How do I Wear Career Suits?

Choose a suit that fits and match it with a tie.

A suit helps provide an impression of professionalism in a business situation. Suits exist for men and women. Men's suits are pants sets, while women can wear either pants or skirts. Purchase suits from various clothing stores or specialty suit or career wear stores. Be sure to buy a jacket and pants set to ensure the colors and material match. When choosing your work suit, pick a traditional color like blue, black, grey or brown. Small pinstripes are also acceptable.

Things You'll Need

• Dress socks
• Pantyhose
• Suit
• Belt
• Tie
• Shoes

Instructions

1. Choose a suit.

2. Put on the dress socks. Wear socks that are slightly darker than your pants in order to unify the outfit. A non-matching color draws attention to the socks. The darker color highlights the color of the pants. If it's a woman's suit, put on pantyhose.

3. Put on a dress shirt or blouse. The shirt should fit properly and not be baggy anywhere. Button up the shirt or blouse.

4. Put on the pants or skirt. Tuck the shirt into the pants or skirt and add a belt. Match the belt to the pants. For example, wear a brown belt with brown pants.

5. Put on the tie. Choose a tie that matches the suit. Keep the pattern light. For example, don't wear a patterned tie with a thin pinstriped suit. Omit this step for women's suits.

6. Put on the jacket. The sleeves should be long enough to reach your wrists. Button the jacket. It shouldn't be tight. Tuck the tie into the jacket. Omit this step for women.

7. Put on dress shoes and tie them tightly. Choose shoes that match the suit. For example, dark brown shoes work well with khaki.

Tips & Warnings

• Add a simple brooch to the lapel of the jacket to add some tasteful decoration to the suit.

References

• Kino Wear: Men's Socks 101
• Ask Men: Wearing a Suit