Clark University Resources
950 Main Street • Worcester, MA 01610
Tel: 508-793-7711 • webmaster@clarku.edu
Home > Offices > Career

Career Services
Contact Information Site Search

Dress for Success

First impressions are everything. Don't let what you wear affect your presentation to others. You want to sell yourself. Show off your professional side with your appearance. Here are the Do's and Don'ts for all you Ladies and Gentlemen!

Women | Men | Business Casual

WOMEN
Do's
  • Wear a business suit—pants or skirt— but always include a matching jacket
  • Make sure that your skirt is no more than 2 inches above your knee
  • Choose conservative hosiery at or near skin color
  • Make sure that you are:
    Neat and clean with hair nicely groomed
Hint: Try on your outfit BEFORE the day of the interview and get someone else's advice.
Don'ts

Clothing to Avoid:
  • Mini skirts and dresses
  • Low cut dress blouses, belly shirts - even if under a jacket, sweatshirts, or t-Shirts
  • Jeans, any denim, or cargo pants
Shoe Apparel to Avoid:
  • Never wear sandals, knee boots or any open-toed shoes
  • Avoid sneakers entirely and shoes that have more than a 2 inch heel
  • Never have runs in your hosiery (bring an extra pair with you)
Avoid Accessories That Seek Attention:
  • Cover up any tattoos and take out any multiple piercings
  • Avoid dangling and excessive jewelry
  • Use perfume and make-up sparingly
  • Do not bring a purse, small or large; carry a suitcase/portfolio instead
  • If you wear nail polish (not required), use clear or a conservative color

MEN
Do's
  • Wear a business suit with a button down dress shirt and a tie Hint: shirt and tie alone are not acceptable.
  • Dark shoes that match your socks
  • Make sure that you are neat and clean with hair nicely groomed.
  • Make sure that you are clean-shaven, and if you must have a mustache have it neatly trimmed.
Hint: Try on your outfit BEFORE the day of the interview and get someone else's advice.
Don'ts

Clothing to Avoid:
  • Jeans, any other denim, sweatshirts, and t-Shirts
Tips for Shoe Apparel:
  • Avoid sneakers, boots, casual shoes, and white socks
Avoid Accessories That Seek Attention:
  • Remove any piercings
  • Cover up any tattoos
  • Limit jewelry

BUSINESS CASUAL

Always dress in a suit even if you know the environment of the company and/or occasion is business casual. Only dress in business casual when specifically stated.

Business casual has a different definition depending on the company. If you're unsure of what to wear, look at your peers or your supervisors. Make sure you always look nice and clean. Here is a list of examples.

Women
  • Slacks, Never wear jeans!
  • Nice sweater
  • Same quality in shoes as business professional
  • If a skirt suit is the norm you can wear slacks instead
  • No jacket necessary

Men

Always shave (even on dress down casual days) and wear casual leather shoes and matching belt.
Corporate Casual:
No jacket
Tailored slacks
Long sleeve shirt in a color other then the usual white or light blue
Tie - optional

Business Casual:
Khakis
Long sleeve shirt (blue or conservative stripe)
3 button polo style shirt with or without sweater
Denim shirt

Hint: Some companies have shirts with their logo embroidered on the shirt (this would be acceptable and is sometimes the 'uniform' for business casual workdays.)
For more information on Business Etiquette visit our Career Library.
122 Woodland Street, 2nd floor.