will never have this option, it depends on
what type of business you’re working for. The guidelines for casual Fridays
do vary, and in this chapter I have set out some general guidelines for these
days. You should always follow each individual company’s rules.
My number one suggestion for casual Fridays is to observe and copy. On the
first casual day in your new workplace, stick to the safe side, meaning dress
business casual for that day. Wear dress pants, a dress shirt, and nice shoes,
better safe than sorry. Take notice of what your boss is wearing. That’s
right, your boss, not your co-worker, or someone in another department.
You want to see what the person in charge is wearing, and that’s how you
should dress for future casual Fridays. If your co-worker is wearing jeans,
running shoes, and a t-shirt, but your boss is in a nice button up dress shirt,
wear a dress shirt.
Like I said, there are some general rules and guidelines for dressing in a
casual Friday environment.
Top 5 Don’ts:
1. No ripped jeans2. No stained jeans3. No cleavage4. No tank tops5. No midriff
The following five items are never allowed in an office:
Look at the difference in the two pictures below. By just adding a
blazer, and some dark wash jeans, this look went from weekend
shopping, to office ready. Adding small touches can make a big
difference in your outfit.
Before and After:
26
If jeans are common in your workplace on casual Friday, by all means
you can wear jeans. But stick to nice jeans that are a dark wash and
have no rips. Make sure your jeans aren’t too tight, no one wants to
see the outline of your underwear.
The best way to dress jeans for the office is to keep everything
else you’re wearing more business casual. So, you’ll want to dress
up your jeans with a nice collar shirt, or a blazer, and always pair
jeans with a pair of office appropriate footwear. Just because
you’re allowed to wear jeans, doesn’t mean you should show up
looking like a slob.
Tops
Bottoms
Ladies, you have lots of options in terms of what you can wear with
your jeans on your casual days. As long as your top is nicer than a plain
t-shirt, you’re probably good to go. It’s always nice to dress up your
jeans though, so wear a button up, or something with a nice neck line.
As I mentioned before, throwing a blazer over your top does wonders
to a plain-Jane t-shirt (see page 21).
The jeans you wear to the office should be nice. By nice, I mean a darker
wash, something dark blue, or black. They should fit comfortably, and
not too tight. The same rules apply here as on page 14. Not too tight,
not too low etc. Do the squat test just in case and make sure no one sees
anything they shouldn’t.
It might be casual Friday, but you can still look professional:
Chapter Summary:
It might be casual, but it’s still professional:Yes, you can wear jeans to work when it’s allowed, but keep your top
more professional. That means, no t-shirt with your jeans. Opt for a nice
blouse, or add a blazer to your outfit to up the professionalism.
Dark wash is best:Dark wash jeans look cleaner, and more professional. Try
to stick to dark blue jeans over light wash options.
No rips:Yes, I know you love your jeans with the perfect rips and
tears, but save those ones for the weekend. Jeans you
wear to the office should never be ripped.
Imitate your boss:For the first few casual days at your new job, dress
business casual. No jeans. See what your boss is
wearing and imitate that for the next week.
“”
The best way to dress jeans for the office is to keep everything else you’re wearing more business casual.
Shoes and Accessories
30
“”
When you’re choosing footwear for work, it’s best to keep things clean, simple, and conservative.
IntroductionA lot of people think that shoes don’t matter when it comes to business
attire. They think ‘oh, they’ll be under my desk all day’. Sadly, shoes are
usually an afterthought to an outfit, but they shouldn’t be. People notice
shoes, and the right pair can complete your entire outfit.
I’m the type of girl who thinks, the higher the better, when it comes to
my heals. I love tall, beautiful, towering platforms. And in my opinion, the
crazier, the better. However, I save this collection of fun party shoes for just
that - parties. These heals come out on the evenings and weekends when
I’m out with my friends, not at the office. My point here is, when you’re
choosing footwear for work, it’s best to keep things clean, simple, and
conservative. There’s that word again, conservative.
So, how do you find shoes that are appropriate for the office? Neutral
tones go a long way. My suggestion would be to pick up a pair of shoes in
a couple neutral colours. Black and brown are staples for any season, and
having a pair of beige or white shoes is great for the summer months.
Now don’t get me wrong, a little colour is okay when it comes to your shoe
choice. But stick with something subtle.
When it comes to heal height, I like to go with something more modest.
Opinions on this topic definitely vary, some say heal height doesn’t matter,
others say it definitely does. A safe height to go with is to stay within 2-3
inches. Anything above three inches looks like it belongs in a bar.
A little test: do you wear those shoes to the club? If so, they probably
won’t work at the office.
In my opinion, toes should never be seen at the office, however, some
offices allow women to wear nice dress sandals to work. If you want to
wear sandals, and the office you’re working in allows it, by all means it’s
okay to do so. But remember the rule: is your boss wearing sandals? If
you’ve never seen your boss’s toes, I think it’s best not to show yours.
All in all, flats or a short heal are safe, and pick something in a neutral
colour. Stick to a closed toe to start, and see what others are wearing
before choosing a sandal.
Shoes are what completes a woman’s outfit, with the right pair you will look the part.
Top 5 shoes that DO NOT belong at work:
12345
Six-inch platforms
Anything that sparkles
Anything neon
Flip-flops
Anything Dirty
32
These shoes are hot! But save them for the bar, stilettos don’t belong at work.
Accessories
When accessorizing for a professional environment, I like
to go with the rule less is more. I know that new neon
pink bracelet you bought is amazing, but save that one
for going out.
It’s a good idea to keep jewelry simple, and classy.
Consider having a few nice chains, some gold, some silver,
and maybe some bracelets to go with them. Nothing too
clunky or eye-catching though. Here’s a great example
of jewelry to wear at the office:
In my opinion, wearing a watch instantly makes you look
more professional. You don’t have to wear a designer watch,
or anything expensive, you can purchase nice looking watches
at department stores for under $50. A watch is something
that will last a long time, and is something you will wear every
day, which makes it a staple piece in your wardrobe. Not only
does wearing a watch help you make sure you’re on time, but
it also shows others that you care about being on time.
One of your best accessories is a belt. Pick up one in a
couple different neutral colours, like black, brown and beige.
Throwing a belt over an oversized sweater or baggy shirt gives
you instant shape. And honestly, I think it makes a casual shirt
look more dressed up, and appropriate for business.
This necklace is understated and simple. Paired with a watch, it’s a classic and professional accessory pairing.
From bangles to necklaces to chains, what is good for the office:
“”
Not only does wearing a watch help you make sure you’re on time, but it also shows others that you care about being on time.
Wardrobe Staples
36 Staples
All the items listed above can be found whether you’re on a small or large
budget. If you’re willing to spend more on certain items, and less on others,
choose the pieces you’ll wear more often. In my opinion, if spending more
on certain pieces, I’d put the bulk of my budget into pants, shoes, and
blazers. These are the items you’ll probably wear more often, they won’t
go out of style if you buy in neutral tones, and will last a long time.
There are several staple pieces that should make up every professional
woman’s wardrobe. The following list are items that I see as staple pieces,
however every girls list will look different according to personal style.
A blazer in a couple different neutral tones: Good options are black, beige, grey, brown,
and navy blue.
Find what style dress pants suit you best, and pick up a pair in a couple different colours - black,
brown, and grey are good colours to start with. Between these three neutral colours, you’ll have
something to go with any colour shirt.
2-4 cardigans: Pick these up in neutral colours, short or long depending on your preference and
style. These are great to throw on top of an outfit on a cold day, or to even to keep at work for
when you need them.
Several blouses or collard shirts: I like to have one or two neutral coloured shirts for work, but I
also like to buy some fun colours and patterns. It’s nice to match a neutral pant and blazer with a
bright and vibrant shirt underneath, it adds some personality and fun to your wardrobe.
Heals and flats in neutral tones: I like to always have a pair of modest heals and flats in black and
brown. No matter what the occasion, you should be good to go with one of these.
Not all women enjoy wearing skirts or dresses, but those who do will benefit from owning a few
nice ones. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from observing fashion over the years, it’s that a wrap
dress looks amazing on almost every body type. This style is also great for an office setting, wear
it with a nice pair of shoes, check your cleavage, and you’re good to go. (See opposite page)
1234
65
Staple pieces are essential to every wardrobe, define your own staple items.
Staple #6: The Wrap Dress
GENTLETHE MEN
GENTLEBusiness Casual
MEN
40 IntroductionMany offices today want their employees to dress in a way that reflects
the company in a positive way. They want you dressed professionally, but
comfortable; uniformed, yet uniquely your own. This style of dress is most
commonly known as business casual.
There are lots of men out there that think they don’t have much choice
when it comes to business fashion. We’ll I’m going to prove that this
is false, there are options for men, many options.
Looking professional is important, but that doesn’t mean you can’t let your
personal style shine through.
Tops
The best place to start for men is with a straight forward button up
dress shirt. Sizes for men’s dress shirts are determined by collar size,
which is the circumference of your neck in inches. So a size 17 dress
shirt means your neck is 17 inches in circumference. But it doesn’t stop
there, because there are many different types of cuts and fits available.
The best way to know your shirt size and fit that best suits you, is to go to a
men’s dress store, and ask a sales person. They will take your measurements
and match you to the right shirt. You’re not obligated to buy, and can go
find the same style somewhere less expensive
On colder days consider putting a sweater, cardigan, or vest over
your dress shirt (see the image to the right).
A dress shirt is a staple in every man’s business wardrobe. The good news is, you can have fun with it:
“”
Looking
professional is
important, but
that doesn’t mean
you can’t let your
personal style
shine through.
TIP
3 most important things to look for in a dress shirt:
Collar: Do up the buttons, including the top one, can you fit two fingers in
between? If so, it’s not too tight. The first few times you wear a dress shirt, you’ll
think the collar is too tight, it’s natural.
Shoulders: The shoulders of the shirt should be fitted properly. The way you
measure the shoulder fit is by looking at the seam. Make sure the seam runs
through the middle of the round part of your shoulder. The shirt shouldn’t stick
out here at all, if it does, it’s too big.
Body: The body of the shirt should be slightly loose, but relatively fitted. You
don’t want too much gaping when you tuck it into a pair
of pants. That being said, if the shirt looks like it’s
pulling at the buttons, it’s too small.
123
There are a lot of men who
have a thicker neck and
shoulders, but a smaller core.
If this is you, it’s important to
buy a slim fit shirt. Slim fit not
available? Purchase the shirt
even if the body is too big,
and take it to be altered. Your
neighbourhood tailor will add
2 darts at the back of the shirt,
making it a better fit for your
body. So always buy to the fit
of the collar and shoulder, the
body can be fixed.
Not a Good Fit?
42
Ties can be tricky, what style do you go for? What
colour tie goes with what shirt? Well gentlemen, it’s
really up to you. That’s right, your tie depends purely
on your personal style, so have fun with it. This is
your chance to show some personality. If you like a
design, go for it.
A general rule is to choose a tie that brings out the
colour of your dress shirt or suit. So, if you’re wearing
black pants with a light blue dress shirt, pick a tie with
some blues in it. The tie is what will bring together all
the colours of your outfit.
My only two suggestions:
1. If you have a multi coloured or intricate patterned
tie, keep the shirt neutral and simple.
2. No cartoon ties PLEASE.
Ties
To Button? Or Not To Button?
• If you’re wearing a tie, button up your shirt to the top.• If you’re going tie-less for the day, don’t do up all the buttons, keep the top one undone.
Every man should own at least one tie for business related events or meetings. Here are some tips on choosing the right one:
How to Tie a Tie
1 2 3
4 5 6
87
The example below is step by step instructions for how to tie a tie. This is
just one way of tying as there are many different knots you can choose
from. A simple Internet search will bring up endless instructions and
videos for you to check out.
44
A dress pant can be made of a variety of fabrics and in many
different styles. A good quality dress pant is made of 100%
wool, however you can purchase wool and synthetic blends.
Wool is more expensive, but they breathe well, and will
generally last longer since they are better quality. For the
hotter summer months you can buy a pant made of lighter,
more breathable fabric. And in the cold winter months,
you can usually find something heavier to keep warm.
That being said, you can get away with a generic cotton
dress pant for all months of the year.
The best thing to do when looking for the right fit, is to try
on a few different options. For years men’s dress pants have
always had pleating in the front. But companies have been
making more of a strait legged pant recently, which is more
modern. Go for what you like best, and what looks good on
your body type.
For information on purchasing suits, see page 46.
Your socks should always be matched to your pant - or as
close as you can get them. So, black pant, go or a black
dress sock, etc.
And when putting on the finishing touches, please remember:
The colour of your shoes and belt should match.
For more on men’s shoes, check out page 56.
BottomsFinding a good fitting dress pant will instantly make you look the part. Here are some tips to find your perfect fit:
Chapter Summary:
Show Your Personality:Yes, dress shirts and ties are pretty standard for men in business.
But you can make it your own. Choose a coloured shirt or tie
to add your personality to your look.
Ties and the Button:If you’re wearing a tie, the top button of your shirt must
be done up. If you’re going tie-less, you can leave the top
button open for a more casual look.
Shoes and Belt Rule:The colour of your shoes and belt should always match.
Black with black, brown with brown.
Socks Match Pants:The socks you wear should match your dress pants. This way,
when your pant leg rides up, your sock isn’t out of place.
Fit is Important:The fit of your dress shirt’s collar and shoulders are
most important. If it’s too big in the body you can
have it taken in at a tailor.
The Perfect Suit
48 Suit upWhen choosing your first suit, there are some guidelines to follow, however a lot of your
choice will come from personal preference. When you go to purchase your suit, bring a pair
of dress shoes with you (ones that you would be wearing with the suit), a dress shirt, and a
tie. Some retailers will provide these for you to use, but not all will, so go prepared.
ComfortMost importantly you want to be comfortable. If you feel uncomfortable in what you’re
wearing, you’re going to look that way. So, by buying something that you feel good in, you
will be more confident, and look better overall.
ColourYou’ll want your first suit to be as versatile as possible, especially if you’re only buying one at
a time. Choose something in a dark colour; navy blue or a medium colour grey are the best
options for a few reasons:
Good for any time of year
Can be worn with many shirt and tie colour combinations
Can be worn with either black or brown shoes and belt
Many think a black suit should be an instant go-to first suit, what’s more versatile than black
right? Well it’s actually surprising how many shirts and ties won’t fit well with a black suit. You
are also tied to a black shoe, which might be a problem for some. Keep in mind though, to
go with what you’re confident and comfortable in. Do you feel better in black? By all means
choose that over other colour options.
A very light pinstripe is okay, so that you can’t really see the stripes from a few feet away. Pin
stripes will definitely limit your options when it comes to shirt and tie combos, and is harder
to match well. Your ultimate goal when choosing a suit - especially you first one, is to choose
something that will be versatile, and that will match multiple shirts and ties. You want to be
able to get as much wear out of it as you can.
A dark coloured suit can still be worn in summer months. All you have to do is pair it with
a lighter coloured shirt and tie. A navy suit can stretch between summer and winter with a
lighter shirt, like pink, blue or white.
TIPS
Need to have alterations done?
Don’t go to a chain company,
those small mom and pop stores
charge about half the price, and
do a better job in my opinion.
Since suits can be over
dry cleaned, buy a clothing
steamer. They are generally
inexpensive and can be used
in between dry-cleanings to
freshen up your suit and remove
wrinkles. No clothing steamer?
Put your suit in the bathroom
while you run the shower, the
steam will help loosen
the wrinkles.
Keep a sticky roller in your car at
all times, you never know when
you might need to get rid of
some lint.
Need a Good Tailor?
Don’t Over Dry Clean
For Lint Emergencies:
50
It’s important that your suit fits well. Many aspects of your suit can be
tailored, but not everything can be changed. Shoulders must fit properly,
as this cannot be altered. The shoulder seam should run along the point
where your upper arm and shoulder meet, or where your shoulder curves.
Put on the jacket and see where the seam is, do your shoulders look like a
football players? Then it’s too big. Does the seam run before your shoulder
ends? Then it’s too small. Sales associates who work in men’s clothing stores
will be able to measure you, and will know what looks right, so trust their
judgment. Just remember, don’t allow yourself to be pressured by staff,
always choose what you feel best in, and what reflects your personal style.
The length of the arms and body can be altered, so if those don’t fit properly
you can take them to a tailor to have them adjusted to your size.
For your first suit, don’t choose anything overly tailored or trendy. for
example, a very fitted suit or heavy stitching might be in one year, but won’t
be in style the next. If you only have one or two suits, you’ll want them to
last through trend changes. So go for a standard, nice fitting suit.
Fit
FabricThere are several fabric choices, but the two most common are wool and
polyester. Wool will be more expensive, however will last longer than the
latter. If 100% wool is out of your price range, I would suggest a blend. This
won’t be as durable as the wool option, but will still be much better than
100% synthetic.
Dry CleaningDry cleaning is something that has to be paid for when you own a suit, since
it is the only way to clean it. However you don’t have to- and shouldn’t- dry
clean after every wear. There is such thing as over dry-cleaning, and it will
wear out your suit faster than it should. Once every 4-5 wears is reasonable
for your suit to be cleaned, unless of course it is visibly dirty.
You have your suit, now you need to put it all together: suit, tie, shoes, belt, socks.
All Together
Sleeve length: Just below
the wrist, not covering
any fingers.
Top button is
done up if you’re
wearing a tie.
Don’t be afraid
to add a little
personality with a
colourful shirt or tie.
Pant length should
be relaxed, but never
dragging on the ground.
Your tie should
hit the center
area of your belt.
Clean and polished
shoes are a must.
Belt and shoe
colours match.
You might not be able
to see them most of the
time, but socks should
match your pant and/or
shoes. In this case, black
or gray are acceptable.
Casual Friday
54 IntroductionMany offices will have casual Fridays every week, sometimes known as ‘jean
day’. However, some businesses will never have these days, it depends on
what type of business you’re working for. The guidelines for casual Fridays
do vary, and in this chapter I have set out some general guidelines for these
days. You should always follow each individual company’s rules.
My number one suggestion for casual Fridays is to observe and copy. On
your first casual day in your new workplace, stick to the safe side, meaning
dress business casual for that day. Wear dress pants, a dress shirt, and nice
shoes, better safe than sorry. Take notice of what your boss is wearing.
That’s right, your boss, not your co-worker, or someone in another
department. You want to see what the person in charge is wearing, and
that’s how you should dress for future casual Fridays. If your co-worker is
wearing jeans, running shoes, and a t-shirt, but your boss is in a nice
button up dress shirt, wear a dress shirt.
It’s always best to stay on the safe side on casual Friday, In case you
haven’t noticed, there’s a trend; better safe than sorry. So, it’s best to
stick to something that could come close to passing for business casual.
Tops
The best thing to wear on casual Friday, is a button up
dress shirt. Dress shirts look great with jeans, and you
can still tuck it in. Wear a nice belt, and keep the top
button undone with no tie to keep it casual.
Similar to page 40 in the business casual chapter, on
colder days, consider putting a sweater, cardigan, or vest
over your dress shirt. But since it’s more casual, you can
leave your dress shirt un-tucked, and let it hang out the
bottom. This gives you a more modern, and sophisticated
everyday look.
Men have many possibilities when it comes to shirts for Casual Friday:
The jeans you choose should be dark in colour, and
make sure they are clean. I know it’s trendy to wear
ripped jeans, but save those for the evenings or
weekends with your friends. Jeans worn to the
office should never be ripped or frayed. Wear
something that is well fitted and doesn’t look
out of place with a dress shirt.
It’s best to wear a dress shoe with your jeans
to the office. Slip on shoes are great, as long as
they are office appropriate, but stay away from
anything that could be considered a running or
skate shoe.
As always, your shoes and belt should match in
colour, and wear a dark coloured dress sock.
Here is a great example of jeans that are appropriate
for casual Friday (left):
BottomsYou can wear jeans to work, but keep them professional:
Shoes
58 IntroductionWhen dressing for your career, many think guys don’t have much choice when
it comes to shoes. But there are so many choices out there. There are some
general rules when it comes to choosing shoes for the office, but a lot of the
decision should be your personal preference.
Have you ever walked into a shoe store and wanted to run and hide when you
saw how many different styles of men’s shoes there are? Well you’re not alone.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Style
Pointed toe: Pointed toe men’s shoes can look great, if you wear them right. The suit you
wear them with should be fitted, and sleek. This is definitely a daring look,
and should be used with caution.
Round toe: Round toe dress shoes are the classic shape. They look good with any type of
suit, and can be worn for a variety of occasions.
Squared toe:This is the round toe’s cool brother. It’s more modern, and typically a younger
look. The squared toe is most popular among recent grads, and business men
in their 20’s and 30’s. This shoe is very versatile and can be worn with a variety
of suits.
A general rule for which colour shoe to pair with your suit or pant is this: go
with your preference. A lot of suits can go with either black or brown dress
shoes, however certain colours should go with certain colours. Stick with what
you think looks best.
Colour
Always RememberBlack Shoes with Black Belt
Brown Shoes with Brown Belt
INTERVIEW
Tips and Tricks
RESUME&
62 For a Killer Resume...So, you’re graduating, getting yourself out there, and stepping into the ‘real world’. So what’s your
first step? Preparing your resume, and attending interviews. There are so many Internet sites and
resources to help you build your resume, just do a quick online search. Here’s a few tips to get you
started on yours:
Resume Tips:
Keep your resume looking clean and simple. Use only professional looking fonts,
and make sure it’s easy to read.
Include your non-professional interests. If you play on a sports team, or belong to
a book club, include it.
Keep it under two pages.
I’ve created a sample resume (opposite) for your reference. Keep in mind that this is just one style of many possibilities,
and an online search will show you many options.
List the categories in the order you think is most important to get the job you’re
applying for. At the beginning of your career, your education will probably be the
most important experience you have. However, as you get further into your career,
your job experience might outweigh your education, at that point you can put
‘experience’ before ‘education’ on your resume. { }
NAME (First and Last)Address, City, Province, Postal Code
Email, Phone Number
The objective explains what you’re planning to accomplish by applying for this job. For example: ‘to obtain a full time position where I can build on my skills as a marketing major’. The objective is optional, some like to include it, and others think it’s irrelevant; why would you be applying for the job anyways right? So it’s up to you if you’d like to include it.
University or college name, city and province attendedDegree/diploma/certificate obtained- What you achieved or what was significant about your time here educationally. - Were you part of a school group or on the honour roll? This is where you include it.
date - date
date - date
Workplace name, city and provincePosition- What you achieved or what was significant about your time here from a professional point of view. - Don’t focus on what tasks you did, but what you achieved by doing those tasks. - A problem you solved is a good thing to include.
EDUCATION - in reverse chronological order (most recent first)
EXPERIENCE - in reverse chronological order (most recent first)
AWARDS
INTERESTS
- Award 1- Award 2
- Example: enjoy team sports like hockey, volleyball, basketball, and soccer.
OBJECTIVE
64 Ace the Interview
Here are my top tips and tricks for acing any interview:
Interviews are scary, and I don’t think there’s a single person out there who
doesn’t think so. There are however, some things you can do to ease the
stress leading up to the interview. Being relaxed before an interview will
clear your head, make you feel better overall, and in the end, help you
ace that interview.
Learn as much as you possibly can about the
company you’re interviewing at. Do an online
search and check out any social media. Look
up the person who will be interviewing you
and their position.
Prepare a list of questions to ask your
interviewer, having a couple questions
ready will show your preparedness.
Read the job requirements, and prepare a
reason why you’re the best candidate to
fulfill those requirements.
If you have time, drive or take the bus to
your interview location the day before your
scheduled meeting around the same time as
your appointment. Time how long it takes
you to get there, and then add 20-30 minutes
on top of that for the actual day. This will
allow time for any problems like construction,
a sudden break down, or a car accident. You
might end up at your interview site a half an
hour early, but this will give you plenty of
time to relax in your car, or somewhere near
the building to gather your thoughts.
Consider practicing your interview skills
with a friend or family member. Practice
your greeting, handshake, and answering
questions about your work and school
experiences. A good alternative to practicing
with a friend is to practice in front of the
mirror. I know, it sounds really awkward,
but it helps.
Research, Research, Research:
Prepare Questions:
Be What They’re Looking For:
Before the Interview:
Practice Your Skills:
Take a Drive:
In my experience, every interviewer has
asked what my three greatest strengths and
weaknesses are. Prepare a few for yourself.
It’s also helpful to have a list of strengths
with examples of how you’ve used
those strengths.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
When choosing your outfit, dress as
conservatively as possible. Try to feel out
the company culture from their website,
and prepare your wardrobe accordingly.
If you can’t tell how casual or professional
the employees dress, keep it safe, and
dress business professional. In my opinion,
you can’t be overdressed for an interview
(look back to page 18 for more on business
professional wardrobe options).
Never wear cologne or perfume to a job
interview. Your interviewer might be sensitive
or allergic to fragrances, and you don’t want
to give anyone an allergic reaction.
Men: make sure your hair looks neat, and
consider getting a fresh haircut before your
interview. Also, be cleanly shaved or trimmed.
Ladies, do your hair and makeup, but keep
things understated and natural looking.
Clean under your nails and make sure
they’re freshly cut and/or filed. Long
or dirty nails are not appreciated when
shaking hands. Also, try to have your hands
moisturized if it’s winter or if you have
naturally dry hands.
Never wear anything that’s stained,
wrinkled, or fraying.
Before the Interview:
Dress Conservatively: No Wrinkles Allowed!
No Fragrances:
Be Well Groomed:
Don’t Forget Your Hands:
Make sure you have fresh breath. Sucking
on a mint five minutes before the interview
is good. If you chew gum, make sure to
throw it out before going inside for
the interview.
Minty Fresh:
66 Ace the Interview
Greet your interviewer with a firm
handshake, smile, and introduce yourself
proudly. Be confident!
A lot of people get sweaty palms when
they’re nervous, it’s completely normal. My
advice is to keep a tissue or small piece of
fabric in your right jacket or pant pocket.
You can quickly wipe your right hand
of sweat before shaking your
interviewer’s hand.
Turn your phone off or on silent, NOT on
vibrate. In a quiet room you will hear the
phone vibrating in your pocket or purse.
Walk into the interview ten minutes
before your scheduled time.
Continued:
At the Interview:
Turn off Your Cell Phone:
The Ten Minute Rule:
Smile, and be Confident:
Don’t Sweat it:
Congratulations!
You are now prepared and well on your way to landing a great job. Take what you’ve
learned from this book and make it your own. Add some of your personal style to your
business attire so people get to know the real you. Just remember - keep it professional!
I hope this book helped you un-puzzle business dress codes, it can definitely
take some getting used to.
Dress conservatively It’s better to be overdressed than underdressed Always dress for the position you WANT, not the position you HAVE.
When in doubt just remember:
Acknowledgments
Thank you to everyone who helped with the creation of this book, without you, this would
not have been possible.
Models:Jackie DomingMeagan PoulsenLisa PadalkoJosh AlaoTyler EsquivelEvan Martin
Industry Professionals:Linda Beaudry: Senior Manager, Professional RecruitmentRick Jansen: RealtorJames Fahr: Business Development
Young professionals sometimes have a hard time being taken
seriously in the business industry. That’s why we need to up
our game and make a lasting first impression that counts.
Being dressed well is half the battle, if you look good,
you feel good, and people will take notice.
Through research and interviews with industry professionals,
this book was written as a guide to teach up and coming
business men and women how to look the part.
Impressions