Dressing for Interviews: What “Casual” Really Means

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Business Fashion Police:

It may seem like common sense, but you’d be surprised to learn just how many questionable fashion choices are made daily for, quite probably, the most professional (and modest) instance of a person’s life – the job interview.

We’re not saying to dress in a way that isn’t true to yourself but make sure it’ the best professional version of your personal style, remembering that first impressions are a pretty big factor in whether you’re a good fit for a position.

When your recruiter says…

Business Professional:

The most formal attire for an office scenario, business professional typically means men should break out their suits, ties, formal slacks and loafers or dress shoes with dress socks. For women, a business pant-suit is suitable or business style dress with heels. There’s no need for color palettes to be dull but they should NEVER be loud.

Business Casual:

The most typical attire found in workplaces around the world, business casual usually refers to khakis or slacks for men with a paired polo or dress shirt (feel free to experiment with modest patterns and textures). Dress shoes and loafers are appropriate. For women, dress pants and khakis are also acceptable with a blouse option you can feel free to dress up with jewelry or a blazer. Heels or flats are acceptable, keeping make-up, hair, and perfume to a basic minimum.

Smart Casual:

The trendy kind of professional dress, you can find smart casual attire policies in tech companies and start-ups around the world. Providing a real opportunity to experiment, smart casual for men typically allows a pair of dark, fitted jeans with crisp, clean dress shirts, vests, or sports coats. Shoes can be dress, loafers, and oxfords. For women, dark, fitted jeans, slacks or skirts are acceptable with dressy blouses and shirts. Feel free to dress up with a textured blazer and pumps.

Casual:

Casual dress-codes are usually only used for Friday’s or office events taking place “off-campus”. This is the most comfortable, basic form of dressing for work –  allowing for jeans, long or short sleeve shirts, polos, cardigans, and sneakers to modest heels. The one thing to remember about “casual days” are to keep it classy… No offensive tees or low cut blouses.

 

WHAT NOT TO DO:

WE DON’T recommend dressing in crop tops, fishnets, loud t-shirts, caps, sunglasses (indoors), ripped jeans and excessively short mini-skirts. A good rule to remember is, if you question your outfit even the slightest bit – you should probably re-think it.

For more questions on what not to wear and everything staffing, feel free to message us on social media! We’re here to help.

 

Like what you see? Find us on social (@careerxchange) and take a look at some of our other blog posts here.

 

 

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