How to Dress For
Success
Alex Mantz, Alva Chamber
Dee Wiebener, Owner of LaDeeDa
ALWAYS BE ON
YOU’RE “A” GAME
 PICK UP APPLICATION
 JOB/ CAREER FAIR
 INTERVIEW
FRESH START
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Take a bath
Try on outfit before morning of interview.
Get a haircut
Don’t go out the night before
 Red eyes
 Smell
MEN
SUITS
 Choose a conservative single-breasted, 2-, 3-, or 4button jacket.
 Choose dark colors: black, dark gray, charcoal, olive,
navy. Avoid flashy or showy fabrics.
 A good bet for business casual is a navy blazer with
dress pants, dress shirt, and a tie.
 Have your suit pressed every few weeks to keep it
looking nice.
 Make sure your suit is altered to fit properly - sleeves
should break just below your wrist.
 Shop around for the best value in price and quality, and
consider sales and clearances.
SHIRTS
 Purchase several (7-8) good quality dress shirts (a
couple are sufficient for campus interviews).
 Cotton is the best fabric for shirts - no polyester or
polyester-blend.
 Collars should be stiff but comfortable (too loose looks
unprofessional; too tight, you'll feel like you're choking).
 If buying a shirt with a pointed collar be sure that it has
collar stays or can be buttoned down.
 A price range for quality shirts is $35-60 - remember
that you're looking for good quality at a good price.
 Resist buying brightly colored shirts until your wardrobe
has expanded a little more and until you know more
about the culture of your workplace.
TIES
 Ties distinguish your individuality and
update your fashion statement. They're
also flexible and easy to replace.
 Colors should work back into your suit or
work well with your shirt.
 Should end at belt line - no higher, no
lower.
 Purchase 1 or 2 to start (a couple are
sufficient for campus interviewing).
SHOES
 One pair basic black or brown.
 Make sure they are comfortable.
 Pricing: $90-150 for good quality leather
shoes. Again, buy within your price
range.
 Always make sure your shoes are
polished and well maintained.
BELT, SUSPENDERS, AND
SOCKS
 Your belt should match your shoes.
 Socks and suspenders can be matched
to your suit, shirt, or tie; a solid color is
better - preferably black or navy.
 NO GYM SOCKS - WHITE
 If you wear suspenders, don't wear a
belt.
BUSINESS CASUAL
BUSINESS CASUAL
 Most businesses today follow the
standard business casual during the
week and casual Friday.
 Always check
WOMAN
JACKET
 Choose a conservative style jacket in a
solid, basic color. Save the trendier styles
until you are more settled and familiar
with the "culture" of your workplace.
SKIRT
 Buy the skirt that goes with the jacket,
and if possible, also choose a printed
skirt that matches the jacket as well.
 Skirts should be not be higher than the
knees.
JACKET
 If the jacket you purchase has pants to
match, that's great. Also consider
additional pairs in black, navy, or dark
gray.
 Conservative novelty pattern (small
hounds tooth or other tight pattern) is
acceptable.
SHIRT/BLOUSE
 Look for ivory, black, navy, and gray
blouses or shells to wear under suits.
 Remember that blouses are an
inexpensive way to change the look of an
outfit.
 Don't wear sleeveless blouses and
dresses.
Accessorize
 Jewelry
 Women (earrings, bracelet, necklace)
 Interview- wear more subtle jewelry
 Belts
 Scarves
Touchy Subjects
Tattoos
• Wear long sleeves to cover
tattoos on arms
• Wear long skirts, pants, or panty
hose to cover tattoos on legs
• Make sure the necklines cover
any tattoos on the shoulders or
chest
• Always ask your employer what
his/her regulations on tattoos are
Piercings
• Take out any piercings before
interviews
• Always ask your employer
what his/her regulations are on
piercings.
Hair Dye
Extreme hair colors are not
usually acceptable in the
workplace.
•
•Often going outside the dress
code is grounds for dismissal.
HELPFUL HINTS
 Don’t smoke before your interview
 Turn off cell phones before entering workplace
or interview
 Clean fingernails
 Don’t wear to much perfume
 Lay out your resume’, portfolio and anything
else required the night before.
 Pack your lint roller
 DON’T BE LATE!!!!
QUESTIONS
 If you have any questions after today’s
presentation, please feel free to stop by
the Alva Chamber of Commerce or La
Dee Da.