What in the World Do You Think You’re Wearing? A guide to dressing appropriately for the workplace

College is a time to indulge in your social cravings. Weekends are packed with a variety of different activities--and with different activities come different outfits. While we all know college is a time to have fun, meet new people, and try new things, we have to remember that college is also a time to learn. Learning how to network, becoming an independent adult, and getting a realistic grasp of work are all vital parts of the college experience. Whether you find yourself presenting a campaign in front of your class, getting hands-on experience as an intern, or simply going through a mock interview, it is essential you learn the basics of appropriate professional wear.

So, what comes to mind when you hear “professional wear?” Suits, ties, pantyhose? While those items are considered formal, whether or not you have to wear them depends on the industry you’re in. Some of you may have a foggy idea of what “professional wear” is. If so, this guide is for you!

Professional wear = dressing appropriately for the workplace. The first step is to understand that your party clothes are not appropriate. Any item of clothing you’d wear to church, chapel, temple or in front of Grandpa Joe will suffice. It doesn’t matter how well that James Perse black-bowed chiffon top matches that skin-tight, short beige Theory skirt you’ve been dying to wear--it’s not appropriate!

Also, be considerate of who you’re working with. As John Fracchia, associate director of Ithaca College’s career service center says, “Certain professions cultivate certain histories.” Yes, we may be a more modernized generation, but keep in mind, your generation is not the only generation you’ll be working and interacting with.

Imagine this: you ace all your classes, you’re confident in your 3.9 GPA and you’re vice president of your campus's student government. Pretty impressive, no? Then comes a job interview. You walk in wearing a beige cotton long-sleeved shirt, equipped with a soup stain on the upper right corner, paired with gray tweed pants that aren’t long enough to be considered pants and certainly not short enough to be capris. As for shoes, you’re wearing your favorite pair of beaten-up leather cowboy boots. Absolutely horrid. Whether you like it or not, first impressions will be made.

“First impressions are important,” Fracchia says. “They are made in the first forty-five seconds you meet your interviewer.”

Regardless of your amazing academic skills, interviewers will take into account the effort you put into looking professional and neat.

“They would wonder if you would [dress that way] with a client,” Fracchia adds.

Here’s some more insight on professional wear:

Professional Clothes for Men:

- Well fitted suit
- Golf/polo shirt
- Buttoned-down collared shirt with tie
- Khaki pants
- Polished loafers or other dress shoes

Professional Tips for Men:
Remember guys, the workers at the department stores are there to help you! You may be surprised by the insight they have on putting together professional outfits.

- Shave the stash
Always be clean-cut, so no stubble!
- Don’t clash colors
For clothing, stay away from bold colors. As for footwear, dark socks only – no white sweat socks.
- Keep it consistent
If you’re dressing formally, keep your whole outfit formal; same goes with a casual outfit. (So typically, no ties are needed when wearing a polo or golf shirt).
- Belt it
Wear a belt! Make sure it matches your shoes.
- Button up!
When wearing a button-up collared shirt, make sure you button the very top button (the one that’s right behind your tie).
- No mix-n-matchin’
Your pants and suit jacket must match each other.
- Tie it all together
Get a tie clip! It’s neat and keeps your tie from flying in your face. Just make sure it matches your belt.
- Don’t hit below the belt

The end of your tie should be about belt level.

Professional Clothes for Women:
Women’s professional attire isn’t as easily defined as men’s.

- Pencil skirts
Knee-length or longer (try the fingertip test! Let your arms hang by your sides. If the end of your skirt reaches your fingertips then your skirt is an appropriate length.)
- Button-down tops with collars
- Blouses that aren’t low cut
- Fitted blazers
- High-waisted flare pants
Absolutely NO jeans – even skinny jeans.
- Closed-toed heels or pumps
Open-toe shoes are less professional; they give off a more casual, party vibe.
- Dresses
No need to overdo it, so nothing too revealing. There should be a back to your dress.
Try to find some dresses with some sort of sleeve – 3/4 or t-shirt sleeved.

Professional Tips for Women:

- High heels
As for heel size, a height of 3.5 inches is the max.
- No frumps, no lumps
Make sure your clothes are well fitted! Wearing a loose blazer with a baggy skirt or gaucho pants won’t cut it. Also be aware of the danger of wearing overly tight or overly loose clothing.
- All natural, baby
Cosmetics: less is more, ladies. The more natural, the better. No one wants the clown look. (If you’re an eyeshadow girl, go for a nude lipstick/lipgloss or just chapstick. If you’re a red lips kind of girl, skip the eyeshadow or use a neutral colored eyeshadow, one that matches your skin color.)
- Beware of the Bling
Be aware of how many accessories you’re wearing. Outstanding jewelry becomes a distraction. This isn’t the time to express your fashion sense through jewelry, so cut down on your diamond cut watch and water pearl necklace. Leave your chandelier earrings and gold-encrusted rings at home.

It’s so important for you to follow these basic rules. Wearing unprofessional clothing is a way of, as Fracchia puts it, “communicating that you don’t understand the culture of your profession.”