In this job market, the way you dress is more important than ever. Looking like a professional can be the make or break for getting that job, promotion or raise. Take a few moments to read about how you can dress for success.
Professional Dress For Women
While movies and magazines imply you have to dress like a fluzy to look professional, let me assure you, this is not the case. Women, as well as men are expected to dress in a manner that denotes a certain amount of decorum. In plain English, you may turn a head or two with a skirt closer to your waist than your knees but it won’t get you the job or the promotion.
Professional dress for women should be either a dress suit or a pantsuit. Muted colors such as black, gray, navy blue, taupe and dark jewel colors are your best choices. Your skirt should not come above your fingertips if you arms are loose at your side.
Your shoes should match your outfit. You should wear heels or dress flats. The height of your heels should be less than three inches.
Wearing makeup will go a long way towards looking professional. While I know it’s not fair, consider that men have to shave every day so it all works out.
Your makeup should be kept on the conservative side, though. Blue eye shadow and bright red lipstick is not conservative. If you choose to wear a perfume, keep it subtle. Remember, offices tend to be enclosed spaces and you don’t want to overwhelm.
Be modest with your jewelry. One set of earrings, one ring on each hand. Eyebrow, tongue and nose rings are not acceptable.
Professional Dress For Men
In a professional dress environment, men are expected to where suits. Black, gray or navy blue are the best colors.
Men are also expected to wear a tie of current fashionable width. It’s not the seventies wide style, it’s not the eighties narrow style.
Shoes should be a polished black dress shoe with calf high socks that either match the suit or are black.
Jewelry should be limited to one ring.
Cologne should be subtle. To repeat the warning from the women’s section above, offices tend to be enclosed spaces and you don’t want to overwhelm.
Professional Dress for both Men and Women
Hair color and style should be natural looking.
Carry only one item (i.e. a briefcase, purse, backpack)
And when in doubt, go the conservative route.