Dressing up for a professional interview or event is never an easy task, but here are some tips to make it easier!
Tip #1: Dress to impress
If you’re unsure of the dress code, always dress up, not down! If people are dressed more casually, then you can easily take off your jacket and pearls to create a more relaxed look. The reverse is more difficult to pull off.
Tip #2: Skirts
The best way to test if you’re skirt is too short is to sit down and assess where on your leg the hemline falls. If it’s creeping up your thigh, save it for Brickstreet, whereas if it’s resting just above you’re knee, you’re golden.
Tip #2 ½: Skirt slits
Slits on your skirt should always be a discreet accent, not a prominent feature that everyone in the room notices. Two inches at the most in the back is appropriate – three inches or more on the side is bordering club-wear.
Tip #3: Pants
Make sure when you’re trying on a suit pant, that the waist of the pants rest comfortably just below your belly button. When you button up, make sure there is no pulling and that the lapel covers the zipper without looking stressed. This is crucial because when you tuck in your shirt you want to avoid looking like you were stuffed into your outfit. When you are debating wearing heels over flats with your pants, if the pants brush the ground at all, then heels are strongly encouraged so your pants won’t drag on the floor. If your pants are straight legged and hugging your ankles and calf at the bottom, then either flats or heels will work fine.
Tip #4: Color
For professional events, black pants or a black skirt is necessary but you can pair it with a colorful shirt so long as it is not too low cut or too short to tuck in. For business casual, you can get a little more adventurous with a skirt that has a simple print so long as it matches with a solid color button down shirt.
Tip #5: Accessories
Less is more! Simple, statement making bracelets or necklaces of gold or silver adds a nice touch to any professional attire. Keep piercings to a minimum and avoid anything too flashy. Big, bulky multi-colored necklaces are a no-no.
Photographs courtesy of Delta Sigma Pi Fall Trip to Milwaukee and Recruitment in FSB