Dress for Success

Dress for Success.  Obvious, right?  Simple, right?  Well not exactly.  Business casual means different things to different people.  In the summer in the technology industry, that could mean shorts and flip flops.  At least that’s what our developers think.  Formal could mean a tux or a suit and tie, it depends on the situation. 

If you’re going to a business meeting on campus, ask a few questions.  Suit or not suit?  Tie or no tie?  I will cover interview dress code separately as that is a bit more complicated.  For meeting alumni on campus, always wear a sport coat.  I am on campuses around the country lecturing on my field of business analytics and amazed the diversity of dress for students.  I remember those who dressed for the occasion. 

Dressing for success takes advance planning as I’m sure most of you aren’t very good at ironing.  My suggestion is take 1-2 shirts to the dry cleaners on or near campus and have them ready for the next occasion.  The last thing you want is to borrow your roommates shirt which doesn’t fit so well.  With regards to sport coats, a navy blazer which many of you have from DECA is ideal.  If you don’t have one, get one and be sure to cover it in your closet so it’s looks sharp and isn’t wrinkled.  Nothing looks worse than a wrinkled sport coat.  Bad first impression.    If your shirt has stays in the collar, be sure to have them in.  It looks dorky to have wings flying from your collar.  I know you that but it’s the small details that matter in first impressions. 

One other quick secret on ironing.  Steaming them in the shower works magic.  This is the first thing I do when I pull my suit out of my bag after travelling.  Hang it in the shower and it will save you time, frustration and energy. 

Would love your feedback on this short tips.  Are they too pedantic?  Are they helpful?  What?

For more reading on the topic, this is a must read.  This is also a quick read.