Am I well
“suited”
for speech?
What is “professional” attire?
Our Team Mission
To be a classy team
of dedicated public speakers
who have fun
and strive for excellence!
What is “professional” attire and how does that
relate to being classy?
Eastview Speech has adopted a culture of
“classic” or “conservative” professional
dress for tournament days.
We believe that a suit (or slight variation
there of) helps you look and feel your
professional best!
You never get a second chance to make a first impression!
“To Do” Tips for the Gentlemen
SUITS:
•
Choose a conservative style, dark colors: black, dark gray, charcoal, olive or navy (Avoid flashy
or showy fabrics)
•
Make sure your suit is altered to fit properly - sleeves should break just below your wrist
SHIRTS:
•
Collars should be stiff but comfortable (too loose looks tacky; too tight, you'll feel like you're
choking).
TIES:
•
Colors should work back into your suit or work well with your shirt. Patterns should not be
distracting or silly.
•
Should end at belt line - no higher, no lower
SHOES:
•
Basic black goes with everything.
•
Make sure they are comfortable.
•
Always make sure your shoes are polished and well maintained.
BELTS, SUSPENDERS, AND SOCKS:
•
Your belt should match your shoes.
•
Socks should match your shoes.
•
If you wear suspenders, don't wear a belt.
Men’s Suits
“To Do” Tips for the Ladies
JACKETS:
•
Choose a conservative style jacket in a solid, basic color.
SKIRTS:
•
Buy the skirt that goes with the jacket, OR if possible, choose a long printed skirt that matches the jacket.
•
Long, “flowy” skirts can look great for interpretation categories.
•
No short skirts!!! Skirts should be no higher than 1" above the knees.
BLOUSES:
•
Use this as an opportunity to add a touch of color under your suit. (Remember that blouses are an inexpensive
way to change the look of an outfit).
•
Be sure the blouse is not too low cut.
SHOES:
•
Stick with a medium (2" - 2.5") heel or flats. Stay away from boots and really thick, clunky heels.
•
Black, navy, or neutral colors for shoes.
•
Always look for comfort when purchasing shoes.
STOCKINGS:
•
Always wear stockings, and keep lots of extras on hand. Nylons should either be “bare” in color or should match
your suit color. (Nylons should never be darker than your hemline)
JEWELRY:
•
Keep jewelry choices conservative – it should compliment/accent your attire, not overpower it.
Women’s Suits
Women’s Suits
Sears--$65
JCPenny’s
$40
Personal Appearance “To Do’s”
Because our team’s culture is conservative and classic we
ask that personal appearance follow suit…
• HAIR - keep it out of your eyes
Gentlemen:
this may mean getting a hair cut
Ladies:
this means tying hair back off your face
• FACE – let us see your expressions
Gentlemen:
clean shaven
Ladies:
just like if you were on TV or in a play, make-up should
be worn, but keep colors and amount conservative
“What NOT To Do”
BOTH
Clothes that are too tight OR too loose
Distracting jewelry
Hair in your eyes
GENTLEMEN
LADIES
Distracting neck ties
Open-toed shoes
Light colored socks with a dark suit
Low-cut blouse
Un-shaven face
Short skirts
Bold fingernail polish
Remember our Mission…
… is to be a classy team of dedicated
public speakers who have fun and
strive for excellence!
Professional attire is just one of the ways
we show others and ourselves what a
classy team we are!