1. Dress for Success
Embry-Riddle Career Services

2. Introduction
• The NAKED TRUTH: Appearance & conduct
matter – we are initially judged by how we
present ourselves; the business world is no
exception!
• Attention to detail makes a huge impact
• Professionalism is based on how you look
and act. It is not just a superficial
description of a person…professionalism is
an “attitude”

3. Dress Codes
• Business Casual
• Business Dress
• Formal Wear

4. Important to Note
• NEVER dress business casual for a job
interview…even if the recruiter says
that you can or should!

5. No Matter What
• Make sure that what you wear fits
you properly
• As for level of appropriateness: if you
are in doubt, either ask someone you
trust or wear something else

6. Image “Dos”
• Make eye-contact when speaking
• Keep a straight posture
• Make sure you have fresh breath &
clean teeth
• Give a firm handshake
• Use proper grammar
• Use good table manners (when
applicable)

7. Image “Don’ts”
• Speaking too softly or too quickly
• Wear scuffed up or scruffy shoes – polish
them
• Wear clothing with loose or missing buttons
• Wear clothing with hems in need of repair
• Wear stained, spotted, or perspiration-
stained clothing
• Talk with your mouth full

8. Dressing for Gentlemen

9. Business Casual and Formal
Wear
• Business Casual includes pressed
slacks, ironed shirts (button-up or
polo), or sweaters
• Sport Coats are considered business
casual
• Shoes should look nice – clean and
polished is best
• Formal wear = tuxedo; a black suit and
bow tie/formal tie are appropriate

10. The Interview Suit
• Acceptable colors include navy through
medium blue, black through charcoal
• Fabric should be 100% wool – it looks
great and wears well
• Pinstripes are acceptable as long as they
are narrow and subtle
• A two piece, well fitted suit is best!
• Make sure the suit fits - no pull at the
shoulders and no gape at the back; the
jacket should fall at your wrist

13. The Shirt
• Wear a long-sleeved shirt – no
exception to the rule
• Always wear a white, cream, or pale
blue shirt
• Again, make sure your shirt fits
properly especially in the neck; the cuff
of your shirt should fall at the wrist

14. The Tie
• Pure silk is the best fabric for a tie; it
makes a powerful impression
• When tied, the tie should cover the belt
buckle
• Most appropriate knots: Four-in-Hand,
Windsor, and Half-Windsor
• The print on your tie needs to be
conservative – no crazy prints or patterns
• Width of the tie should approximately be
the same as your lapel

15. The Shoes & Socks
• The shoes should either be black or
brown
• Lace-up wing tips are the most
conservative choice
• The socks should be blue, black,
gray, or brown; small subtle
patterns on the socks are ok
• Make sure your socks are long
enough for you to cross your legs
without showing skin

16. The Accessories
• Never wear any religious or political insignias
in the form of rings, ties, or pins
• Your watch should be plain and simple
• Belts should match or compliment the shoes
you wear
• Limit jewelry – leave your fraternity rings,
bracelets, neck chains, earrings, or
medallions at home
• Briefcases should be leather – brown or
burgundy; portfolios are appropriate to carry
as well

17. Helpful Hints
• Wear a dark colored suit because it
carries more authority
• Iron your shirt, have your suit pressed,
and polish your shoes
• The cuff v. plain hem on your slacks –
cuffs are recommended for your
interview suit

18. Grooming
• Make sure your hair is neat; if need be, get a hair cut
a few days before your interview
• Your nails should be clean and neatly trimmed
• Facial hair should be short and trimmed; if no facial
hair, your face should be clean shaven
• Fresh breath is best! Brush your teeth before you
interview and carry breath mints