Professional Dress 101

Regardless of what clothes you wear to work, some key rules always apply:

• Clothing should fit well (not baggy, tight, or revealing)
• Clothing should be in good condition (not dirty, sloppy, wrinkled, torn, or threadbare)
• Clothing should not distract from the image of your workplace
• Clothing should help you look like you’re going to work—not to the beach, to a nightclub, or to a gym (no flip-flops, tank tops, yoga pants)
• Clothing should not offend or make others feel uncomfortable (no profanity, hate speech, or exclusionary language)

Gender-neutral clothing is attire without elements that society would view as overtly masculine or feminine (like pants or sweaters). This makes it appropriate for any person to wear, regardless of gender. Note you should be able to wear gender-neutral attire that fits any employer’s dress code and any level of dress. Within any dress code, your clothes can represent your personality, and help you feel comfortable and confident in work settings.

• Suit. Conservative pant suit/skirt suit/suit dress in a dark neutral color like black, gray, or navy. Skirts should not be more than two finger-widths above the knees. For special events, a long evening dress may be appropriate.
• Blouse. White button-up blouse/shirt/top with a collar. Light colors may be acceptable in some organizations, but check with HR or your supervisor first.
• Shoes. Formal flats, closed-toe leather heels or oxfords in a neutral color that complements your suit, such as black, black, grey, taupe, or brown. Do not wear brown shoes with a black suit!
• Tights/stockings. Dark color that complements your suit.
• Accessories. Choose only minimal, subtle, conservative accessories and jewelry, like stud earrings (no hoops, chandeliers, etc.). You can carry a briefcase or a leather folder for paper pads. Be sure that perfume is subtle.
• Hair. Well-groomed, natural-looking colors. Conservative cut.
• Nails. Neutral nails with either clear coat or a polish that matches your skin tone.

• Suit. Conservative one-, two-, or three-button suit in a dark neutral color like black, gray, or navy.
• Shirt. White button-up shirt with a collar. Light colors may be acceptable in some organizations, but check with HR or your supervisor first.
• Tie. Modest, conservative style and color. Solid, brighter colors (such as red) and patterned muted neutrals (like a navy plaid tie) are acceptable. The material should be high-quality. No novelty ties (such as cartoon characters, sports teams, or musical instruments). Conservative, subtle tie clips are acceptable.
• Shoes. Black or brown closed-toe oxfords with clean lines. Choose a color that complements your suit, and do not wear brown shoes with a black suit!
• Socks. Dark, conservative socks that are close to the color of your suit or shoes.
• Accessories. Belts are required, and must match your shoes—don’t mix black and brown. A watch and cufflinks are optional, and should be conservative and subtle. Other leather accessories (watch, briefcase, portfolio) do not have to be the same color. Be sure that cologne is subtle.
• Hair. Well-groomed, natural-looking colors. Conservative, short cut. Ask HR whether tied-back long hair is acceptable.
• Nails. Short, clean, and buffed.

• Suit. Pantsuits work for any formal setting. Choose a dark neutral color like black, gray, or navy.
• Shirt. White button-up blouse/shirt/top with a collar. Light colors may be acceptable in some organizations, but check with HR or your supervisor first.
• Tie. If your gender neutral suit is closer in cut and fit to men’s suits, wear a tie to avoid looking too casual. Choose a modest, conservative style and color. Solid, brighter colors (such as red) and patterned muted neutrals (like a navy plaid tie) are acceptable. The material should be high-quality. No novelty ties (such as cartoon characters, sports teams, or musical instruments). Conservative, subtle tie clips are acceptable.
• Shoes. Formal flats, closed-toe leather flat, oxfords or slightly heeled oxfords in a neutral color that complements your suit, such as black, black, grey, taupe, or brown. Do not wear brown shoes with a black suit!
• Socks. Dark, conservative socks that are close to the color of your suit or shoes.
• Accessories. If you choose a suit with belt loops, a belt is required, and must match your shoes—don’t mix black and brown. Other accessories and jewelry should be minimal, subtle, and conservative. Other leather accessories (watch, briefcase, portfolio) do not have to be the same color. Be sure that perfume or cologne is subtle.
• Hair. Well-groomed, natural-looking colors. Conservative cut and style. Ask HR if you’re unsure.
• Nails. Clean and conservative, either with no polish, clear coat, or a polish that matches your skin tone.

• Suit / Dress / Jacket. Choose a conservative pantsuit, skirt suit, or dress. Or wear a combination of tops and bottoms listed below, especially with a blazer.
• Tops. Neat button-down shirts or blouses in conservative solid colors.
• Bottoms. Dress pants or skirt. Skirts should not be more than two finger-widths above the knees.
• Shoes. Closed-toe heels (no higher than three inches), pumps, flats, or loafers. Conservative appearance and neutral color that complements your outfit, such as black, black, grey, taupe, or brown. Do not wear brown shoes with a black suit!
• Tights/stockings. Dark or nude-colored hosiery.
• Accessories. Minimal jewelry and belts. larger, more noticeable jewelry – as long as it’s not distracting. Think along the lines of one statement necklace or a chunky watch. High quality is preferred. Conservative accessories like a carrying bag, portfolio, or purse to store personal items; simple watches; and/or minimal jewelry.
• Hair. Neat and well-groomed. Check with HR on acceptable cuts and colors.
• Nails. Well-groomed, neutral nails, especially clear coat or beige.

• Suit. A one- or two-button suit in a conservative color, with more pattern options, such as a conservative stripe or check. You can also wear a sports jacket with pressed, lighter-colored dress pants.
• Shirt. Button-up shirt with a collar, in white or a conservative light color.
• Tie. Conservative style, with a wider range of colors and patterns (such as stripes). No busy patterns or novelty ties (such as cartoon characters, sports teams, or musical instruments).
• Shoes. Conservatively colored oxfords or loafers. Do not wear brown shoes with a black suit!
• Socks. Dark, conservative socks that are close to the color of your suit or shoes. Conservative, subtle patterns like vertical stripes or argyle may be acceptable.
• Accessories. Belts are required, and must match your shoes—don’t mix black and brown. A watch and cufflinks are optional, and should be conservative and subtle. Other leather accessories (watch, briefcase, portfolio) do not have to be the same color. Be sure that cologne is subtle.
• Hair. Neat and well-groomed. Check with HR on acceptable hairstyles.
• Nails. Neat and well-groomed.

• Suit. Pantsuits work for any formal setting. Choose a conservative color, with more pattern options, such as a conservative stripe or check. You can also wear a sports jacket with pressed, lighter-colored dress pants.
• Shirt. Button-up blouse/shirt/top with a collar, in white or a conservative light color.
• Tie. If your gender neutral suit is closer in cut and fit to men’s suits, wear a tie to avoid looking too casual. Choose a conservative style, with a wider range of colors and patterns (such as stripes). No busy patterns or novelty ties (such as cartoon characters, sports teams, or musical instruments).
• Shoes. Formal flats, closed-toe leather flat, oxfords or slightly heeled oxfords in a neutral color that complements your suit, such as black, black, grey, taupe, or brown. Do not wear brown shoes with a black suit!
• Socks. Dark, conservative socks that are close to the color of your suit or shoes. Conservative, subtle patterns like vertical stripes or argyle may be acceptable.
• Accessories. If you choose a suit with belt loops, a belt is required, and must match your shoes—don’t mix black and brown. Other accessories and jewelry should be minimal, subtle, and conservative. Other leather accessories (watch, briefcase, portfolio) do not have to be the same color. Be sure that perfume or cologne is subtle.
• Hair. Well-groomed, natural-looking colors. Conservative cut and style. Ask HR if you’re unsure.
• Nails. Clean and conservative, either with no polish, clear coat, or a polish that matches your skin tone.

• Bottoms. Skirts, slacks, or khakis.
• Tops. Shirts, blouses, or sweaters in solid colors or simple patterns like stripes or checks. Avoid low cuts. Can be paired with cardigans, blazers, and sweaters.
• Shoes. Closed-toe leather flats, loafers, pumps, mules, boots, or heels. Most colors are appropriate.
• Tights/stockings/socks. More options here, as tights/stockings are generally not required with skirts. More colors and patterns are acceptable.
• Accessories. Larger jewelry is generally acceptable, and can include gemstones and other casual materials. Belts and scarves are usually acceptable.
• Hair. Clean and neatly styled (blow-dried, ponytail, bun, etc.). Less conservative colors and highlights are usually acceptable.
• Nails. Clean and well-groomed. Before choosing bolder colors, check with HR or your supervisor.

• Pants. Neat, pressed slacks, chinos, or khakis.
• Shirts. Collared button-ups in any color. Polo shirts may be acceptable, but check with HR. Conservative patterns, like stripes or checks, are acceptable.
• Sweaters / jackets. Sports jackets and sweaters (not sweatshirts) worn over your collared shirt. Choose solid, striped, or other conservative patterns.
• Shoes. Conservatively colored oxfords or loafers. Dressy sneakers or boots may be acceptable, but check with HR or your supervisor.
• Socks. More colors and patterns are acceptable.
• Accessories. Ties are optional, in most colors and conservative patterns (no novelty ties). Other accessories (belt, watch, cufflinks) should be conservative.
• Hair. Neat and well-groomed, with more options. Check with HR on acceptable hairstyles.
• Nails. Clean and well-groomed.

• Bottoms. Neat, pressed slacks, chinos, slacks, or khakis.
• Tops. Sweaters, button-down shirts with cardigans, henleys, and other shirts of good quality.
• Shoes. Oxfords, loafers, boots, or tidy lace-up shoes.
• Socks. More colors and patterns are acceptable.
• Accessories. Choose accessories that are conservative, but more color options are acceptable.
• Hair. Neat and well-groomed, with more options. Check with HR on acceptable hairstyles.
• Nails. Clean and well-groomed. Before choosing bolder colors, check with HR or your supervisor.

• Bottoms. Casual slacks and skirts, jeans, cropped pants, or shorts. Skirts should not be more than two finger-widths above the knees. Avoid overly casual denim, like cutoffs, distressed, or flare jeans.
• Tops. T-shirts (neither baggy nor overly tight), blouses, and sweaters. Nicer sweatshirts may be acceptable.
• Shoes. Nice sneakers, low heels, or sandals (but not flip-flops). Open-toed shoes are permitted.
• Accessories. Larger rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and scarves are all acceptable.
• Hair. Hairstyles fairly are flexible in length, style, and color options. Check with HR to be sure.
• Nails. Neat and well-groomed. May be painted in a variety of colors and patterns.

• Pants. Casual pants and slacks, and jeans if permitted. If jeans are allowed, wear a dark-wash, straight-cut only (jeans, khaki pants or shorts).
• Shirts. T-shirts, button-down shirts, and polos in most colors.
• Sweaters / jackets. Sweaters and sport coats. Nicer sweatshirts may be acceptable.
• Shoes. Clean sneakers, loafers, or other casual shoes. No flip-flops.
• Accessories. Casual accessories can include bright colors and larger sizes.
• Hair. Hairstyles fairly are flexible in length, style, and color options. Check with HR to be sure.
• Nails. Neat and well-groomed.

• Bottoms. Jeans, khakis, and chinos in a variety of styles (skinny, straight leg, bootcut, and wide cut).
• Tops. T-shirts, sweaters, button-down shirts, polos, sweatshirts, and more. Nicer sweatshirts may be acceptable.
• Shoes. Clean sneakers, sandals (but not flip-flops), loafers, or boots.
• Accessories. Casual accessories can include bright colors and larger sizes.
• Hair. Hairstyles fairly are flexible in length, style, and color options. Check with HR to be sure.
• Nails. Neat and well-groomed.

In most situations, you’ll need to conceal tattoos during working hours (exceptions may be casual offices or specific policy). Here are some ways to cover your ink:

• Leg tattoos
  • Wear long pants or dark-colored opaque hose
• Torso & arms
  • Wear shirts or blouses with long sleeves
• Other areas
  • Cover with accessories, like scarves for neck tattoos, or large watches for small wrist tattoos

Piercings—other than conservative earrings for women—are generally not considered professional in most settings. You will generally need to remove piercings for work, unless HR has a policy allowing them.

First impressions are critical, so do your research before any interview. Search the internet and the employer’s website for photos of how people dress there. Then, dress one step more formal for your interview. (For example, if the dress is casual, wear business casual to your interview.) Still not sure? Ask HR, your recruiter, or another contact what they recommend you wear for the interview.

To avoid embarrassment, ask your supervisor or HR what you should wear on your first day at work. Otherwise, you might show up overdressed on casual Friday!

Read invites or emails carefully to see if they explicitly state clothing requirements. If not, consider the level of professional language used in the invitation, and ask other attendees what they plan to wear.

Obviously, you can simply buy your professional clothes new from online or in-person retailers.

Local second-hand clothing stores in your area offer gently used clothing at a discounted rate. This can be a great place to find professional clothing at a bargain price.

The Professional Closet will assist students in need to get their first professional outfit. Apply at Professional Dress Funding Application.

If you are currently in Utah, DWS is an amazing resource to help you prepare for work, including funds to help pay for clothing for interviews and work, and may even have funds to help with your schooling. Find your local office at jobs.utah.gov/jsp/officesearch/#/map.

If you are outside of Utah, check with your local government employment office to see what benefits might be available.