Your Complete Guide to Business Professional Attire

Business professional attire is a style of clothing that is primarily used in interviews, but it can also be appropriate in more conservative, traditional companies or settings. For example, this strict dress code is often the norm for industries like law, government, finance, banking, or accounting. Until the 1990s, professional business attire was relatively standard in the workplace, but it has been replaced by more business casual dress codes over the years. At its core, business professional clothing is conservative, modest, and well-fitted. In fact, it’s often custom-tailored for a better fit.

At the most basic level, business professional attire typically includes:

• A two-piece suit: For some, this may look like a pants suit or a skirt suit, and it should be in a dark, neutral color, like brown, navy, gray, or black. Lighter colors are sometimes acceptable during warmer weather or fun events, but if you’re in a particularly conservative environment, darker colors are best. If you opt for pants, make sure they fit appropriately and are full-length. Skirts, on the other hand, should be knee-length. Dresses are also an option, as long as they are professional and tidy.
• A muted shirt: A light-colored, classic button-down shirt pairs nicely with any suit jacket. Other options include a shell or silk blouse. If you’d like to incorporate a pattern, a subtle stripe is usually the best option. Regardless of the shirt’s style, muted tones are the most appropriate, like light blue or white.
• Dress shoes: The professional look is complete with a brown or black pair of close-toed shoes, usually in leather. Burgundy is another possibility, but it really depends on the environment and shoe. Some common choices include loafers, Oxfords, cap toes, monkstraps, and flats. Heels are also acceptable and should be a conservative height.

Whether you’re preparing for an interview or you’re starting a new job that employs a business professional dress code, it’s also important to be aware of what you shouldn’t wear. Some key things to avoid in business professional clothing are:

• Clothes that don’t fit. When clothes don’t fit properly, they can look messy or unprofessional. Make sure that nothing is too baggy or overly tight. If you find that your sleeves or pant legs are too long or short, you can always see a tailor to have them adjusted for you.
• Bright colors or patterns. Business professional clothing should be conservative, so it’s important to avoid any flashy colors or patterns. Light or muted tones are versatile and professional. Though you should typically refrain from wearing most patterns, stripes are usually a safe choice.
• Heels that exceed 2 inches. If you decide to wear heels rather than flats, make sure to choose a slight heel. Under 2 inches is generally considered the acceptable height for professional footwear.
• Uncomfortable clothing. Professional business attire is rarely the most comfortable clothing in your closet, but you should still prioritize purchasing pieces that you feel comfortable in. This is especially important if you’re prepping for an interview or a big meeting, where first impressions are especially vital. To get acclimated to your outfit, wear it for a few hours beforehand and practice standing, sitting, and walking.
• Immodest pieces. When it’s time to dress professionally, you should take extra steps to ensure your outfit is as modest as possible. For example, make sure that your shirt isn’t transparent, and if it is, you will need to either swap it out or layer another underneath. Additionally, if you’re wearing a skirt or dress, check that it is knee-length or longer.
• Excessive makeup. It’s usually a good idea to keep your makeup as simple as possible. Go with neutral hues and soft colors to create a look that is polished and natural without seeming overdone.
• Flashy accessories. For the most part, accessories should be kept at a minimum. Avoid busy patterns, chunky jewelry, and anything else that might be distracting.

To accessorize your outfit, make sure that you keep things professional by following a few simple guidelines:

• Invest in hosiery. If you’re wearing a dress or skirt, cover your legs with neutral hosiery that resembles your skin tone.
• Pick out an appropriate tie. Choose a tie that is conservative and matches your suit. If you do go with a pattern, make sure it’s something subtle, like stripes, plaid, paisley, or dots. Additionally, you want to make sure that your tie hits at your belt.
• Be mindful of your socks. Even your socks should be conservative. Choose a dark color that matches your suit, like brown, navy, gray, or black.
• Choose a simple belt. Your belt should match your shoes. For example, if you’re wearing brown leather shoes, you’d want to pick out a brown leather belt in the same shade. Stay away from ornate or overly large buckles.
• Keep jewelry at a minimum. If you do wear jewelry, keep it minimal. Some examples of acceptable pieces include a wedding ring, a pearl necklace, and/or simple earrings, like studs.
• Opt for a white pocket square. Pocket squares can be a great addition to a classic suit. It’s usually best to go with white silk, linen, or cotton, but you can occasionally incorporate a conservative pattern or colored trim.