Dress to Impress!Dress to Impress!
Kendra Harders, State SecretaryKendra Harders, State Secretary
Richard Chen, State ParliamentarianRichard Chen, State Parliamentarian
What does a real pro look like?
What is appropriate dress for State Leadership Conference or business interviews?
The Importance of DressThe Importance of Dress
First impressions are criticalFirst impressions are critical Start with a positive impression rather than a negative Start with a positive impression rather than a negative
oneone Dress is the first thing an employer or your peers see Dress is the first thing an employer or your peers see
when greeting youwhen greeting you Dressing properly gives you the competitive edge Dressing properly gives you the competitive edge Dressing properly provides a positive first impressionDressing properly provides a positive first impression
GroomingGrooming
Hair:Hair: Clean, neatly trimmed, well groomedClean, neatly trimmed, well groomed Doesn’t need to be a fashion statementDoesn’t need to be a fashion statement
Fingernails: clean and trimmedFingernails: clean and trimmed Perfume/cologne: wear minimal to nonePerfume/cologne: wear minimal to none
AccessoriesAccessories
Jewelry: keep to a minimum; no flashy jewelryJewelry: keep to a minimum; no flashy jewelry No more than one pair or earringsNo more than one pair or earrings No more than two finger ringsNo more than two finger rings One watch or bracelet to avoid looking over-dressedOne watch or bracelet to avoid looking over-dressed Wear stockings that match the suit you are wearingWear stockings that match the suit you are wearing Absolutely no visible piercing for menAbsolutely no visible piercing for men
Dress ShirtsDress Shirts
Long sleeved dress shirts make a better Long sleeved dress shirts make a better impression than short sleevedimpression than short sleeved
Conservative colors Conservative colors Solid white or light blue work best Solid white or light blue work best No flashy colorsNo flashy colors
TiesTies
Silk ties project the best lookSilk ties project the best look Conservative patternsConservative patterns
Stripes, solidStripes, solid The color of the tie needs to complement the The color of the tie needs to complement the
color of the shirtcolor of the shirt
Shoes and BeltsShoes and Belts
Dress shoes should be worn for all business Dress shoes should be worn for all business occasionsoccasions Shoes need to match the color of Shoes need to match the color of
your pantsyour pants Cordovan shoes match with all Cordovan shoes match with all
khakiskhakis Belt needs to match the color of the shoesBelt needs to match the color of the shoes
Medium quality belt, but it needs to look niceMedium quality belt, but it needs to look nice
Business AttireBusiness AttirePerformance Event Attire for WomenPerformance Event Attire for Women
Matching suit jacket and knee length (or longer) skirt Matching suit jacket and knee length (or longer) skirt or pantsor pants
Conservative colors: navy, black, gray, brown, etc.Conservative colors: navy, black, gray, brown, etc. No open-toed shoesNo open-toed shoes 1 – 1 ½” heels are standard1 – 1 ½” heels are standard Always wear hoseAlways wear hose
Business AttireBusiness AttirePerformance Event Attire for MenPerformance Event Attire for Men
Dark-colored suit Dark-colored suit Charcoal, black, dark brown, or navyCharcoal, black, dark brown, or navy
Suits should have 2 to 3 front buttons Suits should have 2 to 3 front buttons Leave the bottom button unbuttonedLeave the bottom button unbuttoned
Suit should fitSuit should fit Sleeves and pant legs should not be too Sleeves and pant legs should not be too
long or too shortlong or too short Nice collared, long sleeve, buttoned down Nice collared, long sleeve, buttoned down
dress shirtdress shirt About one inch of the shirt sleeve should About one inch of the shirt sleeve should
show below the jacket sleeve when arms show below the jacket sleeve when arms are extendedare extended
Casual BusinessCasual BusinessSLC Test Taking AttireSLC Test Taking Attire
WomenWomen Dress shirt/blouseDress shirt/blouse Dress slacks, khakis or trousersDress slacks, khakis or trousers Non-athletic socks and shoesNon-athletic socks and shoes Knee-length or longer dresses/skirtsKnee-length or longer dresses/skirts Suit jacket (optional)Suit jacket (optional)
MenMen Long sleeved, buttoned down, and collared dress shirtLong sleeved, buttoned down, and collared dress shirt Ties Ties Dress slacks, khakis or trousersDress slacks, khakis or trousers Non-athletic socks and shoesNon-athletic socks and shoes Suit jacket (optional)Suit jacket (optional)
Casual/SLC Dance AttireCasual/SLC Dance Attire Don’t wear anything you want; trying Don’t wear anything you want; trying
out the new fashion trend is riskyout the new fashion trend is risky Conservative dressConservative dress
You may wear jeans if you donate to the You may wear jeans if you donate to the FBLA Special Fund; otherwise khakis or FBLA Special Fund; otherwise khakis or khaki shorts are acceptablekhaki shorts are acceptable
Jeans should not have holes or ripsJeans should not have holes or rips Nice T-shirt or a polo-style shirtNice T-shirt or a polo-style shirt Athletic shoes and socks Athletic shoes and socks
or sandals are appropriateor sandals are appropriate
General Tips for General Tips for Dress SuccessDress Success
Conservative is always the safest routeConservative is always the safest route Investigate the employer or group where you are Investigate the employer or group where you are
presentingpresenting Wear an attire that would allow you to fit inWear an attire that would allow you to fit in with with
the groupthe group Call the human resources office of the business Call the human resources office of the business
where you are interviewing and ask about the where you are interviewing and ask about the dress attiredress attire