Dressing Etiquette

Lecture 5

When to Wear a Tuxedo

When the invitation states Formal, Black Tie, Black Tie Invited or Black Tie Optional

To the opening of the opera, ballet or symphony

Ball or formal dance Formal dinner party or reception Dinner at a formal restaurant (some think:

be dressed at least as well as your waiter)

Invitation Types

If the invitation says “Black Tie” Generally accepted that “Black Tie”

requires formal attire Take advantage of this opportunity to

truly look and feel your very best in a tuxedo

Today, “Black Tie” means formal attire, not specifically to wear a black tie

Invitation Types

If the Invitation says “White Tie” or “Full Dress”

You can step into the special occasion in a traditional tailcoat. Wear a white wing collar shirt, a white vest, white tie, and black trousers accented by a formal satin stripe. Complete your outfit with patent shoes

Invitation Types

If the Invitation says “Black Tie Preferred” It indicates that the host prefers guests to

wear formal evening attire to the special occasion. Black Tuxedo. White Dinner Jacket or a dark contemporary style tuxedo are acceptable (no tailcoats).

Non formal dress suits are also acceptable but not preferred by the host

Invitation Types

If the Invitation says “Black Tie Optional” Not as strong as a statement for formal

attire as “Black Tie” or “Black Tie Preferred” yet formal dress is wholly appropriate and acceptable

Styles may include Black Tuxedo, White Dinner Jacket or dark contemporary style Tuxedo (no tailcoats).

Invitation Types

If the invitation says “Black Tie Invited” Starting to appear more frequently than

“preferred” or “optional” Usually in the context of large gatherings

of civic or business groups, such as a dinner sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce

Black Tie Invited (cont’d)

Can dress in formal attire if they would like but it is not required

Styles for these affairs are the same as for “Black Tie Optional”

Invitation Types

Semi Formal: in strict and very proper social circles, “Semi-Formal” means “Black Tie”

Otherwise, this allows any style of tuxedo or Dinner Jacket

Must have good knowledge of your local community

Good taste and common sense come into play

Semi-Formal

For example: Dinner party at a local country club:

dress more formally Dance celebrating a local college football

victory: Dress less formally If a lady wears a floor length gown, it is

appropriate for her escort to wear formal attire

Semi-Formal

If you are ever unsure about how to dress, call the host or hostess for guidance in dressing for the special occasion

Invitation Types

Clubhouse Etiquette Please wear appropriate clothing (casual

dress and shoes) at all times in the clubhouse

How to wear a Tuxedo

Buy, don’t rent for a quality garment tailored to fit you (same for a suit)

Stay traditional and avoid colourful cummerbunds (a broad sash), socks, etc.

Cummerbunds should match the fabric on the jacket

Keep it simple for the most elegant look No clip on bow ties, tie it yourself

The Right Size

The sleeves of any jacket should reach the base of the hand when the arms are straight by the side

The collar should fit closely round the back of the neck

About half an inch of shirt collar showing above the jacket

The Right Size

Shirt cuffs should show a little below the jacket sleeves

Jackets such as the dinner jacket and lounge jacket should be long enough to cover the seat of the trousers and should hang evenly all round

The bottom of the trouser leg rests on the front of the shoe and slightly longer in the back

Business Attire (Men + Women)

Conservative two-piece business suit (solid dark blue or grey is best)

Conservative long sleeved shirt/blouse (white is best, pastel is next best)

Clean, polished conservative dress shoes (black or brown)

Socks: simple and coordinate with the colour of the suit

Business Attire (Men + Women)

Light briefcase or portfolio case, traditional in either black or brown leather

Well groomed hairstyle Well brushed teeth and fresh breath, no

body odour Clean and trimmed fingernails Minimal cologne or perfume

Business Attire (Men + Women)

Minimal jewelry Empty pockets—no bulges or tinkling

coins No gum, candy, cigarettes, or other

objects in your mouth No visible body piercing (nose rings,

eyebrow rings etc) Only conservative ear piercings for

women

Personal Grooming

Hands: clean and well-maintained Nails: no longer than ½ inch beyond

finger tips, and nail polish should be applied with care

Hair: well combed and trimmed Carry mouthwash or mints Make up: moderate to enhance your

natural features not create new ones

What to wear to work

Dress professionally Better to be overdressed than

underdressed Avoid clothing that is too flamboyant or

revealing

Etiquette of the Job Interview

Be punctual Things NOT TO DO Bringing someone with you Smoking, eating or chewing gum Asking to use the phone Ignoring the receptionist’s attempts to

talk to you

Etiquette of the Job Interview

Listening to ipod or music on an mp3 player

Applying make up or brushing your hair Make sure your hands are warm and dry

and give a firm handshake Greet your interviewer by name and

continue to use the interviewers name during the interview

Preparation for Job Interview

Be prepared to answer many of the same questions over and over again

Research the company and make sure that you know the key things about the company and how to relate it to your strengths

Telus

http://about.telus.com/community/english https://telus.taleo.net/careersection/1000

0/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en http://csr.telus.com/en/areas_of_innovati

on/environment1/courage_to_innovate_env

http://csr.telus.com/en/areas_of_innovation/customers/innovate_and_enhance_customer_experience

Class Assignment

Mock Interviews Handout on a company Answer the following questions…

What can you tell me about yourself? Why do you want to work for us? Why should I hire you? How do you feel about your progress? What would you like to be doing in five years? What is your greatest strength/weakness? What goals have you set and how did you meet

them?