Dress for Success: Gender Inclusive

It's a well-known fact that first impressions go a long way. In some cases, your look could make the difference between getting the interview, the job offer, and even a promotion down the road. (bright music) Different circumstances call for different, appropriate clothing to be worn. And on top of that, with every scenario, there are often numerous options that would be acceptable, as well as numerous outfits that could really turn people off. (bright music) Business formal dress code. (bright music) Let's first talk about a business formal dress code. This would include a suit jacket, typically in navy, black, or gray with matching pants or a skirt, a white or light blue dress shirt, formal low-heeled shoes in black, brown, neutral, or corresponding colors, a matching belt, a tie in a solid dark color or conservative pattern. Business formal would be the proper attire for circumstances such as a formal work environment like those found in the world of finance or law for instance, a job interview, a career fair, a networking event, an informational interview, a job shadow, and award ceremony. (bright music) Business casual dress code. This would entail a slightly more relaxed look while still maintaining that professional appearance with items such as a blazer, sport coat, or solid sweater instead of a suit jacket. Perhaps a slightly more stylized pattern button down shirt or blouse instead of solid dress shirt or a solid-colored turtleneck. Trade the suit pants for conservative slacks in navy, tan, or gray, a neutral-colored knee length skirt or dark-washed, well-fitting denim, flats, loafers, or bucks. (bright music) Business casual would be the proper attire for circumstances such as a casual work environment, perhaps working for a startup or in the tech industry for instance, academic lecture, on-campus career workshop, networking event, a job shadow, an informational interview, and award ceremony. Company dress codes. Depending on the company or job, dress codes may differ. However, for candidates and employees, it's important to remember that discrimination of any kind in the workplace is unacceptable. Matters of dress code maybe deemed illegal if you are being singled out as an individual and held to a different standard than others or if more of a burden to comply is placed on either gender. If you feel uncomfortable at work with a dress code or if you feel that you're being discriminated against, it's important that you bring it to the attention of HR as soon as possible. (bright music)