JOBTALKS
Indiana University
Kelley School of Business
C. Randall Powell, Ph.D
Contents used in this presentation are adapted from Career Planning Strategies and used with the permission of the author.

Men’s Dress:
Business Professional and Casual
How should you dress once on the professional assignment? How should you dress for your interview?

Professional Dress Is Common in the Work World

The first impression
ALWAYS has the most impact …

Remember:
Match your style to the organization’s culture -- for instance, finance is more conservative, advertising more adventurous

Be a little conservative…please!
AVOID:
Sharkskin, “shiny” fabrics, poplin, corduroy, and other more casual fabrics

It doesn’t require a valet…
… just a little knowledge

“If it feels good, wear it”

looking good = feeling good

Long sleeve white shirts preferred, light blue for a more casual look
NEVER short sleeves
If in a “preppy” work environment, button down collars okay-otherwise, plain collar with stays
Don’t store things in your dress shirt pocket
Wear a tee shirt under dress shirt: keeps shirt from itching : protects shirt from perspiration adds body to dress shirt
Never wear a wrinkled shirt -- have dress shirts professionally laundered if you do not press them yourself using spray starch

TIP: For illustrated instructions on tying these knots, try www.menswearhouse.com

MEN: NEVER - that is, NEVER -- show some leg. When you are seated, with your legs crossed, ONLY socks should show .

The boardroom isn’t for skateboarding, and the office suite isn’t a rave so:
NO earrings, NO necklaces, NO studs, NO bracelets.

• Accommodate your dress to the employer’s environment.
• Not sure? Dress up a notch rather than down.
• When in doubt, go more conservative.
• Remember, your dress says who you are.
• Buy less, buy classic, buy the best .
Strategy: Choose one of the highest ranking individuals in your company -- CEO, CFO, CIO -- and emulate their style.

The Rules of the Game - DON’T...
• Use short socks – ugh! Go for mid-calf or knee-highs.
• Wear wrinkled shirts – you want that crisp, professional look
• Skip the belt. Empty belt loops are slovenly.
• Wear casual shoes, or shoes with wellworn heels.
• Never wear both braces and a belt.
• Wear a brown suit to an interview.
• Jangle when you walk – keep the jewelry and pocket contents to a minimum.

Professional Casual:
Walking A Fine Line

“Business casual” is difficult to judge
Observe and emulate the top person in the company hierarchy.
The first step is to dress a notch down from full-fledged business professional
“Casual” does NOT mean “sloppy”:
Sport coats and slacks
Less formal ties or even no ties at all
All clothing worn in the office should be clean and pressed
Skip the walking shoes, tennies and Air Nikes

Professional to Casual
Taking it down a notch…

Sport Coats

Slacks
Business casual slacks work in the office and after hours

Shirts
Collars, turtlenecks – but not crew necks

Business Casual:
In General….
• Follow the “Dos” and “Don’ts” for
Business Professional dress.
• Keep an eye on the fashion choices of those who set the organization culture…do not worry about just being part of the herd, let your classic sense of style and your work set you apart.
• When in doubt, dress up a notch.
• If you are not sure something is appropriate, then it probably is not.

Business Casual:
Check it Out….
This is okay….
….and this is NOT
!

1. I found the presentation material easy to understand.
2. This discussion session increased my knowledge of the subject presented.
3. I will be able to use some of the
Information from this session in the future.
• USE:
– a. Strongly agree
– b. Agree
– c. Disagree
– d. Strongly disagree
– e. Don’t know
4. The presenter was well prepared for this discussion session.
5. This presentation should be repeated in future semesters.

If you would like to learn more, Career
Planning Strategies textbook will supply additional information on this topic.