Dressing the part for business

With the semester moving along quickly and graduation nearing, more and more Southern University students are preparing for their leap into the business world.
Not only does one have to worry about having the right qualifications and experience, they must also look the part. First impressions are lasting impressions.
It is always important to dress appropriately when trying to get a job and unless you are applying for a job at Magic City, proper business attire is required in the workplace. What is proper business attire? Usually it is confusing deciding what to classify as business wear.
According to career services, there are certain clothing standards that women and men should follow when interviewing for a job or meeting with business representatives. Before attending an interview, research the company and see how they dress. If the employees wear “trendy” clothing, then do not over dress.
“Business wear can be fashionable depending on how you wear it. But if it’s not appropriate for the company we learned in class don’t wear it,” said Aledra Blount, a freshman, marketing major from Des Moines, Iowa.
After researching the company, if one is still clueless about what to wear, there are common rules for business wear that all companies adhere to.
For women, proper business attire is a suit consisting of a blouse, skirt or pants, and a blazer that all matches or are bought as a set. The skirt should be no shorter than one inch above the knee.
The suit should be a solid color, preferably black, off white, or navy. It is wise to stay away from bright colors. The blouse worn with the suit should be solid as well, and if it has a pattern it should as plain and small as possible. Sheer neutral stockings with a heel of no more than two inches are acceptable.
It is also important not to wear too much makeup or jewelry. If jewelry is to be worn limit it to small earrings, one ring per hand, a watch and no bangle bracelets.
For gentlemen the standard business attire is a dark colored suit, the darker the more authoritative. The suit should be worn with a white straight collared shirt, and a subtle tie.
The shoes should be clean and match the belt. Penny loafers need to be avoided.
Facial hair and braided styles depend on the company. If the job is offered discuss hairstyling limitations with the employers and maybe they can work something out.
Once all of these practices are learned it will be easy to dress for success, and enter the business world dressed for the part.