This brief guide is designed to help you determine standard attire for various professional development opportunities. This guide provides introductory information on business attire standards. If you have questions or want to talk more about expectations for certain events or experiences, please consider making an appointment with a career advisor to get additional advice about your specific scenario.

Level of Dress: Baseline Casual

• Attire
  • Collared shirts, fitted blouses
  • Dark, fitted jeans
  • Sundresses or skirts
  • Flat, non-athletic shoes
  • Metal or leather watch; modest jewelry
• Commonly Found
  • Casual offices or casual Fridays
  • Entry-level employees
  • Industry conferences

Level of Dress: Business Casual

• Attire
  • Button-down or polo shirt, fitted blouses
  • Slacks or dress pants, knee-length skirts or dresses
  • Flats, sling-backs, boots, non-athletic shoes
  • Metal or fine leather watch; simple jewelry
• Commonly Found
  • Education
  • Most established businesses
  • Employer-sponsored events
  • Internal and/or client-facing meetings

Level of Dress: Traditional Business Attire

• Attire
  • Shirt and tie; blouses or professional tops
  • Dark and subtly patterned suits, may be pant, skirt, or dress
  • Closed-toe shoes, polished if appropriate; shoes and belt should match
  • Minimal jewelry
• Commonly Found
  • Finance
  • Banking
  • Consulting
  • Law
  • Government
  • Employer information sessions for positions in these fields

Level of Dress: Business Formal/Boardroom Attire

• Attire
  • Dark charcoal gray or navy blue suit, stockings if appropriate
  • Crisp white dress shirts and modest ties; collared dress shirts or blouses
  • Black oxfords or derbys; black closed-toe low or high heels (not above 4″)
  • High quality accessories
• Commonly Found
  • Fortune 500 companies
  • Executives, senior-level management
  • Board meetings