Modern Professional Dress Codes

Dress for success

You’ve possibly heard various terms as people ask for certain dress codes, whether it’s for an interview, day at the office, wedding, party, or something else. Career Services is here to help you figure this out!

Smart casual attire

In this case, "smart" means stylish in dress or appearance, and this dress code implies a dressed-up version of everyday casual wear. Smart casual is becoming increasingly accepted in the workforce, including student worker jobs and internships. If you are applying for a job in a trade, such as machining, civil service, or agriculture, smart casual is also a great choice for interview attire.

  • Material to look for: Cotton, denim, khaki, linen
    • Blends and synthetic fibers are ok too.
  • Tops, bottoms, and dresses: Blouses, button ups
    • Cotton t-shirts are acceptable if they are in like-new condition, fit well, and are not see-through. It’s a good idea to dress up a t-shirt with a cardigan or jacket.
    • Jeans are also acceptable, although they should not have any rips or holes, so make sure you have at least one pair of completely intact jeans. Darker denim washes, like indigo, navy, or black, tend to be more accepted in the workplace than lighter washes.
    • Denim jackets are ok, and can make a great addition to your wardrobe.
  • Shoes: Comfortable shoes like slip-on or lace-up sneakers, platforms, wedges, loafers, boots, flats, some sandals (no flip-flops)
    • Running shoes and work boots are too casual.
  • Accessories: Bright statement pieces, minimalist accent pieces
    • Ties, scarves, pocket squares, etc. are a little too formal and might look out of place for this dress code.

Skilled trades attire

Sometimes called "blue collar work wear," this attire is often used for jobs that involve manual labor. Clothing will be functional and allow you to move freely and safely while doing your job.

  • Material to look for: Denim in good repair without rips, chambray, cotton, cotton canvas
    • Clothing should be able to stand up to wear and tear. Clothing may need to be fire resistant depending upon your job.
  • Shoes: Steel-toed boots, soft toe sneakers
    • Footwear should be sturdy and built for a long workday.
    • Open-toed shoes, sandals, and/or heels of any size would not be appropriate as they present a safety hazard.
  • Accessories: Safety gear, such as safety glasses, ear plugs, and/or welding helmets

Business casual attire

Business casual is commonly seen in office settings, networking events, lunch dates, and appointments. Business casual includes business wear, but with more variety and creativity, and freedom to mix and match colors, patterns, and materials.

  • Material to look for: High-quality cotton, wool, khaki, linen
    • Some blends and synthetic fabrics are ok, like tencel, polyester, or rayon, as long as the look is polished.
  • Tops, bottoms, and dresses: Slacks, khakis, jumpsuits
    • These can include either a tailored or more relaxed fit, but anything you choose should still fit you well.
    • Have fun mixing colors and patterns. Mix pants and jacket colors, wear a patterned top, choose a brightly colored dress or statement accessory.
    • Avoid any clothing with a logo or slogan - these are too casual.
  • Shoes: Heels, wedges, loafers, flats, full-length or ankle boots, some sandals (no flip flops), boat shoes, Oxfords, brogues, derby, wingtips
    • Sneakers, work boots, or running shoes are too casual.
  • Accessories: Statement jewelry, fashionable bags or briefcases, scarves, pocket squares

Formal business attire

A formal business dress code means that everyone should be wearing a suit. Formal business outfits tend to be made out of high quality material with a tailored look. These clothes also tend to include more coverage of body parts than more casual attire, such as long sleeves and long pants. Business formal wear is a less common look for an everyday office environment than business casual, but it can be expected for some career pathways. It would be an appropriate look for a corporate interview, a c-suite executive, or a more formal event.

  • Material to look for: Wool, cashmere, tweed, silk, satin
    • High-quality cotton is acceptable for shirts or dresses, as well as some synthetic fabrics like tencel, polyester, or rayon, as long as the look is polished.
    • No denim, khaki, or other casual materials.
  • Tops, bottoms, and dresses:
    • Choose a tailored fit and more formal dresses, slacks, or skirts. These should be dark-colored, and suits should match.
    • Tops should be button-downs shirts or nice blouses, and should be worn with a blazer.
  • Shoes: Heels, flats, wedges, ankle boots, loafers, Oxfords, brogues, derby, wingtips
  • Accessories: Watches, rings, belts
    • These should be minimal - no chunky statement jewelry or accent pieces.
    • Avoid costume jewelry, which is jewelry made from inexpensive materials or imitation gems.
    • Pant suit attire should include ties.

Business cocktail attire

Cocktail attire includes styles and cuts that you might not wear in the workplace. Think dinner jackets, shorter hemlines on dresses or skirts, and more variety in materials. Cocktail attire is more commonly seen at events, such as a networking event, conference, formal work event, or wedding.

  • Material to look for: Cotton, silk, satin, linen, lace, wool, cashmere, velvet, brocade, leather or faux leather
    • High-quality fabric blends and synthetic fabrics like tencel, polyester, or rayon are all fine, as long as the look is polished.
    • No jeans, denim, or t-shirts.
  • Tops, bottoms, and dresses: Slacks, khakis, non-denim pants, jumpsuits
    • Cocktail-length dresses tend to be a little shorter, somewhere around the knee, but no mini-skirts.
  • Shoes: Heels, wedges, loafers, flats, ankle boots, some sandals (no flip flops), Oxfords, brogues, derby, wingtips
    • Sneakers, work boots, or running shoes are too casual.
  • Accessories: Pocket squares, ties, scarves, sparkly or colorful jewelry, colorful clutches or small purses

Black tie attire

Black tie attire is a formal dress code for evening events, such as weddings, proms, awards ceremonies, and formal dinners. It's more formal than business attire, but less formal than white tie. Traditionally, outfits include tuxedos with bow ties and floor-length gowns. However, the dress code can be more nuanced depending on whether the invitation says "black tie required," "black tie preferred," or "black tie optional." For example, if the invitation says "black tie preferred," guests could wear a dark suit instead of a tuxedo, or a formal dress that's not floor length.

  • Material to look for: Wool or cashmere suits, silk, satin
    • High-quality cotton is acceptable for shirts or dresses, as well as some synthetic fabrics like tencel, polyester, or rayon, as long as the look is polished.
  • Tops, bottoms, and dresses: Matching suits in a dark color with a formal white shirt underneath, formal evening gowns, floor-length dresses
    • Avoid loud, bright colors or patterns.
  • Shoes: Heels, flats, wedges, strappy sandals, Oxfords, brogues, derby, wingtips
  • Accessories: Watches, rings
    • Avoid costume jewelry, which is jewelry made from inexpensive materials or imitation gems.
    • A pocket square, bow tie, or tie is expected for pantsuit wear.