First impressions count - whether it’s a job interview, a networking event, or the first day at a new job or internship. You can achieve a professional appearance, stay comfortable, and showcase your personality, all while feeling and looking fantastic! Remember - clothing should have a proper fit, look polished and professional, and represent your brand. You’re interviewing them as much as they’re interviewing you.
A Few Tips for Selecting Clothes For a Professional Setting
- Clothes should be clean, in good condition, and free of wrinkles and holes
Your outfit should fit properly and not be too tight, small, or baggy
Make sure that any piercings or visible tattoos you have align with company guidelines
Add some color and personality to your outfit with accessories, shoes, scarves, or layered items, such as cardigans and jackets
Consider your audience - Are you working at a corporate headquarters or at an art gallery or perhaps in a laboratory setting? Each has unique guidelines for professional dress, so research each company in advance
When in doubt, ask before your first day what the dress code is! Or consider how your coworkers dress and follow the same general principles
For instance, if no one wears jeans you should not wear jeans to work
Wear your chosen outfit at least once prior to your interview or first day to ensure it fits you and feels good. Then, style more outfits that allow you to bring your authentic self to work
Professional/Business Attire
Business Attire is the standard dress code for a job or internship interview. Keep in mind that this type of attire is most appropriate in a corporate setting. Here are some attire tips and suggestions:
Business/Professional Attire
Suits
Skirt suit - This includes a knee-length skirt, tailored jacket, and solid (or subtle patterned) blouse/top/dress shirt
Pantsuit – This includes well-fitting pants, solid (or subtle patterned) blouse/top/dress shirt, and a tailored jacket
Slacks/Pants with a coordinated sport coat or jacket and a solid (or subtle patterned) blouse/top/dress shirt
Accessories
Give your outfit a pop of color in your shoes, jewelry, scarf, or pocket square. You want to feel like YOU!
A coordinated tie
Dark, polished shoes and matching socks
Closed-toed shoes with 1-2 inch heels
Small to medium size purse, briefcase, or padfolio
Other Good Tips to Consider
Clean haircut and style
Groomed facial hair
Avoid heavy colognes, perfumes, and body sprays
Wear an undershirt underneath a dress shirt
Business Casual
Business Casual is the most common dress code in offices. While this may be too casual for most formal job interviews, you may find business casual appropriate for the office, a conference, a networking event, or a dinner. Every work environment is different. Observe and inquire about the dress code.
Business Casual
Business Casual is the most common dress code in offices. While this may be too casual for most formal job interviews, you may find business casual appropriate for the office, a conference, a networking event, or a dinner. Every work environment is different. Observe and inquire about the dress code. Business casual may include:
Jacket, blouse, cardigan, or sweater
Collared button-up shirt or a collared knit polo shirt
Knee-length skirt
Simple, knee-length dress
Pants or khakis
Closed-toed shoes
WHAT NOT TO WEAR
Jeans or casual sundresses, clothing with holes or rips, athletic clothing or sneakers
Clothing too tight, small, or revealing
Clothing that is wrinkled, see-through, or has inappropriate images
Casual Attire
Casual Fridays are very common in office settings. While it is more casual than business casual, there are some rules you should follow. Every work environment is different, so be sure to observe and inquire about the dress code.
Casual Attire
Jeans (no rips or holes)
Sneakers
Crewnecks and sweaters
Shortsleeve button-down shirts
Refresh your look with The Wardrobe!
Temple University has a partnership with The Wardrobe to offer students free and discounted second-hand professional attire:
- Personal Shopping Experience (schedule below)
- Suits, Shirts, Pants, and More
- Designer finds
- Shine in your next interview, Career Fair, or first day at work!
Follow these steps to schedule an in-person appointment for clothing services at The Wardrobe
- Click on Schedule an Appointment at the Wardrobe.
- On the Wardrobe website, click Book in Philadelphia.
- Select Community Partner Appointment.
- Pick a date and time for your shopping experience!
- Select the purpose of your appointment. For the Partner ID of Community or PA Workwear Partner, enter 1332.
- Add your personal information and click Confirm Booking.
- Confirm your information, and click Continue.
- Your appointment is now booked! Feel free to also complete the remaining Participant Information and Appointment Information questions before your appointment, but this is not required.
- For Partner Lookup, select Temple University Career Center.
- Submit your information.
- Head to 413 N 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19123 at the time of your appointment!