How to Dress for a Public Relations Job

As the old adage aptly points out, it's vital to "dress for success." Different jobs call for different fashions, and as the most visible profession in communications, Public Relations has its own expectations.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Make sure you have a good understanding of the Public Relations field. PR is the number one communicator, a job that relies heavily on relationships. In order to dress the part, have a good knowledge of what it is you are embarking on.
2. Determine the culture of the specific job you have, or are seeking. An office in downtown New York that specializes in celebrity appearances, for example, might have a drastically different theme than a job, say, as the head of PR for a rain forest. Every public relations firm or environment has a unique atmosphere, and your priority is to dress to fit in.
3. Look presentable, the PR department is often considered the "face" of a company, the expectation is that you will be the representative. This usually requires business casual dress. Find a happy medium. Remember that it's not the prom! The last thing you want to do is make a client or customer uncomfortable with your appearance. Many PR jobs will require skirts, slacks, button-up dress shirts, khakis, suits, or shirts with collars.
4. Follow the dress code. Many modern firms are moving to a more casual workplace environment. This includes permission to "dress down". If this describes the company for which you work, it is acceptable to wear nice jeans with a formal top. No holey jeans and make sure the bottoms are not fraying. Dressing down does not give you permission to look sloppy.
5. Find the right style. The first impression is always crucial. This is doubly true in the fast-paced world of PR. If you are trying to land a job in Public Relations, do your homework to find out what the company considers appropriate. If you are already employed, it doesn't hurt to make yourself presentable on a daily basis. Especially if you thought your first impression could have been better.
6. Seek styles that can combine comfort with professionalism. Chances are, you are moving around, shaking hands, smiling 1,000 times a day, running out to meet clients, touring a group of 50+ people, or making an important presentation. The key to dressing for a job in Public Relations is to make it work for you, but to make it look like it's working for the client!

Tips & Warnings

• Well-dressed does not always equal expensive. There are plenty of moderately priced retailers with budget-friendly fashions.
• Explore ways to make casual dress look more formal than it actually is. For example, women can wear high heels with jeans for a more sophisticated appearance. And for men, add a belt and a collared shirt to jeans for a more professional look.
• It is rare for a Public Relations job to require a uniform, but clear this with the company to be sure. It's incredibly awkward to show up in a three-piece suit when your co-workers are wearing matching knit tops.
• If you sense that co-workers or bosses are uncomfortable with your dress, make a change. The last thing you want to do is have the quality of your work tarnished by a negative impression of your dress.