Examples of Professional Attire for Women and Men

Click on the following links to view examples of professional attire: Women | Men

Professional Dress for Women

The following provides general guidelines for professional attire for women:

Suit

• Dark suits are generally considered the most professional (Blue, black, gray, or muted patterned)
• A suit is defined by a matching jacket and skirt or trouser
• In conservative work environments, a skirt suit is considered most professional
• Skirt should be no shorter than 1 inch above knee cap
• Avoid extreme split in skirt

Blouse

• Blouse should generally be of a solid color made of cotton or silk
• Blouse should be generally of simple cut (not too frilly)
• General colors: white, beige, ecru, navy, blue, red (not black)
• Neckline should be conservative and not too low

Neckwear

• Scarves added to distinguish a suit (Ascot or Scout style)
• Colors should include those being worn

Hosiery

• Always wear pantyhose
• Coordinate with ensemble
• Skin colored hosiery is recommended
• Avoid textures (lace, snowflakes)

Shoes

• Simple pumps usually of solid color coordinating with suit skirt
• General rule is a color no lighter than hem line
• Make sure shoes are comfortable
• Short heel and closed toe

Belt

• Optional depending on the outfit
• Color should either coordinate with Shoes, outfit or both

Jewelry

• All Jewelry should coordinate in terms of metals (all gold, all silver)
• 1-2 rings per hand - no more
• Earrings should be small and unobtrusive

Professional Dress for Men

We hope you'll find the following guidelines helpful as you prepare for job interviews:

Suit

• Blue, black or gray suit-generally solid or very light stripes
• Wool or wool blend
• Pressed and clean (hangs properly)
• Jacket should not constrict normal movement
• Sleeve length should extend to wrist
• Double breasted perceived as more fashion-forward
• Single breasted conservative (if in doubt, go with single-breasted)
• For single-breasted jackets, avoid buttoning the bottom button

Shirt

• Color-white or blue (avoid stripes)
• Single breasted suit-any collar type
• Double breasted suit-any collar except button-down
• Shirt should be clean and pressed
• Collar loose at neck but not hanging
• Sleeve length should stick out 1/2 inch with suit jackets on
• Make sure all buttons are buttoned

Neckwear

• Depends on the pattern of the suit and shirt
• Solid suit and shirt - all patterns
• Knot should be clean and tie should be up to collar fully

Socks

• Recommend black plain socks with gray/black suits
• Blue suits - blue socks
• Patterned socks with colors should match colors in tie

Shoes

• Black or Cordovan (burgundy)
• Polish if scuffed
• Simple lace-up wing tips are generally accepted or tassel loafers
• Hard soles (rubber soles, considered more casual)
• Recommend you buy good quality leather shoes that are comfortable

Belt

• Simple belt buckle
• Color should match shoes