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WHEN TO DRESS BUSINESS CASUAL

Some career fairs and job fair-attire should be specified in the promotional materials for each fair. Note that some fairs suggest or require interview attire. Do your research in advance.

SPECIFICS FOR MEN:  BUSINESS CASUAL

Ties: If you are in doubt, you can wear a tie. It never hurts to slightly overdress. 

Shirts: Long-sleeved shirts are considered dressier than short-sleeved and are appropriate even in summer. Choosing white, light blue solid, or conservative stripes as your safest bet.

Socks: Wear dark socks, mid-calf length so no skin is visible when you sit down.

Shoes: Leather shoes should be worn. No sandals, athletic shoes or hiking boots.

Facial hair: Just as with interviews: Facial hair, if worn, should be well-groomed.  

Jewelry: Wear a conservative watch.

SPECIFICS FOR WOMEN: BUSINESS CASUAL

Pants/skirts: Women can wear casual pants or skirts. Neither should be tight. Fabrics should be crisp; colors should be generally solid; navy, black, gray, brown and khaki are always safe bets. For the most business-like appearance, pants should be creased and tailored.  

Skirt length and slits: Your skirt should come at least to your knees while you are standing. While you are seated, your thighs should be covered.  If your skirt comes to just below the knee, a slit to just above the knee might be acceptable. A very long skirt should not be slit to above the knee. Generally slits in the center back of a skirt are acceptable.  Slits to facilitate a view of your legs are not appropriate for business purposes. Slips should not be visible. 

Shirt/sweaters: In addition to tailored shirts or blouses, tailored knit sweaters and sweater sets are appropriate business casual choices for women. Cotton, silk, and blends are appropriate. Velvets and shimmery fabrics suitable for parties are not appropriate. Fit should not be tight. Cleavage is not appropriate for business or job search occasions.

Jewelry/accessories: Wear a conservative watch. Jewelry and scarf styles come and go. Keep your choices simple and lean toward conservative. Avoid extremes of style and color.

Cosmetics: Keep makeup conservative and natural looking.  A little is usually better than none for a polished look.  Nails should be clean and well groomed.  Avoid extremes of nail length and polish color, especially in conservative industries.

Shoes: Should be leather or fabric/microfiber. Appropriate colors are black, navy, and brown (to coordinate with your other attire and accessories); white and pastels are not appropriate. For the most conservative look, toes should be covered. Thin straps and high heels are not appropriate. Chunky heels and platforms are not appropriate. Make certain you can walk comfortably in your shoes; hobbling around at a job fair in shoes that are pinching your feet does not convey a professional image.

Hose: Should always be worn, especially if your skirt is knee length (rather than calf length) and in more formal environments such as hotels.

Purse/bag: If you carry a purse, keep it small and simple, or carry a small briefcase or businesslike tote bag in place of a purse. A structured bag tends to look more professional than something soft or floppy. Purse/bag color should coordinate with your shoes. A briefcase is certainly not necessary for most casual business events. Leather, microfiber, and fine wovens are appropriate. Canvas and straw are not appropriate.

GROOMING TIPS FOR MEN AND WOMEN

Hair:  Should be clean and neat.

Shoes: Should be in polished condition.  Make sure heels are not worn.

Details: No missing buttons, no lint; and don't forget to remove external tags and tacking stitches from new clothes.

Hands: Clean fingernails.

Fit: Clothes should be clean, neatly pressed, and fit properly, neither tight nor baggy.

Smell: Perfume or cologne should be used sparingly or not at all.  No odors on clothes.  Don't smell like smoke.

Portfolios w/tablets: Preferred over a bulky briefcase. A small briefcase is also appropriate, but if you have no reason to carry a briefcase, don't; you risk looking silly.