Interview and Workplace Attire

First impressions matter, whether it’s a job interview, a networking event or the first day at a new job. You can look professional and still feel comfortable and confident that your clothes express your unique personality.

Here are a few tips for selecting clothes for a professional setting:

Clothes should be clean, in good condition and free of wrinkles, holes, lint, pilling and excessive fading.
Clothes should fit properly and not be too tight or too 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 and layered items, such as cardigans and jackets.
When in doubt, consider how your coworkers dress and follow the same general principles. For instance, if no one wears jeans you will probably not wear jeans to work.

Business/Professional Attire

Business Attire is the standard dress code for a job or internship interview. Here are some attire tips and suggestions:

Suits

Skirt suit (preferably a dark color), which includes knee-length skirt, tailored jacket, and solid (or subtle patterned) blouse/top.
Pant suit (preferably a dark color), which includes tailored pants and a jacket.
Two-piece, single-breasted suit (preferably a dark color and solid and/or conservative pinstripes).

Accessories

White dress shirt with a white undershirt underneath and a conservative tie.
Solid (or subtle-patterned) blouse or top.
Dark, polished shoes and matching socks.
Closed-toed shoes with no more than 1-2 inch heels.
Conservative and minimal jewelry.
Small to medium size purse.

Design Tips

Subtle make-up.
Clean haircut and style.
Groomed facial hair.
Avoid colognes, perfumes, and body sprays.

Business Casual

Business Casual is often the dress code in many offices. While this type of attire is too casual for the formal job interview, you may want to wear business casual to a dinner, on the airplane or it may also be the work attire for the organization's environment once you've landed the job or internship. Every work environment is different, so be sure to observe and inquire about the dress code. Business casual may include:

Jacket, blouse, cardigan, or moderate top with pants or a knee-length skirt.
Simple, knee-length dress.
Collared button-up shirt over a white undershirt or a collared knit polo shirt.
Dark pants or khakis.
Closed-toed shoes (no flip flops).

Do Not Wear

Jeans or casual sundresses, clothing with holes or rips, or athletic clothing or sneakers.
Clothing too tight or revealing.
Clothing with holes or rips, wrinkled, inappropriate images, athletic clothing or sneakers.

Resources for Transgender and Gender Non-Binary Communities

How you dress can help you feel confident, and confidence is an important factor for success. Whatever you’re wearing, it’s important that it helps you feel good.

Regardless of your gender identity, gender-neutral clothing is appropriate for anyone to wear. For example, a button-down shirt is fine for anyone to wear in the workplace. It can be dressed up or down, and paired with slacks, a blazer, or a tie.

The key is finding clothing that achieves proper fit, looks polished and professional.

This goal is true regardless of what you opt to wear. Here is what that means:

Clothes should not be too large, small, tight, or baggy.
Clothing should be clean and wrinkle-free.
When in doubt, neutral colors – such as black, taupe, beige, brown, blue, and gray – are good options.

Wear your interview or on-the-job attire at least once prior to its intended use to ensure it fits you and feels good, and then you can combine more fashions that allow you to be yourself.

Refresh your look with The Wardrobe!

Temple University has a partnership with The Wardrobe to offer students discounted second-hand and free 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:

Pick a date and time for your shopping experience!
Answer "How did you hear about us" by selecting Non Profit Partner
Referral Partner Name/ID Number: 1332
Case Manager Name: Erin Lemons
Case Manager Email: erin.lemons@temple.edu
Complete the remaining Participant Information and Appointment Information questions
Confirm your booking
Head to 413 N 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19123 at the time you schedule!

Career Center

Interview and Workplace Attire

Suits

Accessories

Design Tips

Do Not Wear

Refresh your look with The Wardrobe!

Go back to Students More in Fly

Career Center

Refresh your look with The Wardrobe!

Go back to StudentsMore in Fly

Go back to Students More in Fly