What is considered professional business attire?

Question

I have an interview, and the woman said they expect "professional business attire!" She was kinda rude, so I didn't ask her what that meant. Plus, she might think I'm dumb, but no one's ever said that to me before!! Help!!

Answer 1

Not the same outfit a bean snapper would wear

Answer 2

This site should help you out:
http://www.sideroad.com/Business_Attire/proper-business-attire.html

For Women (quoted from above):
# Start with a skirted suit or pants suit for the most conservative look. A skirted suit is the most professional. With a few exceptions, dresses do not offer the same credibility unless they are accompanied by matching jackets.

# Skirts should be knee-length or slightly above or below. Avoid extremes. A skirt more than two inches above the knee raises eyebrows and questions.

# Pants should break at the top of the foot or shoe. While Capri pants and their fashion cousins that come in assorted lengths from mid-calf to ankle are the latest trend, they are out of place in the conservative business environment.

# Blouses and sweaters provide color and variety to woman's clothing, but they should be appealing rather than revealing. Inappropriate necklines and waistlines can give the wrong impression.

# Women need to wear hose in the business world. Neutral or flesh-tone stockings are the best choices. Never wear dark hose with light-colored clothing or shoes. Keep an extra pair of stockings in your desk drawer unless the hosiery store is next door or just down the street from the office.

# Faces, not feet, should be the focal point in business so chose conservative shoes. A low heel is more professional than flats or high heels. In spite of current fashion and the sandal rage, open-toed or backless shoes are not office attire. Not only are sandals a safety hazard, they suggest a certain official agenda.

# When it comes to accessories and jewelry, less is once again more. Keep it simple: one ring per hand, one earring per ear. Accessories should reflect your personality, not diminish your credibility.



Rebecca Cooper, Librarian
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Answer 3

First, take a breath. The hag woman may have had a rough day and not intended to be rude but stern.

Business attire would include a dress, dress slacks and a nice blouse or sweater, or a suit. Your nails should be well groomed, your hair well managed, make-up for office not night club, and appropriate dress shoes (no stilettos or flip flops). Your jewelery should be kept basic (a ring or two not ten, a nice set of earrings not ten, and tattoos should not be visible).

This will be your first meeting and good impressions are important. Stick with very neutral/dark colors. Navy blue, black, or gray are about your best options in pants.

Keep a copy of your credentials, references, and resume with you in case they ask for it. Be a few minutes early and remember to breathe.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Professional business attire can vary from strict attire for women and men to khaki with shirt and tie. Females are usually expected to wear dark suits with white blouses, dark low-heeled pumps (stockings of course), small earrings (pearls or chips), perhaps one bracelet and watch. Hair should be neat and not in the face; makeup should be minimal. Nails polished with light colors or clear. Don't overload the perfume. Carry a nice matching (small) bag and if you have a resume or references, take a small professional carry -bag (similar to an attache case).

That is what I'd call - strict.....some companies do accept women in pantsuits as professional attire. If I were you, to be sure, call the office and ask the receptionist. They are always helpful.

Answer 5

Recently, there was a newspaper article explaining what 'casual business attire' is. This might be helpful to you.

http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/working/story.html?id=59e39cc6-d9f6-4d6a-8533-6ce9f5a58663

For the interview, here are some guidelines I've read/heard about:

As an employee at a company, you should dress one level above what your clients/customers do. For an interview, you may want to pay a little extra attention to how you look, but if you dress too many levels above your clients/customers, you will look out of place. I'd suggest wearing what you would wear normally at that place of work. If you are able to check out what the other employees are wearing, do!

Nicole Carter
"Future Librarian"
MLIS Candidate
University of British Columbia

Answer 6

Lets hope you don't have to work with her if you get the job. Professional business attire is what you would wear if you were meeting a client for the first time and trying to make a good impression.

No slutty outfits, No jeans, No cleavage, No funky hairdos, just be yourself and dress as if you were about to meet your boyfriends parents for the first time.

Answer 7

Wear a pant or skirt suit (the skirt should not be shorter than your knees) - and white button up shirt and pumps (no toes showing!) This should be safe in any firm.
This is one example:
http://www.uiaa.org/chicago/uicalumni/images/0403suits.jpg
http://www.ncf.edu/CareerServices/images/s1b2a_1.jpg
If you don't have any of those clothes - go to Goodwill and get some or borrow! It will be worth it. Also, later after you land the job, you can relax your style a bit, but for the interview overdressed is better than underdressed.
Good luck!
:-)

Answer 8

Generally a skirt, shirt, jacket, hose and heels. The skirt should be fashionable but around knee length (no mini skirt or high slits) Similarly the shirt/top should be nice but not cut to show your belly from either the top or bottom. Heels should be conservative or even flat. Clean and unwrinkled are very good.

For the first week, err on the side of conservative until you have a good feel for the standards.

Answer 9

I have to wear business attire everyday. I usually wear 3 piece outfits. Hose and low heels work well for an interview.

Answer 10

To me what she really mean is that she need the people that are special in the business, or the people that have business idea, for her to tell you is possible your cridentils didnt really shows that you have business idea that is why she decided to turn you down at that moment, is not like Nigria where you will read law in school and you end up in working in the bank as cashier or Doctor working in the work that is meant for lawer, so you can really tell why she does that, you should have ask her so that when next someone tells you it wont be a new thing to you again.

Answer 11

Business professional would be a full suit, preferably in a dark color (navy or black). If something were to say business casual, that would be dress pants and either a button-down shirt or a sweater.