How To Dress Professionally | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

How To Dress Professionally

You're not going to be a student forever. Learn how to dress for the real world.

431
How To Dress Professionally

Sadly, college will come and go before you know it. Soon you'll be off in the real world with adult responsibilities. Instead of going to the dining hall, you'll have to actually make your food. Instead of picking and choosing your classes, you'll have a set work schedule. Instead of rolling out of bed every morning, putting on sweatpants and walking to class, you'll actually have to care about what you look like so that you're presentable at your job. Simply stated: you'll have to dress professionally.

Many college students have no idea how to dress in a professional manner. For ladies, they think professional attire is a sundress paired with ballet flats or sandals. Men think they can get away with a polo shirt, khakis and slip-on neutral colored shoes most of the time. Sooner than you think, you'll be required to dress like a working professional, proving to your employer that you are a professional 20-something-year-old. Here are pieces of clothing and potential outfits that can do you no wrong in the professional world.

For women:

1. Dress slacks

For ladies, dress slacks are your best friend. If you're not a fan of them, learn to love them. Dress slacks are the bread and butter of a working professional. Black, gray and a deep navy are the best colors to wear because, not only are they business colors, but they match almost everything. If you're a person who likes color, feel free to have a couple pairs of colorful slacks, but don't go too crazy. Having too much color can be unprofessional.

2. Dresses and skirts

If you decide to wear a dress or skirt, it's important to make sure that it's an appropriate length. Professional attire when it comes to dresses and skirts means that they should both be knee length. If you choose a dress, keep it modest. No plunging necklines or open backs. You're not going to the club, party, etc. -- you are going to work. You want to stay classy and put together. Grays, blues, blacks and navy are still your best bet. When in doubt, keep the colors neutral!


3. Blazers

Blazers are essential to dressing professionally. It shows you're well put together and take your job seriously. The difference a blazer makes to an outfit is outstanding; it has that extra something you need in order to show that you are a hard-working professional that is clean cut and polished. Again, neutral colors are your best option, but make sure they match your dress pants, skirt or dress!

4. Business heels or flats

If you decide to wear heels, make sure that you can walk in them. It's the furthest thing from professional if you're wobbling while you walk. Your heels should be on the lower side because it looks more polished. If heels aren't for you, a nice business professional flat will do the trick!

For men:

1. Suits

Guys, you can never go wrong with a suit! However, you must wear it properly to make sure you look as professional as you want to be. For one thing, make sure it is properly tailored. If you have a suit that is too long, too short, too big or too loose, you could look sloppy. Also, make sure that what you wear is color coordinated. Stick to the same color (still neutral colors) pants and jacket!

2. Dress shirts with a tie

It's always best to wear a full suit, but a dress shirt with a coordinating tie is professional as well. A neutral-colored, neatly ironed, tucked in, button up dress shirt with a tie that matches will make you look the part. Just pleasemake sure your tie matches your shirt, your dress shirt is buttoned up all the way and your tie is tied correctly and tight.

3. Dress slacks and a sweater

A nice, clean cut sweater and dress slacks can go a long way if done correctly. Make sure the sweater is professional-looking, not casual. You should also wear a dress shirt underneath it for an extra something that makes you look more professional. Pair that with a some dress slacks that match and you have a professional look that's a little more comfortable.

4. Dress shoes and dress socks.


Black or brown leather shoes are the most professional-looking shoes, as long as they match the outfit you're already wearing. It is also important to wear dress socks with your shoes that come up to your mid-calf. Dress socks don't have a Nike or Adidas logo on them; make sure they are business professional socks!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

182921
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

9626
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

454135
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

24288
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments