{"id":19648,"date":"2017-09-28T11:21:05","date_gmt":"2017-09-28T16:21:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/pipercenter\/?page_id=19648"},"modified":"2025-11-19T13:09:16","modified_gmt":"2025-11-19T19:09:16","slug":"clothes","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/pipercenter\/how-to-guides\/interview-guide\/clothes\/","title":{"rendered":"Professional Dress in the World of Work"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-modular-content-collection><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/wp.stolaf.edu\/pipercenter\/files\/2018\/08\/attire.png?ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-22052\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><b>Attire Overview<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First impressions matter. &nbsp;How you dress in an interview can be seen as a reflection of your knowledge of the career field and your employer, as well as your level of seriousness in the interview. &nbsp;Ultimately, you want a potential employer to focus as much as possible on your skills and abilities during the interview. By dressing professionally, you can help eliminate distractions. &nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The way we dress is often a key part of our identity and an outward reflection of our culture and values. &nbsp;For some, a more prescribed style of dress may seem challenging, uncomfortable, and even offensive. Consequently, workplace dress requirements may be something to reflect on as you explore jobs, industries, and employers.&nbsp; If you are interested, for example, in a career in Finance but are averse to a business suit, this decision may indicate a need to think more critically about this field or to explore different options. &nbsp;Remember, it\u2019s often the case that you will dress far more conservatively in an interview than you would day-to-day on the job.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b>Important General Tips<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Know the organization with which you\u2019re interviewing: are they business casual or professional every day?<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anticipate the need for an interview outfit. &nbsp;Don\u2019t wait until the last minute. Try it on early so you know it fits and can focus on your preparation. &nbsp;You may wish to wear the outfit for a day to make sure it feels comfortable (shoes, especially). The more comfortable you feel in your outfit, the more confident and focused you will be.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choose classic styles over trendy styles &#8211; this will help the outfit to last longer.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you can afford to, invest in quality attire &#8211; outfits will last longer and will often fit you better.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neutral colors will ensure minimal distraction. Black, navy blue, brown, khaki\/beige, or white are good choices. <\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hats or caps are almost never appropriate, except when consistent with your cultural or religious practice (e.g. yamaka or hijab)<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A good guideline is always to dress more formally for an interview than would be expected on the job.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><b>Styles Defined<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most professional interviews and events will require either \u201cbusiness professional\u201d or \u201cbusiness casual\u201d attire.&nbsp; It\u2019s good to have both options planned and available in advance, so you are ready to go on a moment\u2019s notice.&nbsp;<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Deciding which is appropriate may require a bit of research or detective work. &nbsp;Occasionally, you will find recommended dress as part of your interview invitation, or the recruiter may tell you as a matter of courtesy. You may look at photos on the company website, or find useful information through a general internet search. &nbsp;If you are in doubt, business professional is almost always the safest choice.&nbsp;<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are uncertain or need help with planning your attire, please contact the Piper Center. &nbsp;Any of the coaches would be very happy to speak with you.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Business Professional:&nbsp;<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Business professional means that you should wear a suit.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A two-piece <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">matching<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> pant or skirt suit in black, charcoal, navy, or another dark color (solid color or a simple pattern). Pants should end or break at or just below the back of the shoe; Skirts should be knee length when standing. A vest\/waistcoat is an option but not required.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A conservatively colored dress shirt or blouse with a collar (not low cut or sheer).<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ties should be simple; avoid busy or flashy patterns and colors.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dark, closed-toe dress shoes with a low or moderate heel; choose comfortable shoes.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Socks or nylons that fit the color of your skirt\/slacks; avoid flashy patterns and bold colors.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conservative jewelry or makeup, worn in moderation, is fine.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clothes should be neatly ironed\/pressed and wrinkle-free. &nbsp;Have them professionally cleaned and pressed or learn how to use an iron yourself!<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A professional black, brown, or navy padfolio is a smart and practical addition to your outfit.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Purses should be formal and professional, generally small and unobtrusive, and match the style of your overall attire.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No backpacks!<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Business Casual:&nbsp;<\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Business casual is slightly less formal than business professional.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Khaki, gray, navy, or black pants with a long-sleeved, buttoned solid shirt (tucked in); a short-sleeved button down or nice polo shirt may be appropriate for certain environments (e.g. outdoors during the summer, golf course, etc.).<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Skirt paired with a collared shirt\/blouse or without a collar and a dressy sweater\/blazer.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A professional blazer or dress jacket is optional but often a nice choice.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ties are optional; if worn, avoid busy or flashy patterns and colors.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Closed-toed dress shoes with a low or moderate heel; choose comfortable shoes.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dress socks. &nbsp;No athletic or other overly casual socks.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clothes should be neatly ironed\/pressed and wrinkle-free. &nbsp;Have them professionally cleaned and pressed or learn how to use an iron yourself!<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the meeting location call for it, a professional black, brown, or navy padfolio completes the outfit.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Purses should fit the overall look of your outfit and not be too casual.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No backpacks!<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><b>Grooming<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hair should be well-groomed.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Facial hair should be trimmed and presentable or removed entirely for the interview.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fingernails should be clean and trimmed. &nbsp;Nail polish is fine as long as it is subdued and not chipped.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid cologne, perfume or hygiene products with strong scents. &nbsp;Your interviewer may be sensitive to these scents or they may just not like it. &nbsp;You don\u2019t want scent working against you!<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be sure to shower. &nbsp;(Strong body odor is usually perceived negatively in the US.) &nbsp;If you wear deodorant, be sure you apply it. Interview anxiety often causes perspiration!&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In U.S. culture, visible piercings or tattoos are often viewed as distracting in an interview setting.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have questions, concerns, or are unsure about interview attire, please contact or visit us in the Piper Center. &nbsp;We are happy to help discuss specific cases with you to determine what is most appropriate and comfortable.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Budget-friendly Shopping Options<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> &#8212; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodwilleasterseals.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Goodwill<\/a>&nbsp;in&nbsp;Apple Valley or Eagan<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/stores.savers.com\/mn\/burnsville\/unique-thrift-store-5107.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> &#8212; Unique<\/a>&nbsp;in Burnsville<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> &#8212; Others: Turnstile, Plato&#8217;s Closet (call to confirm they have&nbsp;professional&nbsp;clothing)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a class=\"cta\" href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/pipercenter\/how-to-guides\/interview-guide\/practice\/\">Practice: How do you practice before your interview?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Attire Overview First impressions matter. &nbsp;How you dress in an interview can be seen as a reflection of your knowledge of the career field and your employer, as well as [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2082,"featured_media":0,"parent":17165,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-19648","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/pipercenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19648","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/pipercenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/pipercenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/pipercenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2082"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/pipercenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19648"}],"version-history":[{"count":26,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/pipercenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19648\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":50487,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/pipercenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/19648\/revisions\/50487"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/pipercenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/17165"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/pipercenter\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19648"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}