How to Dress Professionally

Last Updated: January 31, 2023 Approved

Dressing professionally is vital for success in an office or academic environment. Your appearance makes a statement on your professionalism, and showing up in sloppy or inappropriate attire can kill a career! Although what constitutes as 'professional' varies from office to office, there are a few key style guidelines to follow.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Determining the Level of Formality of Your Workplace

1
Always dress to match the workplace setting. Some workplaces will provide a written dress code outlining specifically what is appropriate and what is not. For others, you may have to judge based on what others there are wearing.
- Formal Business attire is typically the dress code used for high-profile jobs: government officials, managing workers, lawyers, and so on. It is also for businesses which cultivate formality, such as credit unions. Be aware some businesses dress formally most days, but have "casual Friday" or will otherwise relax the rules for certain reasons or occasions (such as a walk-a-thon, fundraiser, or if the air conditioning breaks down).
- "Business casual" is the term often used for less formal (but not informal) office environments. (See below for a more in-depth discussion on what "business casual" means) .Be aware that this varies by culture, region, and profession. Sometimes "business casual" offices will become "business formal" for important occasions, such as a press conference, a high-profile visitor arriving, or an important seminar.
- "Black tie" is typically only used only for very specific and special events, (such as awards dinners, formal banquets, or galas.) These typically require a tuxedo for men and an evening gown for women.
- Typically, the higher paying the position, the higher your rank, the more professionally your office clothing should be. (However, note this is not universal--the CEO of a software company may dress far less formally than an intern at a law firm!)
- Some jobs have a specific uniform. For instance, a chef, nurse, life guard, judge, or police officer. This is a professional dress code, but usually this needs very little further discussion.
2
Know your Office Culture. Making professional dress even more confusing is the fact that types of work environment make a big difference in what one wears. Although you are usually fine following guidelines as discussed, realize that workplaces may encourage a certain "look" that goes beyond simple "Office Formal" or "Business Casual" definitions. This usually has to do with what the company makes, sells, or provides.
- An African aid organization, for instance, may encourage people to dress in clothes made in Africa and sold on its website in order to promote awareness and fair trade.
- The athletic department of a university may be much more accepting of athletic clothing such as running shoes.
- Highly artistic or creative workplaces may allow a lot more leeway in the way of dress. A fashion-based office may have much different expectations of dress than an accounting firm.
Advertisement
3
Factor in the season--sometimes. Professional dress code in much of the world has some seasonality, based partially on the weather but also on seasonal styles. But be aware that some regions do not really have changes in clothing based on seasons. (Such as the tropics). But for areas with clothing seasons, many areas the following rules of thumb apply:
- Linen, seersucker, and madras cloth tend to be appropriate for summer only.
- Wool clothing tends to be for fall and winter only.
- In America, an old saying is "no white after Labor Day"...which used to refer to white linen fabrics used a lot in summer dresses rather than absolutely no white whatsoever. This is a very outdated rule. Feel free to brazenly wear a white shirt in the office in winter.
- Layers of appropriate clothing can help negotiate in-between seasons, when temperatures can fluctuate. For instance, a cardigan can be useful coming into work on a crisp fall day, and removed later when it warms up. A pair of warm leggings can allow you to wear skirts comfortably in winter.
- Keep in mind that the amount of visible skin allowable will be slightly different in business settings. What is acceptable in one culture may be unacceptable in another. For instance, what is fine for a women in France may be too revealing in Qatar.
- If you choose to remove layers of clothing, make sure you are in no way being revealing or inappropriate about the skin you choose to show. If you are wearing a camisole under a blazer, and you are not supposed to have a sleeveless shirt, you may be out of luck.
4
Know what colors to wear. No color is completely "off limits" but it is more formal and professional stick mainly with a neutral color palette. Formal business suits for both men and women tend to be black, brown, gray, tan, or navy blue. Shirts tend to be lighter in color, with white, off-white, and light shades of colors.
- This limited color palette may sound boring and dull at first. However, it also can create a wardrobe that allows for many items to interchange easily. Basing a wardrobe around black, white, and khaki will assure that everything goes with just about everything.
- "Pops" of color with accessories such as ties, shoes, and scarves are typically fine, but, it is safer to go with subtle rather than bright and bold.
- Multi-colored shirts can be acceptable, such as a classic striped Oxford-style shirt.
- These guidelines are for people who need to make their dress more professional. Brighter and more varied colors can be entirely appropriate, depending on the occupation, and the overall appearance of the outfit. But if you are unsure or inexperienced, select conservative colors--they are perennial office clothes favorites because they always look right.
5
Pay attention to those around you. If you are unsure exactly how formal or casually to dress, try looking at the clothing choices of those in your profession, at your office, or attending the same event as you.
- In general, it is better to be slightly overdressed than it is to be under-dressed.
- If you are not able to get a good glimpse or have a chat with someone in your field, try searching images on the internet for people in similar positions in the company or last year's event. Pay attention to the appearance of people in these images, and dress accordingly.
- Be careful of events that may require a dramatic wardrobe change. For instance, at a conference, you may be required to wear suits and ties for the presentation. At the poolside cocktail receptions afterwards, swimsuits, Hawaiian shirts, and flip-flops are the garb of choice.
6
Remember good grooming. A great outfit will only get you so far. If you are lacking personal hygiene or have a bad haircut, you will not look professional. Make sure that you treat your entire appearance, (including hair, skin, and hygiene), with the same professional care as you do with your clothing.
- Shower. How often varies with culture, weather, and activity level. In most of America, at least every other day.
- Use deodorant.
- Make sure your hair is tidy and well-groomed.
- Facial hair (if any) should be trimmed and tidy. Stubble is not generally acceptable. "unibrow" eyebrows or very heavy eyebrows are often considered unattractive in many areas.
- For women, legs should either be shaved or bare legs covered.
- Good oral hygiene matters. Be sure your breath has no noticeable odor. This is particularly important if you smoke or eat pungent food.
- Makeup for women should generally be restrained, according to culture.^{[1]
  X
  Research source}

Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Dressing Business Formal

1
Know that formal business attire is tailored, conservative clothing. Although fashion changes the little details, the essential core of formal office attire has really not changed much in decades. Dressing business formal is in some ways easier than in business casual, because the parameters are a lot narrower and well-defined. Both genders are typically expected to wear suits, typically in neutral colors (as described above). In general, men and women wear the following:
- For men: Formal suit, dress shirt, dress shoes, tie. Sometimes dressy slacks and sport coat are acceptable alternatives for a business suit. Often a shirt without an outer garment is acceptable.
- For women: business suit with skirt, blazer, blouse, dress shoes. Pants are also acceptable. A conservative dress may be substituted for a suit.
2
Pick your strong suit. Suits should be tailored for fit. Solid colors or pinstripes, and in good condition. Skirt suits should be knee-length and not too tight.
3
Choose the right tops. Shirts should be typically solid or pinstriped, tailored for fit, laundered, and ironed if required.
- Long sleeves are always more formal.
- Short sleeves are typically acceptable for spring and summer. However, some workplaces and cultures frown on bare arms.
- Women typically should steer away from sleeveless shirts if unsure if they are accepted or not. In some regions sleeveless shirts (but not one with straps, such as halter tops) are considered perfectly acceptable. In others, they are not considered appropriate. Tank tops, camisoles, tube tops, strapless tops amd "spaghetti strap" tops are not office formal clothing.
- Men should match shirt to tie.
- Women have to be extra careful in the cut and fit of office tops. Put bluntly, (especially for full-figured women) the bustline must be fitted properly so that it is not too revealing, too tight, or otherwise exposing more of the breasts so it is inappropriate. If your blouse gaps at the buttons of the bustline, the shirt does not fit you properly. Fabric or "fashion" tapes can be purchased to hold blouses in the right position.
4
Choose your ties carefully, men. Ties can allow for some color and pattern in an outfit that would be rather drab. It attracts attention, so be very careful in what you choose. Not all ties are appropriate for business formal dress code.
- Opt for either solid color, or have a small (no larger than a quarter) sized print that covers them.
- Avoid ties that have more than 3-4 colors total, and which have an image or scene printed onto them.
- Ties should match both your shirts and your suits and make sure they use colors that match or go with the rest of your outfit.
- Try to buy shirts and ties together, if possible. Men's stores coordinate colors to try to make the buying process easy. It may not be the same colors next year or even next season! If in doubt, ask for help--a good quality store will be happy to help you.
- Bow ties are also generally considered acceptable. However, they are far less common and can be considered unusual or "quirky".
- Bolo ties are often regionally acceptable in areas of the American South, Southwest, and West coast. However, they may or may not be considered an acceptable replacement for a tie depending on the workplace.
5
Say yes to the dress, ladies! Dresses can easily be worn in a business formal setting, but be careful with your selection. Choose dresses that are knee-length or longer, and are in a subtle print or solid color. Dresses should not be too tight-fitting and should not be revealing/ have a plunging neckline.
- A good blazer or suit jacket can make a dress more formal and versatile. This sort of outfit is the basis of the classic "day to night" women's wear, in which a woman goes to work wearing an evening appropriate dress coordinated with a work appropriate blazer. At the evening rendezvous, put aside the blazer for a less formal look.
6
Choose the right shoes for the job. Business formal jobs all require quality footwear, typically made of leather (or similar high-quality material).
- Men should always wear formal shoes, often in the baroque or oxford style.Lace up is more traditional.There are many slip-on loafers that also may be appropriate and formal. Black is the go-to color, although brown is sometimes acceptable.
- Women should typically wear low or moderate high heel shoes or flat pumps. Conservative boots are sometimes appropriate. Make sure details and embellishments are restrained. Women generally have more choice in color, but sticking to black and neutral colors is still safer.
7
Sock it to them. In a formal office, white cotton athletic socks are usually not acceptable. If you are wearing socks, they should usually be dark (black is typical). Ideally they go with the pants or shoes.
8
Women, wear your nylons. In a formal workplace, you should usually wear pantyhose, or tights under your skirt. Choose sheer tights in a neutral color.
- Leggings are not appropriate in a formal workplace; choose opaque tights instead.
- Barelegged (although well groomed) is becoming more acceptable. But if in doubt, put on a pair of pantyhose or tights.^{[2]
  X
  Research source}
9
Add other accessories. To complete your outfit, remember some accessories. In general, keep jewelry and other accessories subtle and tasteful. Be careful of wearing too much, although what constitutes "too much" will vary from culture to culture. Also, what is OK for a man and a woman may be different. For instance:
- For men: cuff links, rings (such as a class or wedding ring), watch, pocket square (very formal). Necklaces and bracelets are often uncommon but usually acceptable if in good taste. Medical Alert jewelry is always OK. Most formal offices will not look favorably on body piercings, including earrings. Belt buckles should generally not be oversized.
- For women: Jewelry (rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, watches ) are all typically acceptable, but be careful of too much or too large pieces. Pierced ears are almost universally OK (with studs or small earrings), generally other body piercings should not be visible. Scarves, belts, headbands, hair accessories (such as barrettes), are also all fine.

Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Dressing Business Casual

1
Avoid the "Business Casual Don'ts". This is less formal and casual than traditional business guidelines. Unfortunately, it is often poorly defined and can be greatly different from one business to another. For instance, one business will be fine with Hawaiian print shirts with collars, while another will consider it too casual despite the collar. However, in general, the following are usually frowned upon:
- Jeans: especially ones with tears, stains, patches, or embellishments such as studs. (Although a more detailed discussion on blue jeans in the workplace is below).
- Tank tops: especially spaghetti-strap styles.
- Shorts: Sometimes more tailored styles are acceptable--such as ones that resemble full length khakis, but shorter. Athletic styles are usually not OK.
- Informal T-shirts: Usually collared polo-type T-shirts are acceptable, or ones with shaping. If in doubt, do not go with any graphic images on your shirts. Shirts usually should not have elements which could be controversial or unacceptable--such as references to alcohol, sex, or violence. Avoid novelty T-shirts, (such as ones with cartoon characters) as this may come off as immature.
- Mini-skirts: Skirts should be no higher than about two inches above the knee.
- Plunging neckline: Be sure your V-neck shirt is not revealing too much, or your blouse buttoned too low.
- Keep it clean and tidy. Never come into work with clothes that are dirty, stained, ripped, or wrinkled (the one exception for wrinkled may be if that is part of the look, such as a seersucker shirt or crinkle cotton skirt).
2
Know the definite "Office Casual Do's":
- For men and women alike, business casual typically consists of a clean, pressed button-up shirt and a pair of neutral (such as khaki) slacks. Look for styles such as:
- Polo-style shirts: This collared shirt is the quintessential "office casual" choice for both men and women. Usually it will be available in a solid or striped. It can sometimes be found with a geometric pattern.
- Oxford-style shirt: This is acceptable in formal office clothing as well - a well-tailored shirt always looks good whether with khakis or a business suit.
- Tailored T-shirt: Some workplaces are fine with T-shirt style tops, as long as they are not informal T-shirts. For instance, a T-shirt with a classic scoop or crew neckline on a woman.
- Product shirts. In an office-casual workplace, often shirts given to you by your company or products that your company sells are acceptable. For instance, if you work at a company that sells outdoor equipment, wearing your company's shirts may be acceptable. But be careful--just because your company sells tank tops may not make it OK to wear tanks tops to your accounting job!
3
Choose the right bottoms. Find a few pairs of black, navy blue, khaki, or brown pants. In "office casual" the pants are usually cotton and can be a little more "relaxed" than those found in formal offices. Woman can wear skirts into the mixed in the same aforementioned color palette.
- Avoid patterns if you are unsure on what looks professional. There are great, classic patterns such as pinstripe that look great on pants, but it is easy to make a mistake.
- Generally avoid wearing white pants or a skirt. While entirely appropriate, these items can stain easy...if you spill your tea you may be out of luck.
- A patterned skirt can be appropriate for women. Try a small floral or geometric print.
4
Select a few jackets or sweaters. It will inevitably get chilly, so make sure you have the right items for cold weather. Men can choose to wear a cardigan, sweater, or sports coat over the top of their button up shirt for a smart look. Women can wear layered sweaters, cardigans, and structured jackets and blazers to good effect. When desired/necessary, a pashmina or cashmere scarf can be worn for added warmth and style.
5
Consider wearing dresses (for women). Dresses are sometimes appropriate in a business casual setting, so long as they follow a few basic guidelines. Dresses should be knee-length or longer, expose no skin below the collarbone, and mostly cover the shoulders. Small patterns and solid colors work best, and can be accessorized for added visual interest. Throw on a cardigan or matching jacket for layering in cooler weather.
6
Pick the right shoes. Business casual offices vary widely in shoe choice, based on the type of environment. Some good guidelines:
- Close-toed shoes. Sandals are usually a no-no. Flip-flops are a definite "no". Women can wear flats or heels, but they must be in good condition and quality. In general, stick to neutral colored shoes and stay away from bold patterns.
- Be careful of really, really casual shoes. Even if it is closed-toe, some shoes usually do not belong in a professional environment. For example, high top Converse sneakers are best left to teenagers. The classic "Croc" shoe is much too casual for most professional workplaces. ^{[3]
  X
  Research source}

Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Avoiding Common Mistakes

1
Do not shop at the junior's department for work clothes. If you are old enough to have to consider professional clothing, do so where grown-ups shop. That also goes for clothing stores that cater exclusively to teens and very young adults like "Forever 21". That does not necessarily mean you have to dress exactly like your mother or father. However, if you are trying to find clothing to help you to be taken seriously as a young adult, you have to accept that you have to dress the part--at least at work.
2
Shop at stores with high customer service. In putting together a wardrobe of work clothes, often your best ally are good salespeople in a quality store. This can be a stand-alone store, such as a menswear store, or a department store. A knowledgeable salesperson can help you select clothing to meet your needs, be sure it fits properly, and accessorize appropriately.
- Try to find a salesperson dressed more or less in the way you want to dress. This may be a good indication that he or she has a fashion sensibility that matches yours. However, be open for other individuals. That matronly salesperson may actually really know what the young people like these days!
- It can help to bring someone whose judgement you trust to this sort of shopping trip.For instance, your mother or your fashion-savvy friend.
- Yes, you need to try on the clothes. Ill-fitting clothes are not professional, and fit cannot typically be judged well on a hanger. If ordering online, be prepared to send back things that do not fit.
- Make sure of fit. Just because you can wear it does not mean it fits properly. This includes pants that are showing the lines of your underwear, and baggy oversized shirts.
- Minor alterations are usually available at higher-end stores, and can make a great different in fit and appearance.
- Remember: the salesperson will ultimately sell you whatever you want, even if it really is not in line with appropriateness or good taste. Be sure that you keep your goal in sight, and not revert to great clothing that cannot be worn to work.
3
Be careful with jeans. To most of the world, blue jeans are a simple "no-no" in the workplace; they are considered appropriate for manual labor or leisure. However, America has some office-casual workplaces that are fine with jeans in the office. Before wearing your blue jeans to the office, really be sure it is OK with management. If in doubt, do not bring them to the office. Generally, however, non-ripped and un-embellished, dark wash jeans are better.
4
Keep your accessories to a minimum. Although accessorizing can be fun, piling on too many accessories can give a messy presentation.
- One accessory should usually be the focus.
- An old but still useful rule: Accessorize, but before leaving the house, take one item off.
- In general, wear a single necklace, pair of earrings, and one ring per hand at any time.
- Only a single bag or briefcase (never a fanny pack!) should be brought to work.
5
Try to cover up body modifications. Although not all offices advertise a preference for clear-skinned individuals, most workplaces expect employees to be as natural as possible. If you have large tattoos in obvious places or body piercings outside the ears, it may be necessary to slightly adjust your clothing to cover them. There is nothing wrong with having these things, but according to traditional dress code, they shouldn’t be shown when you’re on the clock.
6
Keep your clothes in good condition. Make sure you always wear clothes that are clean and pressed, or else give the impression of poor hygiene. Practice setting out your outfit the night before you wear it, so you are not at a loss for what to wear.
- Do your laundry once a week and ironing when necessary so that you do not deplete your arsenal of clean clothing and be forced to wear dirty clothes.
7
Do not repeat outfits within in the same week. Whether you are running late and just head to your go-to outfit, or you just really love an outfit, avoid wearing the same exact outfit in a seven-day work period.
- Mixing and matching pieces is important and maximizes the usefulness of your wardrobe.
- Try practicing the two-week rule, where you only wear an outfit (where every piece is being repeated) only once in a two-week period.
8
Make sure your clothing "plays well together". Having all the right wardrobe pieces is great, but if they do not coordinate, they are essentially useless.
- Be sure to have more "basic" pieces than "statement" pieces. You will get more use out of certain items that will go with practically everything. There is nothing wrong with more flashy pieces, but they tend to not go with as many items.
- Try to buy items at the same store at the same time. Many store have clothing lines that are to be made in similar colors, patterns, and design. You are more likely to find coordinated outfits this way.
- As long as you match all your neutrals and add in a pop of color, you are likely be in good shape.
9
Keep a back-up outfit at work. If possible, have clothing that you can change into if there is a mishap at work. A shirt and bottom (such as pants or a skirt), shoes and a tie can be a lifesaver if you get caught in the rain or someone spills something on you. This is also a good use of clothing that may not be your favorites, but are appropriate and fit you all right.
10
Do not wear anything that your boss or other superior will frown on. Your right to dress how you want in large part stops at the office door. This can mean that even if your clothes technically fit a dress code or guideline, your superiors can veto your apparel choice and to a large extent, there is very little you can do about it. This is not high school, where coming to school with an objectionable T-shirt just gets you to have to turn in inside-out.
- Issues such as head-scarves for religious reasons may or may not be legally protected in your country or state.
- Laws against sexual discrimination or inequality can also offer some protection, again depending on your area.

Expert Q&A

Question

What is a business formal dress code?

Christina Santelli
Professional Stylist
Christina Santelli is the Owner and Founder of Style Me New, a wardrobe styling concierge based in Tampa, Florida. She has been working as a stylist for over six years, and her work has been featured in HSN, the Pacific Heights Wine and Food Festival, and the Nob Hill Gazette.

Christina Santelli

Professional Stylist

Expert Answer

For a man, business formal means a full suit with a tie, a belt, and nice shoes. For a woman, business formal can also be a suit, or it can be a pencil skirt or shift dress with a fitted blazer and heels or pumps. They make blazers now that look great on women. They give you a waist, and they're cut higher up on the armpit so they flatter your arms.
Question

Which items will complete a professional woman's office wardrobe?

Community Answer

A few blazers, pants, modest dresses and blouses and knee-length skirts should be sufficient. Add in some ballet flats and comfortable heels to wear, and you're all set.
Question

How about a nice collared shirt and khaki pants for a woman?

Heather Kenyon-Haff

Top Answerer

That's a great choice for a business casual workplace.