Dressing for Success

by Brandon Adams

Suits

• 100% wool looks good and wears better than any other material
• Darker suits carry more authority, but avoid black, it is too formal!
• Solid colors and pinstripes are best, as long as the pinstripes are muted and narrow.
• Navy and charcoal/grey colors are best to start with.

Shirts

• Pinstripe shirts should be thin and should not be worn with a pinstripe suit.
• Solid white conveys honesty, intelligence and stability.
• Cotton looks better and holds up better under perspiration.
• Always wear an ironed shirt, even if the shirt claims to be "wash and wear".
• Always wear long-sleeved shirts with cuffs extending 1/4" below suit sleeve.
• Cotton / Polyester blends are acceptable. The higher the cotton content, the better you will look.
• Try to wear and undershirt, vneck if at all possible.

Ties

• Linen wrinkles too easily.
• Wool ties are too casual for interviews.
• Your tie should compliment and add color to your suit.
• Width should be approximately the same as lapels, generally 2-3/4" - 3-1/2" wide.
• 100% silk ties make the most powerful and professional impact and are also the easiest to tie.
• Stripes are in this year! Avoid Mickey Mouse and Fish ties!

Shoes

• Black and burgundy leather are the best colors.
• Black lace up shoes, cap toe and wing tips are the most conservative.
• Slip-on dress shoes, (even those with tassels, are the most versatile for a dressy casual.

Socks

• Socks should complement the suit. Stick with solid colors!
• They should not bunch around your ankles.
• They should be long enough that skin is not seen when legs are crossed. Preferably over the calf.

Accessories

• Jewelry should be very simple and conservative.
• Briefcases should be leather; brown and burgundy are the best colors.
• Watches should be simple and plain. Avoid Mickey Mouse and Sports Watches.
• Belts should be leather and should match or complement shoes.
• Buckles should be simple and match the watch.
• Belt/Shoe rules:
  • Blue/black/gray suit = black belt and shoes
  • Brown/tan/beige suit = brown belt and shoes
  • Grey/charcoal suit = burgundy shoe and belt

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