A Guide to Deciphering Business Attire

Most of the topics for my blog posts are inspired by real life occurrences from public relations courses to internships to personal experiences and this week’s post is no different. Earlier this week I was catching up with a fellow PRowler and the topic of PRSSA’s upcoming national conference came up. I was excited to share the news that the conference’s opening social was a black tie event. But what exactly does that mean- floor length gowns, cocktail dresses, actual suits and literal black ties? It got me thinking, we throw around terms like “business professional,” “business casual,” or even “black tie” but it’s not always easy to know what is appropriate for each. To help others (and myself!), I put together this easy guide to dressing for each situation.

• Business casual. For business casual, the general rule of thumb is to avoid anything as casual as flip-flops, jeans and t-shirts. It allows you to dress less formally than traditional work wear but shouldn't affect your credibility in the workplace.
• Business professional/business formal. Dress to impress. This is a step up from your typical work attire that calls for a more conservative look with either a suit, pencil skirt, or blazer.
• Casual Friday. This is tricky, you can dress casually but not too casual. It’s generally acceptable to dress up a pair of jeans but definitely leave the tee at home.
• Black tie. Chances are there will be very few events you will attend which require black tie attire. But if you DO happen to be invited to a gala or formal event (like PRSSA National Conference social) the dress code is traditional tuxedos for men and cocktail or long dresses for women. Think senior prom attire.

(Source: InStyle)

But remember, how you dress often depends on the culture of the office and many provide dress code policies to ensure employees are properly dressed. If you’re ever in doubt regarding what is and is not appropriate, simply look to see what the consensus is with your coworkers. If the rest of your office is in Prada, chances are that "lumpy blue sweater" not be appropriate.

How To: Dress For A Summer Interview

With the temperature rising as we continue into the summer season, dressing for summer interviews gets a bit tricky. Summer is the season of bright colors, short-shorts, light tank tops and airy sundresses. Interviews call for dark hues, stiff blazers, long pants and stuffy button-down shirts.

The best advice I have ever received in regards to interview wardrobes was "Dress to impress," Even if you are interviewing with a company that tends to dress a little more casual, always stick to a business casual approach.

Although the summer weather may make dressing in a suit or blazer uncomfortable, it is always important to dress up instead of dressing down. You should always look well-groomed and neatly dressed for an interview, no matter what season. 

Here are three essentials of a summer interview outfit:

Blazer: Summer calls for blazers, which are more casual than suit jackets but are still professional. Try to choose a neutral color, perhaps a light color. 

Button Down Shirt: A white, cotton button down is key for any summer interview outfit.

Dress Pants: Pants should also be a neutral color. Khakis are key for summer interviews. Women can substitute pants with cropped pants or ankle-length skirts.  

Avoiding PRofessional Fashion Faux Pas

With the summer months upon us, staying fashionable in the office while maintaining a professional look becomes an even tougher act to balance. In public relations, it is important that the professional present his or herself in a way that makes the client and boss feel comfortable. No one wants to sacrifice personal style for work, and if you keep these simple tips in mind, you won't have to!

• If you have to question it, don't wear it: If you're having doubts about how short that shirt really is or if a shirt is too bright for the office, don't wear it. Chances are that your concerns will quickly become someone else's concerns.
• Less is more: Don't overdo it with large jewelry or huge statement pieces. Try smaller accessories that still allow you to add a personal flare without being overwhelming.
• Say no to shear: Shear blouses are a very popular trend with the ladies this summer, but keep it covered in the office. PR professionals tend to deal with many different clients on a daily basis. Your shirt blouse may be find with one client, but may offend another who has a more conservative style.
• Keep a 911 kit: Accidents happen every day. Make sure you have a backup blouse and pair of shoes nearby incase of spills, rips, or tears. You should also have a sewing kit and sample sized hygiene products store in our desk to avoid embarrassing situations.
• Check with the boss: If you really aren't sure about what is and isn't appropriate office attire, follow your bosses lead. It doesn't get any more appropriate than the person in charge! Imitating the outfits of your boss or other superiors will keep you well within office dress code.

What fashion faux pas do you avoid in the office?