Professional Attire
WHAT IS PROFESSIONAL DRESS?
Businesses often expect employees and job applicants to dress in a way that matches company policy/expectations. Three categories of dress you might encounter include business professional, business casual, and smart casual.
NOTE: It’s ultimately your choice how you would like to dress. The CMC simply wants to help you understand what expectations exist in our social landscape and provide some suggestions to get you up and running!
Business Professional
This type of clothing is often expected at career fairs and interviews.
Attire Ideas: suit, skirted suit, pencil skirt, tie, dress shoes, padfolio, subtle jewelry
Solid/dark/neutral colors
Light colors for tops underneath blazers/sport coats
Matching suit jacket and pants/skirt
Avoid stripes/dots, bright prints, or bold colors
Business Casual
This category of clothing is often recommended for a networking event or first day of work.
Attire Ideas: button-up shirts, blouse, slacks, polos, dresses, heels, flats, blazer with dark wash jeans, sweaters/cardigans
No shorts or sundresses
Skirts and dresses are typically around knee-length when standing
Closed-toe shoes, flats, or boots
Smart/Campus Casual
Many of the CMC’s smaller events welcome students to attend in casual dress. You’re welcome to come as you are, but it’s worth noting that employers often appreciate seeing a little bit of effort (e.g. no sweat pants, crop tops, graphic tees, athletic wear, or heavily distressed jeans); the same will likely be true even in casual full-time work environments.
Attire Ideas: Jeans, dresses with sleeves, skirts (typically knee-length), clean sneakers
WHY DO WE DRESS PROFESSIONALLY?
Disclaimer: not everyone does. Some companies let their employees dress casually. But for companies who do expect professional dress, the reasoning is often because in the United States, dressing that way can be considered a visible indicator of competence.
Additionally, many individuals find that they feel more confident when they’re dressed their best.
IS IT REQUIRED? HOW DO I KNOW?
If you’re debating what to wear to a networking event or interview, consider what you know of the culture at the company you’re interested in. Do they advertise that they have ping-pong tables in the office? Are employees wearing suits in their LinkedIn photos? What have you noticed them wearing when you’ve seen them at other events?
In general, it makes sense to err on the side of overdressing for an interview. If the company seems really fun/casual and you’re worried your chosen attire might come across as too formal, it’s ok to ask your recruiter/contact if they have any attire recommendations (e.g. “Would I be overdressed if I wore a suit?”).
Pay attention in your interview to how employees are dressed. For your first day on the job, consider dressing at a similar level of professionalism. Once you’re in the work environment, take your cues from colleagues and supervisors.
It’s ultimately up to you what you want to wear, and being comfortable in your clothes is important. Just know that your decisions around attire contribute to an employer’s perception of your judgement.
WHAT ABOUT INDIVIDUAL EXPRESSION?
It’s easy to feel stifled by a dress code; wearing a suit can feel inauthentic for some. That’s completely understandable. Think of it this way: as a professional wanting to be taken seriously in the workforce, one of the methods by which you can demonstrate your competence is to dress up a little. If you decide you hate blazers after getting used to wearing one for a few months, you can prioritize finding a company that dresses casually for your next position!
WHAT ARE BIZRAMS WEARING?
Students pose together at career fair 
Student chats with employer at career fair 
Students mingle at career fair 
Students wait to chat with employer at career fair 
Student introduces themself to employer at career fair 
Students pose with BizCam at career fair 
Students chat with employer at career fair 
Student chats with employer at career fair 
Student volunteers receive instructions at career fair 
Students mingle at career fair 
Students pose with BizCam at career fair 
Students mingle at networking event 
Student connects with employer at career fair 
Students pose with BizCam at career fair
WHERE TO GET AFFORDABLE PROFESSIONAL CLOTHING
If the cost of professional clothing is prohibitive…
- Consider thrifting! Especially since the pandemic, second-hand stores tend to have lots of good options if you’re willing to do a little poking around! Some local options are the Arc, Goodwill, and Clothes Mentor.
- Some stores that have affordable options include H&M, Nordstrom Rack, and Repeat Boutique (the last is an upscale thrift store).
PROFESSIONAL CLOTHING FUND
For students who have financial barriers to purchasing professional clothing, the CMC has a professional development fund – meet with a career counselor to learn how to apply!