You have to dress the part to get the part. Don't know the difference between business casual and business professional? Have no idea where to even start? I've got you covered. Below is a list of all kinds of outfits that will suit you and your dream job.
Women's Attire
Casual: Means keep it casual! Dark jeans, nice sweaters, flats/low heels and ponytails will work just fine. No light washed denim, t-shirts or sneakers. Always wear clothes that fit properly, not too tight or too loose.
Business Casual: Kind of like casual but add blazers to outfits, wear blousy tops and add color! Nothing neon, but the two photos below are great.
Business Professional: Want to look credible and competent? These two feminine and powerful looks are nothing short of amazing. When picking out your own business professional look, always go with a heel and make sure it isn’t too high. Hemlines for any look should be a little above, at or little below the knee whether it is a skirt or dress.
Shoes and Accessories: Keep the accessories simple! Jewelry should be minimalistic, shoes should be a neutral color with a short heel height and handbags/briefcases can be big enough to hold documents but keep it timeless and invest in a good handbag and shoes. It’ll go a long way and remember how much you spend on these main staples is what you’ll get out of them.
Hair, Nails and Makeup: Hair color should always be a natural tone and if you are going to have fake nails or gel, then keep up with getting them filled/redone. No crazy nail colors or lengths, keep nails a pastel, pink, red or French style. Keep makeup natural and lady like, no crazy blue eyeshadow or neon pink lipstick.
Men's Attire
Casual: Khakis are great and so are jeans, preferably dark! A sport coat with jeans is a great pairing for casual; the two photos below are good guides. A tie with shirt or unbuttoned Oxford shirt with a coat is a great start.
Business Casual: This style can still be comfortable; you will definitely need to wear at least a sport coat. A suit jacket will work too. What’s the difference between a sport coat and a suit jacket? Sport coat is more casual for the office, like on a Friday, or weekends where as a suit jacket is more for business professional (Monday-Thursday) or special occasions.
Business Professional: For most interviews you will want to wear business professional. Trousers with a suit coat and tie is essential, when it comes to this category it is pretty straightforward.
Shoes and Accessories: Shoes, socks, cufflinks and briefcases are pretty trendy things and aside from personalizing a suit, shirt and tie these minor details can add up and can express your style. Shoes and suits are something you don’t skimp out on when it comes to cost. Just like when your suit fits right and you’re putting your best foot forward, same idea with shoes. Investing in a nice pair will go a long way just like the wingtips below.
Hair and Grooming: Make sure you have got a fresh haircut and shave. Eyebrows and mustaches need to be trimmed and well groomed. Nails clipped and all the dirt out from underneath them.
Making Sure Your Suit Fits: If you can help it, having a suit that fits right will be like stepping into the interview with the right foot. (Refer to photo below steps)
1.The shoulder pads end with your shoulders.
2.Your flat hand should slip easily into your suit under the lapels when the top (or middle) button is fastened. If you put a fist in, the suit should pull at the button.
3.The top button of a two-button suit- or the middle button of a three-button suit- should not fall below your navel.
4.With your arms at your sides, your knuckles should be even with the bottom of your jacket.
5.Jacket sleeves should fall where the bases of your thumb meets your wrist.
6.Between a quarter and a half inch of shirt cuff should be visible.
7. One inch of break.
Still don't feel like I covered everything or need advice? Comment below and let me know!