Dress for Success!Men’s Professional Dress for Career Advancement Presented by Thom Brooks, Vice President for Instructional Services

Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society.

-- Mark Twain

Why does it matter?

People may form perceptions about you and your abilities based on clothing and body language:

◦Professionalism◦Level of sophistication◦Intelligence◦Credibility◦Motivation◦Job Knowledge

So what is appropriate dress to make a good first impression?

1. Dress “one notch” above the norm - know your audience

2. Select styles and colors that complement your appearance

3. Pay attention to details of attire and grooming

4. Be confident in your appearance

What are the “norms” of dress for your audience?

Them: Jeans, polo shirts

You: Slacks, dress shirt

Them: Slacks, dress shirt

You: Sport coat, tie

Them: Sport coat, tie

You: Suit

Select styles to complement your appearance

Facial Shape

Select styles to complement your appearance

Facial Shape

Select styles to complement your appearance

Facial Shape

Select styles to complement your appearance

Select styles to complement your appearance – Suits for Tall, Slim

Do’s:Patterns and SolidsSport CoatsCuffsPleatsDouble vents

Goal: Broaden

Don’ts:Open jacketsDeep gorges

Cautions:Flat front pantsSolid ties with

solid suitsStripes

Select styles to complement your appearance – Suits for Shorter men

Do’s:Solids and StripesUnbuttoned Jacket3 Button coatsUnvented coats

Goal: Lengthen

Don’ts:Cuffed pantsPatternsDouble-breasted

coats

Cautions:Pleat front pantsSport coat and pants

Select styles to complement your appearance – Suits for Heavy set

Do’s:Solids and StripesDarker colorsUnbuttoned Jacket2 Button coatsNarrow lapels

Goal: Lengthen and slim

Don’ts:PatternsHigh button suitsDouble-breasted

coats

Cautions:Pleat front pantsCuffed pants

Pay Attention to the details!Grooming:Neat hairClean nailsFacial stubble

Coordinating:Belt & ShoesSocks & pantsMetals & Jewelry

Attire:Shirt neatly

pressedClean and lint

freeShoes polished,

touched upLaces tied,

tightlySocks are long

enough

Be confident!Dress appropriately for

your audienceSelect clothing that

complements your appearance

Practice dressing for success