So you’ve been informed of the dress code for your upcoming career event, what’s next?
Check out this blog post from Forage for a reliable take on 4 different types of Business Attire
Here are a few highlights:
Types of Business Attire
Casual
Smart Casual
Business Casual
Business Professional
Visit the Blog from Forage for a great description of each attire type with examples
- Dress it up, dress it down.
- A lot of the confusion about business attire is a result of how similar each type of business attire can be. This is actually a good thing–it means you can use the same pieces in your closet in different ways to achieve the right look for each type of attire. For example: a full suit may not be appropriate for business casual, but pair that suit with a nice v-neck and some clean sneakers and you’re ready to go. For business professional, stick to formal shoes like loafers, flats, or heels; and a collared shirt under your suit.
- Reminder: while it’s easy to get lost in fitting the bill, it’s important that you are comfortable and feel like yourself. Don’t let the guidelines stop you from showing your personality and why you would be a great hire.
- A lot of the confusion about business attire is a result of how similar each type of business attire can be. This is actually a good thing–it means you can use the same pieces in your closet in different ways to achieve the right look for each type of attire. For example: a full suit may not be appropriate for business casual, but pair that suit with a nice v-neck and some clean sneakers and you’re ready to go. For business professional, stick to formal shoes like loafers, flats, or heels; and a collared shirt under your suit.
- Jeans: Casual or Smart Casual only
- If you are wearing jeans, make sure that the context is right for the event you’re attending. Office retreats and happy hours can be more casual, but jeans are not right for most business-focused career fairs like Financial Services Night or Consulting Night. If the time is right and you choose to wear jeans, make sure they have an appropriate rise and no rips or tears.
- You may see some employers refer to “Business Smart” which is closer to business casual than casual. It’s best to make another outfit choice for these events.
- If you are wearing jeans, make sure that the context is right for the event you’re attending. Office retreats and happy hours can be more casual, but jeans are not right for most business-focused career fairs like Financial Services Night or Consulting Night. If the time is right and you choose to wear jeans, make sure they have an appropriate rise and no rips or tears.
- Keep your industry and office norms in mind
- Not all industries have the same expectations, and not all firms are the same when it comes to office culture around business attire. Our advice: always lean toward the formal side of things, observe your surroundings for the first few days, and adjust as needed.
- Not all industries have the same expectations, and not all firms are the same when it comes to office culture around business attire. Our advice: always lean toward the formal side of things, observe your surroundings for the first few days, and adjust as needed.