In business, you are dressing to have an impact on your bosses and teammates. If your clothes don’t convey the message that you are competent, able, ambitious, self-confident, reliable, and authoritative, nothing you say or do will overcome the negative signals emanating from your apparel

1. Professionalism
Dress, Deportment and Details

2. The Power of Appearance
In business, you are dressing to have an
impact on your bosses and teammates. If
your clothes don’t convey the message
that you are competent, able, ambitious,
self-confident, reliable, and authoritative,
nothing you say or do will overcome the
negative signals emanating from your
apparel. Betty Harragan,
Games Your Mother Never Taught You

3. Image & Self-Projection
There are 3 sides to self image:
1. As you see yourself.
2. As others see you.
3. As you truly are.
Complete the self assessment.
Where are there differences in your perceptions?
Do you see areas for self improvement?

4. Three Categories of People
Failures: People who either never try or
give up on themselves.
Sustainers: People who spend 70% of
their time doing the job well and 30%
waiting for recognition.
Achievers: People who spend 60% of
their time doing the job well and 40%
networking and promoting themselves.

5. Why isn’t everyone an achiever?
Many people are constrained by 4
unconscious fears:
1. Fear of Making Mistakes: Successful
people learn from mistakes. They don’t
internalize failure or live in defeat. They
put the mistake in perspective and move
on.

6. 4 Unconscious Fears (continued)
2. Fear of Taking Risks: Ask yourself “how
can I gain from this?” What is the
worst/most likely things that will happen?
By weighing the risks, you put them into
perspective.
3. Fear of Success: Learn how to act when
presented with success.

7. 4 Unconscious Fears (continued)
4. Fear of Criticism: There are 2 ways to
deal with criticism—1) Give up the need to
be liked by everyone (It is far better to be
respected than to be liked); 2) Know the
difference between facts and opinions
(Just like your mother used to say:
“Consider the source.”)

8. The “Fake-It-Till-You-Make-It” Principle
People see with their brains, not their eyes.
They see what they want to see and look
for behaviors that they expect to see. If
you act as if you deserve it, believe it, and
can achieve it, then other people will
believe it, too.

9. Characteristics of Self Image
Physical appearance: Work with what
you’ve got! Choose attire that flatters, not
just fashion. Be confident that you’ve
presented your best self, then forget about
it.
Attitude: Nothing succeeds like the
attitude of success. Have personal
conviction. Don’t confuse attitude with
status symbols or posessions.

10. Characteristics (continued)
Communication skills: The ability to
communicate, at all levels, is vital to having
people take you seriously.
Body Language: Your body language should
support, not contradict, your words and feelings.
Personal Hygiene: The easiest factor to deal
with. “Neat and appropriate” should become
your mantra—neat hair, attire, nails, shoes,
breath, and body odor.

11. Business Attire
The way you dress speaks volumes about who
you are as a person and as a business
communicator. Let's face it, clothes talk.
Whenever you enter a room for the first time, it
takes only a few seconds for people you've
never met to form perceptions about you and
your abilities. You don't have to utter a word;
people peg you one way if you're dressed in
jeans and a T-shirt, slacks and a sports coat,
and yet another if you're wearing a bow tie and
seersucker suit. Regardless of who you really
are, your clothes and body language always
speak first.

12. Business Attire
Some of the perceptions people can form solely from your
appearance are:
Your professionalism.
Your level of sophistication.
Your intelligence.
Your credibility.
Whether these perceptions are real or imagined, they
underscore how your appearance instantly influences
the opinions of strangers, peers, and superiors. Being
well dressed in a corporate setting can influence not just
perceptions, but also promotions.

13. Business Attire
Your corporate culture and the role you play in it should
guide your choice of business attire.
More and more businesses are moving to full-time
business casual at every level in the organization. Some
just have one or two days each week that are casual.
And the definition of business casual varies, ranging
from jeans to blazers.
Business dress requires you to know your audience. You
need to gauge what attire will be right for the audience
and the circumstance.
While your attire can be a vehicle for personal
expression, you can pay a price for violating the written
and unwritten codes of your culture. Always know the
price before you pay.

14. Business Attire
 In business, your clothing and grooming should not distract. Rather,
they should direct attention to your face and particularly your eyes.
When you connect with someone else's eyes, they tend to listen.
 Typical formal business attire has an advantage because it can
easily direct listeners to your eyes. A light shirt under a closed dark
business jacket forms a “V” that opens toward the face. A
contrasting tie or scarf can heighten this effect. Wearing some red
in the tie or scarf can help draw the eyes of your audience to your
own.
 In contrast, a flashy belt (buckle) can draw the eye to the waist.
Bright buttons, shiny tie tacks, colorful lapel pins, big metal watches,
or other conspicuous jewelry can also draw the eye. The same goes
for clothing that is tight, shiny, or loud.
 Think of it this way: if it clings or wrinkles, it's not really your
wardrobe, it's Saran Wrap and you'd better think twice before
wearing it to work.

15. Business Attire
Three basic things you need to consider
when figuring out what’s appropriate for
your working wardrobe:
1. Your Line of Work
2. Your Corporate Culture
3. Your Audience

16. Your Line of Work
Traditional businesses like law, banking, finance,
accounting, high-level corporate, etc., require traditional
business attire: a conservative suit in dark colors with
classic lines. The message: authoritative, conservative,
and competent.
People businesses like teaching, real estate, sales,
medicine, social work, etc., call for clothes that both
convey expertise but are non-threatening: two piece
dressing, good quality, no jacket. The message:
trustworthy, approachable, and knowledgeable.
Artistic businesses like advertising, art, fashion, writing,
entertainment, decorating, etc., call for or expect a more
expressive mode of dress. Three piece dressing, with a
tie, scarf, or jewelry being the third piece. The message:
creative, unique, and contemporary.

17. Your Corporate Culture
 While one company may have
a very strict dress code,
another company in the same
field may be much more
relaxed. If you adapt your
wardrobe to “fit in” with your
company, you'll succeed much
faster (in terms of promotions
and/or getting staff
compliance) than if you simply
resign yourself to the notion
that everyone is either over- or
underdressed, in your opinion,
and you'll march to your own
drum, regardless of what they
do.
Before you buy something to
wear to work, ask yourself:
 Is it appropriate for the kind of
job I have?
 Is it a fad or will it hold up as a
basic wardrobe foundation?
 Does it fit properly?
 Will I stand out (in a positive
light) if I wear it to work?
 Do I feel successful and
confident wearing it?
 Would my boss wear it?

18. Your Audience
Who is your audience? The people who most influence
your paycheck: your clients, potential clients,
management, colleagues, staff, students, etc. You're
dressing to:
1. Be relatable to them.
2. Fit their perceived image of someone in your role.
If you intimidate your clients, embarrass your manager,
or have people look you over from head to toe in
disbelief, you probably haven't dressed for your
audience. You also aren't going to get very far. You need
to dress how they'll feel most comfortable doing
business with you.

19. Business Casual
Business casual is probably one of the least
understood descriptions of appropriate business
attire in the workplace.
Business-casual clothing was meant to provide
an opportunity to work in a more relaxed, yet still
professional, type of clothing.
The intention was to get away from the more
formal suit or sport coat-and-tie look for men and
suit look for women.
It was originally defined as no tie, button-down
shirt and slacks for men, and a skirt or slacks
and blouse or shirt for women.

20. Casual to the Extreme
Sometimes when employees hear that business casual
is their company's policy on dress, some take the
opportunity to really dress down. They quickly trade in
the slacks for jeans, and shirts for T-shirts.
The summer months can be a particularly treacherous
minefield of work fashion don'ts. It's wise to consider that
very few places of business find tank or tube tops, flip-
flops or tennis shoes and shorts appropriate business
attire.
Too many people come into work as though going on a
picnic or to a ballgame, and employers become
frustrated by having to correct behavior and don't want to
take on the role of fashion police.

21. Business Casual
Women - Acceptable Attire:
 Pantsuits are a wise choice for a business casual event, e.g.,
information session, tour of facility, etc.
 A classic sheath, paired with a cardigan or a blazer in the same
fabric and color, is a good choice.
 Crisp, cotton shirts in white, chambray and chartreuse added to
dress pants, khakis, or skirts make a casual outfit.
 Cardigan twin sets are also an easy way to present a more casual
look while still looking professional.
 Jewelry, scarves and other accessories will add a polished finish to
an outfit. Remember though, "less is more."
 Shoes should still be well made and close-toed - no extremes. Flats
are appropriate.
 Hose are not essential for business casual, but recommended for
shorter skirts.
 Knee-highs or trouser socks are suggested with pants.

22. Business Casual
Men - Acceptable Attire:
A sports coat creates a pulled together look in a
business casual environment and eliminates the need for
a tie. Pair up the sports coat with khakis or dark pants.
Traditional dress slacks, khakis, Dockers, corduroys,
wool flannel and linen slacks are appropriate with or
without a blazer. Be sure to press them beforehand.
Casual button-down oxford shirts are a great alternative
to dress shirts, with or without a tie. Choose basic white,
chambray or pinstripe.
Oxfords and loafers in brown or black are a good match
for khakis or corduroys.

23. Business Casual
Unacceptable Attire:
Jeans or denim pants, shorts
Leggings/stretch/stirrup/sweat pants,
spandex or other form fitting pants
Athletic shoes, hiking boots, sandals or
flip flops
Flannel shirts or T-shirts
Hats/caps

24. CASUAL BUSINESS ATTIRE
GUIDELINES
1. Aim for a classic and understated look when
selecting your casual business wear for the
day. Pick clothing that is comfortable yet
communicates a professional attitude.
Subtle, quality accessories (belts, jewelry
and scarves) coordinated with an outfit can
show that you pay attention to important
details.
2. Combine some of your existing business
wardrobe with casual attire; for example, try
wearing a button-down shirt with khakis and
loafers. Ask yourself, "Am I successfully
representing myself and employer?”
3. Clothing should be clean, pressed or wrinkle
free, and without holes or frayed areas.
Shirts need to be tucked in (certain women's
blouses are made to be worn out, however,
and this is permitted).
4. Body piercing which can be seen by the client
(with the exception of earrings) is not
permitted. Tongue rings should not be
visible.
5. Hairstyle should project a professional
appearance: clean, neatly trimmed, and
well-groomed.
6. Pay attention to the fit of your clothing. Slacks
should break just above the shoe, sleeves
should reach the base of your hand and just
show a bit of the cuff if you are wearing a
jacket, and shirt collars should button
comfortably without pinching or leaving
gaps. Also, if you wear a tie, its tip should
reach below the bottom of your belt buckle.
8. Shoes matter. Shoes should be polished and
leather is generally preferred.
9. Take your day's schedule into account when
you are dressing. Do not make
assumptions. Keep a spare jacket in the
office for unexpected meetings.
10. When in doubt, leave it out. Casual clothing
should make you and everyone you work
with more comfortable while, at the same
time, projecting a professional image.

25. <<Business Casual
Business Formal
>>

26. << Business Casual
Business Formal >>

27. Men's Interview Attire - Back to the
Basics
The Suit:
 Choose suits neutral in color - charcoal, navy, or gray. Black suits,
while in style, are less appropriate for an interview.
 The pant leg should touch the front of the shoe and fall just above
the heel in the back.
 Pants can either have cuffs or not.
 The fabric of the suit should be gabardine or wool. Blended material
is acceptable, but avoid cotton blends as they wrinkle.
 The suit jacket should be buttoned while standing and unbuttoned to
sit. Do not button the bottom button of a three or two-piece suit.
 Avoid suits with double-breasted jackets.

28. Men's Interview Attire - Back to the
Basics
The Dress Shirt:
Choose shirts in white, ecru, or light blue.
If possible, have your shirt professionally laundered.
Always wear a long sleeve shirt.
Pointed collars give a more professional image than
button down collars, yet both are acceptable.
Avoid shirts with insignias on them.
The shirt's sleeve should extend beyond the suit jacket
sleeves by 1/2 inch.
Always wear an undershirt (avoid v necks) as they give
the appearance of a finished look.

29. Men's Interview Attire - Back to the
Basics
The Tie:
Wear a conservative tie with subtle
patterns or solid colors.
Ties should be of good quality and made
of 100% silk.
Always wear a tie that is darker than your
shirt.
Tie your tie to fall in the middle of your
belt.

30. Men's Interview Attire - Back to the
Basics
Socks, Shoes and Belt:
Wing tips or lace up conservative shoes are the most
appropriate. Loafers should be used for business casual.
Choose black, brown or burgundy shoes. Shoe color
should match your suit or be of a darker color.
Shoes should be in good condition and polished.
Socks should match the color of your suit and cover your
calves.
Belts should be in good condition and match the color of
your shoes.

31. Men's Interview Attire - Back to the
Basics
Accessories:
 Men should limit accessories/jewelry to 3 pieces.
 Accessories include watch, ring, handkerchief, lapel pins, cuff links,
and tie tacks. A dress watch should be worn, avoid athletic styles.
 Avoid bracelets, necklaces, and visible piercings.
Grooming:
 Facial hair should be neatly trimmed (moustache, sideburns),
beards are not recommended for an interview.
 Hair should be neat and conservative, not touching the collar of your
shirt.
 Heavy cologne should be avoided. Soap and antiperspirant will
allow the interviewer to remember you, not your scent.
 Nails should be clean and manicured.

33. Women's Interview Attire - Fit in, don't
stand out!
The Suit:
 Choose a classic suit, avoiding trendy suit styles.
 For a conservative organization, a skirt suit is still considered the
appropriate interview attire. A pantsuit, while acceptable for some
organizations, is still considered less formal.
 Hemlines should be knee length or longer. Miniskirts are not only
inappropriate, they scream, "do not take me serious!"
 Choose wool, gabardine or rayon fabric.
 Color does not have to be limited to dark colors, but remember the
rule - if you have to ask yourself "Can I?" then don't.
 Make sure the suit flatters your figure and is a good fit, not too tight
or too loose.
 Jacket sleeves should fall 1/2 inch below your wrist.

34. Women's Interview Attire - Fit in, don't
stand out!
Shoes and Hose:
Shoes should be pumps or sling backs, do not wear
shoes with open toes, open heel, or ankle straps.
Shoes should be of good quality leather.
Shoe color should be darker than your suit.
Heels should be 1-2 inches; higher heels should be
saved for after hours.
Hosiery should be worn with a skirt to match your skin
tone or suit.
Skin colored hose should always be worn with short
sleeve suits to create a balanced look.

35. Women's Interview Attire - Fit in, don't
stand out!
The Blouse:
 Blouses should be updated, but neither low cut nor revealing.
 Do not wear a camisole or see through blouse.
Accessories:
 Jewelry should be keep minimal and conservative. Remove all facial
piercing except earrings.
 Follow one of the following rules when accessorizing for an
interview.
 The 5 Piece Rule: Wear only 5 accessories - earrings count as 2; watch
counts as 3, allowing 2 additional accessories, or
 The 13 Piece rule: Wear only 13 accessories remembering to count
each button on your suit front and sleeves as individual pieces.
 Regardless which rule you follow, the meaning is clear, do not over
accessorize.

36. Women's Interview Attire - Fit in, don't
stand out!
Make-up and Grooming:
Makeup should be natural looking, better toned down
than so loud that they remember your eye shadow, but
not you.
Nails should be clean and manicured, avoid overly long
fingernails and nail art.
Nail polish and lip color should not be too trendy or
bright.
Hair should be clean, neat in appearance.
Perfume should be applied very lightly, if at all. A good
soap and antiperspirant will allow the interviewer to
remember you, not your scent.

40. Dos and Don’ts for Women:
Dos
 Always look professional
 Dress for the audience, the
circumstance, the corporate
culture, and yourself
 Wear clothes that fit
 Make sure your clothes are
pressed
 Keep jackets buttoned (formal)
 Err on the side of conservative
 Keep your hair neat and
trimmed
 Mild (or no) fragrances
 Wear heels (up to 1 1/2" to 2"),
with a high vamp, with formal
attire
 Hose should be skin color or
darker (carry an extra pair
when presenting)
 Conservative business make-
up, stressing the mouth and
eyes more if presenting
 Check for lipstick on your teeth
 Simple manicure

41. Dos and Don’ts for Women:
Don’ts
Wear clothes that talk
louder than you do
Undo too many buttons
on your blouse
Wear clothing that no
longer fits
Wear wrinkled clothing
Fabrics that have a
noticeable sheen from
wear
Hair that falls in your face
or obscures your
eyebrows
Hair that requires
continual adjustment
Fragrance that smells
from a distance
ID badges when you're
presenting
Busy patterns
Anything too bright, tight,
sheer or short
Toe cleavage (open-toed
shoes)
Heels so high you're
unsteady

42. Dos and Don’ts for Women:
Don’ts
Light hose or light
shoes
Too much makeup
Wear big, shiny
buckles or jewelry
Earrings that are
large or dangle
Bangle bracelets (or
else anything noisy)
NEVER, EVER,
EVER wear anything
that even remotely
shows your belly,
waist or back. If you
can’t raise your arms
without your belly
showing, CHANGE
YOUR SHIRT!!!!

43. “Dos and Don’ts” for Men
Dos:
Always look professional
Dress for the audience,
the circumstance, the
corporate culture, and
yourself
Wear clothes that fit
Make sure your clothes
are pressed
Keep jackets buttoned
(formal)
Err on the side of
conservative
Keep your hair neat and
trimmed
No hair in eyes
Mild (or no) fragrances
Ties should be
conservative and reach
the middle of your belt
buckle
Lace-up shoes (usually
black) with a suit
A traditional starched
business shirt, preferably
white cotton with a suit

44. “Dos and Don’ts” for Men
Dos:
Shirts with a simple
collar and cuffs
A formal but simple
watch
Hair, usually parted to
one side, not reaching
the top of your shirt
collar
Over-the-calf socks

45. “Dos and Don’ts” for Men
Don’ts:
Undo multiple buttons on
your shirt
Clothing that no longer
fits
Wear wrinkled clothing
Fabrics that have a
noticeable sheen
Hair that falls in your face
or obscures your
eyebrows
Hair that requires
continual adjustment
Fragrance that smells
from a distance
ID badges when you're
presenting
Busy patterns
Garish ties
Sloppy facial hair (in
some organizations, any
facial hair can be career-
inhibiting)
Shiny tie pins or clips or
big belt buckles

46. “Dos and Don’ts” for Men
Don’ts:
Visible jewelry (other
than a watch and/or a
single simple ring)
Distracting lapel pins
Open top shirt button
with a tie
Short-sleeved dress
shirts
Short socks
Loafers with a suit
“Out” in not “In” in the
work place. Keep it
tucked!!!

47. Codes of Dress (Other Than Business)

Semi-Formal
A business suit and tie for men and a business suit for women is appropriate. Semi-formal attire is appropriate for
any business function where attire was not specified. Men should choose conservative ties, no cartoons or loud
patterns.
Formal
A dark suit and tie for men and a dressy business suit for women is appropriate. Women may also wear dresses
or pantsuits. The rule is generally that the more formal the event, the more covered up a woman should dress.
Take a wrap or dress jacket if you go strappy or sleeveless. Choose dress fabrics like velvet or silk which you
would of course not wear to work.
Cocktail
Business dress for men is always appropriate. A jacket and tie should be worn for the duration of the function.
Women may choose "cocktail" suits, shorter dresses or dressy pants. The mood is generally light-hearted unless
the invitation states "formal-cocktail reception" where "formal" refers to dress and "cocktail" refers to the food and
beverage service.
Black Tie
Typically you will receive a formal invitation for these events that will state that black tie apparel is required. A
black tuxedo coat, black trousers, white tuxedo shirt, black bow tie and matching cummerbund are expected.
Women should wear a formal gown, preferably long. A cocktail dress should be reserved for a cocktail style
function.
White Tie
This style of dress is usually reserved for very formal, typically official or government occasions. Attire consists of
a long tailcoat, usually white, but black is acceptable, with matching trousers. Women are expected to wear a very
formal, definitely long, gown.

48. Top Ten Mistakes in Business Apparel
1. Wild nail polish (dagger
nails, nail art, etc.)
2. Inappropriate jewelry
(including body
piercings, earrings on
men, jangling jewlery of
any type.)
3. Open-toed or backless
shoes (no mules, clogs
or sandals).
4. Bare legs or ankles—
period. Save it for the
pool party.
5. Bad suit (too big, little)
6. Short skirts (1-2 inches
above the knee).
7. Leather jackets
(depends on culture &
industry).
8. Turtlenecks (risky).
9. Printed or trendy
handbag (fashion risk).
10.In appropriate briefcase
(Invest in a black or
cordovan portfolio, then
upgrade with
promotions).

49. Tattoo Taboo
In general, tattoos should never be visible in the
work place.
The office is not the place to have blatant
displays of personality.
Businesses desire their employees to reflect a
company image, not a personal bulletin board.
Tattoos are generally regarded as a youthful
indiscretion and can rob you of your credibility.

50. Putting It All Together
 Dress to be included. Be a good reflection of corporate ideals.
 Dress for the position you want, not the one you have.
 Dress consistently. Avoid the trap of “Casual Fridays.” Always be
ready to meet your boss’ boss.
 Less is more. Not too fashionable, too complicated, too flashy.
Strive for understated elegance—men & women.
 Finishing touches make the difference. Pay attention to the details:
ties, tasteful jewelry, shined shoes, proper hosiery, handbags,
wallets, belts.
 If your hair (and makeup) are outdated, so are you. The ability to be
aware of fashion trends, but not a slave to them, demonstrates a
balanced lifestyle and awareness of the environment.

51. Final Thoughts on Apparel
NEVER under estimate the power of first impressions.
People make assumptions about you based on your
appearance at your first meeting.
You are more likely to receive better service, command
more respect, and get what you want if you are dressed
and speak appropriately for your surroundings.
Conservative colors are always safest. Shades of blue
and gray are best. Black can be too serious, brown too
casual.
ALWAYS make sure that your underwear stays under
your wears. Never, never adjust your underwear in
public.

52. Deportment
Definition: The manner in which one
conducts oneself. Synonym: Bearing
The 4 elements of deportment are:
Posture
Body Language
Attitude
Eye contact
Body language and eye contact will be covered in the
“Communications” lecture.

53. Posture
International Etiquette expert Adeodata Czink of
Business of Manners agrees that posture is one
of the most important elements of how a person
looks and feels. She advises her clients to try to
"be as tall as you can be." When you stand up
tall and relax your shoulders, you will appear
more healthy and confident. People will feel
this healthy confidence and respond to it, and
you will therefore be creating a more positive
experience for yourself.

54. Correct Posture
Correct Posture starts with a conscious effort to hold
the Posture of the body in a straight line. The spine
should be straight all the way up your back and up
through the top of your head. The head should be
parallel to the sky. It may help to visualize a string
coming down from the ceiling that attaches to the top of
the back of the head like a puppet, which allows their
shoulders and back muscles to relax and hang down
from the spine. This visualization is only a technique that
may be helpful in discovering a Straight Posture.
Keeping the back straight does not mean that to force
the back into a straight position; however, it does mean
to let the back find its own upright position.

55. Poor Posture
While good posture reflects confidence and
capability, poor posture reflects a lack of
confidence, poor self-esteem, and lack of self-
discipline.
Poor posture leads to fatigue, stress, and back
pain.
Slouching, while sitting, standing, or walking, is
considered lazy and demonstrates a lack of
respect—for one’s self and for one’s audience.

56. Sitting, Standing, and Walking
 The proper way to sit (in a public setting):
 Approach the chair, stand in front of it with back of legs touching chair;
lower self to sit in middle of seat; push bottom to back of seat.
 Keep feet on floor (preferably both). Don’t slouch.
 To stand from a seated position, scoot to middle of seat again; use legs
to slowly rise to standing position. Avoid using arms.
 When standing (as in conversation), avoid infringing on other
person’s personal space. Keep feet no more than shoulder-width
apart.
 When walking, ensure that toes are pointed straight ahead (not
pointed in or out). Touch down with the heel (without stomping), roll
through the foot, and push off with the toes. Allow hands to swing
gently, in counter-point to legs. Walk purposefully—not too fast or
too slowly. Never drag your heels. Do not wear heels (male or
female) that clomp or echo. Ladies, never wear heels that you can’t
walk in gracefully and, if needed, quickly.

57. Practice Point
Practice proper sitting and standing, using
good posture.
Evaluate walking style.

58. Professionalism: It all comes down to
attitude
A true professional radiates competence and confidence.
A professional keeps his/her personal business personal.
A professional is always positive, focused, and
energetic.
A professional avoids engaging in or repeating gossip.
A professional always maintains the highest levels of
honesty and integrity.
A professional never compromises his/her
professionalism by engaging in risky behaviors outside
of the work place.
A professional is a role-model.