Black Collegian Career Center

Although there has been a relaxing of the dress code in the business community over the past few years, appropriate business attire and personal image is still very important. I'm sure you've seen the TV commercial, "Image is everything." Well, it may not be everything, but it certainly is the next closest thing.

New entrants to the workforce can contribute to their success by dressing the part. And dressing the part starts with the on-campus interview and continues with your first year on the job. Khakis and a T-shirt may be perfectly acceptable today in some companies, such as behind the scenes IT jobs or within high-tech companies. However, says Linda Travis (left), Atlanta Image Consultant "Image is a function of others' collective experience with you "while image is something one establishes over time, first impressions are instantaneous and can be long-lasting." So, my recommendation is to wait until you are safely behind the scenes before going casual.

Keep in mind that the purpose of the on-campus interview, is to determine which candidates move on to the second round of on-site interviewing. The on-campus interview is essentially an audition for the big show. In order to make it to the big show, you have to make it past the audition. How you look is every bit as important as how well you interview, because companies are looking for the full package. So even if you find out that XYZ Company is basically a business casual operation, it would be wise to keep your interview attire on the conservative side. "Even in less formal environments, interviewers often expect candidates to be dressed in formal business attire to make their best first impression," advises Linda Travis.

The importance of proper attire cannot be over emphasized. A recent survey indicated that approximately 40% of all employment rejections are based on personal presentation, which includes dress and grooming. The first visual impression you make is important because recruiters are deciding on sight, if you look the part. Will you fit into the company culture? 

So, what is the appropriate attire? Well, a lot of what is appropriate will depend on the organization you will be interviewing with. "When conducting a job search, you should research the company in advance and determine how formal or informal the dress standards are for that company," says Travis. Once you determine what the dress standard is, it will be helpful in deciding how you build your professional wardrobe. Let's take a look at some fashion tips for men and women. Realizing the budgetary constraints of college students, its smart to think about wardrobe flexibility. Shop for suit combinations that can be combined to create several outfits. 

According to John L. Sands (right), president of Marjoni Custom Tailors and Shirtmakers, "Men should start with a matching business suit (2-3 button jacket) in dark gray, navy, or dark brown, a white or light blue dress shirt and conservative tie. The fabric should be 100% wool (all weather weight). Polyester suits or polyester blends are less expensive, but they do not wear or look as well as wool. The same goes for a dress shirt. The 100% cotton shirt is clearly your best buy. Nothing looks sharper than a professionally laundered cotton dress shirt. Your second purchase according to Sands, "should be your basic navy blue blazer, (single breasted) a pair of gray dress slacks and a pair of tan or taupe pants." For shoes, a black or cordovan lace up is your best bet. If you decide to go with the wing-tip shoe, get the thin soled wing-tip as opposed to the thick soled wing-tip that is more prevalent in the cooler regions of the East and North. The thin wing tip is much more versatile and can be worn anytime of year in any region.

Women should start with a matching, skirted suit in a conservative color (black, blue, dark gray); a neutral blouse or top with conservative neckline; and skin-tone hosiery. This basic wardrobe should get you through the on-campus-interviewing season. 

In a traditional business environment, brighter colors, alternative styling such as 4-button jackets, double breasted sports coats, and women's pant suit are not recommended for a first interview. Once you get acclimated to your new work environment, organizational dress standards will offer guidelines for expanding your wardrobe with color and style.

Business casual is fast becoming a trend in the workplace, even in the most conservative work environments. According to Travis, "Business Casual refers to relaxing the formality of traditional business dress. That is, relaxing the formality of the matching suit with all its accessories. It doesn't mean wearing weekend wear to work; such a work environment would be casual, not business casual."

While the trend toward business casual is on the upswing, Sands suggests that some firms are revisiting the policy. Sands, notes that, "Recently, we are noticing with our client companies a stronger policing of their employees. And for those who had become so casual that jeans and khakis were accepted, the pendulum is swinging back toward dressy casual (sport coat, dress shirt or golf shirt and dress slacks)." So, the final word on business casual should be determined by the standard set by the work environment, not by personal preference or trends.

Professional wardrobes do not change with the annual fall issue of GQ or Vogue magazine. "By their very nature, says Travis, trends have an uncertain life span and because of the wardrobe investment involved, trends are typically not appropriate for professional dress." The least expensive pieces of the wardrobe (shirt, tie, scarf, and jewelry) can be updated more readily to reflect new colors, fabrics, or styling. Suits are expensive to replace, which is why investing in a suit with classic styling is a wise investment. The trendy four and five button suits for men and skirts with slits are not appropriate for the interview.

In the interview setting and other business gatherings, the focal point should be the business at hand. Making and maintaining eye contact and minimizing distractions is key. Bare arms and legs, elaborate hair styles, and chunky shoes can all be a distraction. Ladies should have skirts that are no more than two inches above the knee.

A word on hair styling may be helpful at this point. Recently wearing braided hairstyles has become quite popular among Black students, both male and female. While there is no absolute on wearing braids or dreads, caution should be exercised. If wearing braids is something you feel strongly about, you should be sure and do your research on the company's culture. This is where a good information interview with someone in your network can be very beneficial. Braids, especially on men, are still not an acceptable part of the dress code in the business world. The more conservative the work environment, the less acceptable braids will be. If you do decide to go with braids have them done professionally and wear them with a neat bun and pulled to the back. Never wear them long or shoulder length.

Travis believes that professional dress starts from the undergarments and works outward. "In a business context, undergarments perform two key functions: provide a more professional fit of your business dress and protect your clothing from dirt.

For women, underwear should be supportive as opposed to see through or flimsy, so that clothing falls over it easily and gently, without pulling, printing, exposing, creasing, or binding.

For men, undershirts are a must for a professional look. A crewneck (round neck) undershirt with short sleeves is recommended, so that the neckline of your shirt appears smooth at the base of the tie and the sleeves protect your shirts from perspiration and staining."

Now how do you acquire this "basic wardrobe" without taking out another bank loan and sinking deeper into debt? Well the very best way to build a business wardrobe is to start out early and just add on gradually. You don't have to start out with Brooks Brothers. Quality garments can be purchased at clothing outlet stores, and discount stores such as K&G, T.J. Maxx, and Marshall's. Be a wise shopper and look for sales, but don't sacrifice quality. 

Accessories for both men and women should be kept simple and to a minimum. Certainly a watch is acceptable and perhaps even expected. Ladies may want to add a simple gold bracelet or chain. The jewelry should always complement the outfit in taste and design. Guys if you normally wear an earring for style or culture, be sure to leave it at home for the interview. Again, in some work environments it may be okay to wear an earring, but it never is okay at the interview. Also for the interview, go light on the cologne and perfume. This can be a major distraction in the interview setting. Remember that the focus should be on the business at hand with minimum distraction. 

Well, now you have the basics to dressing to impress. If there are some lingering concerns or questions don't hesitate to make an appointment with a counselor at your career center. Also, you should check and see if the career center is planning a seminar on professional dress. If so, it would be worth your time to attend. Good luck and happy shopping!