How to dress for any business setting
Have you ever arrived at a business gathering and instantly felt uncomfortable, overdressed, or out of place? Traversing the mores of the business world can be tricky, but don't worry. We've compiled a simple guide of what—and what not—to wear so you'll feel comfortable and confident in any business setting.
Business Casual For Him
- Collared shirt with undershirt
- Optional: casual sport coat
- Belt should match shoes
- Oxfords, loafers, or rubber-soled leather shoes
- Khakis, chinos, corduroys, or twill or wool-blend slacks
- Socks should match pants
Tips:
- Business casual doesn't mean shaving is optional.
- Faded, worn, or wrinkled clothes won't cut it.
Business Casual For Her
- Jewelry—choose fun over flashy
- Blouses, blazers, and cardigans
- Skirt or dressy pants
- Try a feminine, coordinating belt
- Shoes not too shiny or formal
Tips:
- Keep perfumes light, and especially avoid heavy florals.
- Belts over shirts are currently en vogue.
- Avoid denim unless it's Casual Friday, considered a step down from business casual. If you do wear denim,
- choose a dark wash without much embroidery or embellishment.
- Try mixing colors: raspberry with navy blue, turquoise with gold, or peach with olive green.
Business Professional For Her
- Blouse or sweater in a feminine shade
- Nicer jewelry—think pearls, sterling silver, and sleek-looking pieces
- Tailored suit (with nice pants or a skirt) in a traditional color
- Stockings with conservative patterns and hues
- Conservative shoes with heels
Tips:
- Remember well-fitting clothes are important—get to know a good tailor.
- Skirts should be knee length and can be mixed with dressier sweaters and blouses for a professional look.
- Don't overdo the makeup. It should look natural with some lip or eye accents.
- Sit or stand up straight! Poor posture will ruin any ensemble.
Business Professional For Him
- Fitted conservative dress shirt
- Classy watch
- 100 percent silk tie
- Well-tailored suit in a plain color or with a subtle pattern or stripe
- Dress socks should match pants
- Leather belt should match shoes
- Nice, shined shoes (tattered shoes will make even an expensive suit look sloppy)
Tips:
- Avoid suits stereotypically worn by professional athletes (e.g., five-button), mobsters (e.g., shiny fabric or double-breasted), or Southern lawyers (e.g., seersucker or linen).
- Professional business suits should be two- or three-button.
- Avoid button-down collar shirts with suits. And if you have a round face, skip the spread collar.
- Focus on being well groomed by maintaining your hairstyle, caring for your skin, and having well-trimmed nails.
Cocktail Attire For Him
- Crisp shirt with or without a tie
- Dark suit or sport coat
- Dress slacks—plain or with a subtle pattern
- Leather shoes that coordinate with suit
Tips:
- Button-down collar shirts are permissible with sport coats but not recommended with suits.
- Generally, shirts should be lighter in color than suits and sport coats. Cocktail events allow for slightly louder shirt patterns and colors.
- A quick call to the host can ease your anxiety if you're worried about the dress code.
Cocktail Attire For Her
- Fun, bold jewelry
- Knee-length cocktail dress—a step up from church attire but not too formal
- Heels
Tips:
- Dresses should coordinate with the season (light fabrics for spring and summer; heavier fabrics in rich hues for fall and winter).
- Cocktail events are all about mingling and having fun—wear what you'll feel comfortable in.
Him & Her Black Tie
- Small clutch
- Floor-length ball gown in silk, satin, velvet, or metallic fabrics (skip the chintz)
- Complementary jewelry
Tips:
- Dramatic makeup and hair are permissible, but stay away from too much dark makeup. Choose either dark lips or dark eyes but not both.
- Women aren't limited to black. Choose a gown that
complements your complexion but isn't too loud.
- Tie and matching dress shoes
- Classic cufflinks
- White dress shirt or tuxedo shirt
- Fitted, pressed black tuxedo with cummerbund or vest
Tips :
- Black Tie Optional means formal dress, but the host will not kick you out if you're not wearing a tuxedo. You should at least wear a dark suit and tie.
- Tuxedos should be worn with patent leather or highly polished black shoes.
- Avoid bow ties, cummerbunds, or vests in loud colors or patterns—unless you're headed to Prom.
- White Tie is ultra-formal but also very rare. Consult an expert or speak with the host to select the appropriate attire.
What Knot to Wear For Him
Ties have been part of men's fashion for more than 400 years—and aren't about to leave any time soon—so here are some tips on what you can get away with.
Wide– This is the most popular style of ties in the United States. Once knotted, make sure the point hits the middle of your belt. If it hits above, you're probably a high priest. If it hits below, you could be a deacon. Tip: Don't leave these babies knotted; it will permanently crease and weaken the fabric.
Skinny– Not long after the onslaught of skinny jeans came skinny ties. Although once considered a piece of the past, thinner ties are now a modern way to top off a tailored suit. These slivers of silk or fabric were also trendy in the '50s. Tip: Don't go too thin in a business setting.
Color– You can't go wrong with blue ties or even deep red (power) ties. Consider livening up your selection with some purple or green. Small patterns, plaids, or stripes can also add interest. Tip: Gimmicky ties—those with cartoon characters or the periodic table of elements— should be worn only if your children gave them to you for Father's Day.
Cloth–Cloth ties can work with more fashion forward looks or a tweed sport coat. Just know that too much texture or stretched-out fabric will quickly date your look. Tip: Be wary.
Bow–This comeback tie isn't just for waiters. Bow ties are particularly useful if you have young children (harder to grab unexpectedly), if you're looking for a little attention, or if you're feeling scholarly. Tip: It may take some practice to get them tight and even on both sides.
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Clothing styled by Christie Somers
Photography by Bradley Slade
