Business Dress Attire Reference

TCNJ – School of Business

Why a Dress Code

• Dress Speak: A phrase used to express how clothing and the way it is tailored and worn translates into a personal statement
• Image and impressions are instantaneous and long lasting
• At a function, you can always dress down but you can’t dress up
• Conservative is safe
• Forty Percent (40%) of all employment rejections are based on personal presentation (dress, mannerisms, posture, grooming)
• Perceptions (right or wrong) affect:
  1. Professionalism
  2. Sophistication level
  3. Intelligence
  4. Credibility

Business (Interview) Dress – Men

• Jacket (2 or 3 button) – sleeve should end at middle of wrist bone
• Suit trousers – cuffs or no cuffs are acceptable
• Colors– Dark navy, gray, brown, gray
• Sport Coat – basic navy blue blazer
• Dress slacks- gray or tan (taupe); should break just above the shoe
• Shirt (White or light blue); should reach the base of hand; 3/8 inch longer than jacket
• Belts– color should match shoes
• Tie– conservative; length should reach bottom of belt
• Shoes– Black or cordovan; polished; tie shoes. Fred Astaire said, "If you want to know if a fellow is well dressed, look down."

Business (Interview) Dress – Women

• Suit – matching skirt and jacket; black, blue, or dark gray
• Jacket sleeves – ½ inch below wrist
• Blouse– neutral color; conservative neckline; no sleeveless
• Shoes– pumps with 1 ½ inch heels; color that compliments suit
• Earrings– Small; no hoop and/or dangling earrings

Business Casual – Men

• Trousers– dress, khakis, Dockers, corduroys, wool flannel, linen
• Shirt – long sleeved solid color (white, light blue, striped) or polo shirt (where appropriate) with collar
• Shoes – loafers or oxfords
• Socks – should coordinate with trouser color
• Facial hair – well groomed
• Earrings – unacceptable

Business Casual – Women

• Casual slacks or skirt – solid color and not form fitting
• Blouses or sweater sets – cotton, silk, or blend
• Shoes – no high heels; should be closed toe; flats are appropriate
• Colors may be brighter during warmer seasons (don’t look like an Easter egg)

Other Considerations

• Perfume and cologne – use sparingly
• Accessories – simple and to a minimum
• Rule of thumb–
  1. If it wrinkles or clings, wrap your food in it
  2. When in doubt, leave it out

Unacceptable Attire

• Jean or denim trousers or shorts
• Form fitting pants
• T shirts
• Hats/caps
• Workout attire
• Midriff-bearing clothes
• Shirts with logos
• Strapless or tank tops
• Hiking boots, athletic shoes, sandals

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