Business Dress Ideas
Not understanding the differences between business dress types can be a source of anxiety when deciding what to wear to work, a job interview or any professional event. Each business occasion is different, and it is important to make the right impression in your appearance. Clothes can also be a source of confidence for individuals looking for a new job or a promotion. The key thing to keep in mind when dressing is that your attire should display you to your best advantage.
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Traditional Dress
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Traditional dress ideas for men include dress shirts, slacks, ties and suits. For women, traditional business dress ideas include both tailored pantsuits and skirted suits. Traditional business shoes for both men and women should be close-toed. Leather shoes are appropriate for men, while moderately heeled shoes are appropriate for women. Trouser socks for men or hosiery for women are required for an outfit to be considered traditional business dress.
Formal Dress
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Formal business dress is a step up from traditional dress, and a shade under black tie. This style of dress includes dark tailored suits for both women and men. Business dress standards also dictate that women wear tailored skirted suits with hosiery and a closed-toe shoe. Men should pair white French-cuffed shirts with cuff links and silk ties to be considered in formal business attire; silk or linen pocket squares may be added for a touch of class. Formal attire is often requested for political events, client meetings, award shows and other various evening business occasions aside from black tie.
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Business Casual
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Business causal is a step down from traditional business attire. Men are still expected to wear a tie and dress shirt, but the overall look is more low-key than traditional attire. Casual business attire ideas for men include a sports coat, dress trousers, dress shirt and tie. High-level business casual ideas for men include suits paired with sports shirts and tailored separates, including dressy-collared sport shirts that do not require a tie, and fine knit sweaters and shirts. Lower-level business casual attire ideas for men include khakis, knit golf shirts and chinos. Pants should be worn with a leather belt and shoes; sneakers or sandals should never be worn. Women have a few more options including tailored pantsuits, coordinated separates like slacks, skirts, sweaters, jackets and sweater sets, a tailored jacket, and business dresses. Women should finish off their business casual attire with a closed-toe shoe.
Campus Casual
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Campus casual attire is the least dressy professional attire, and is an example of what not to wear to work. Think of it as everyday attire, which includes jeans, t-shirts, sneakers and flip-flops. While it might be appropriate for an on-campus interview or career day event, dressing in business casual attire makes you look more professional. Campus casual is appropriate for weekends or days off, but when you are dressing for work in the morning, avoid this style of dress.
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References
- Photo Credit business suit image by Andres Rodriguez from Fotolia.com
