Choosing The Right Suit: Fitting

Below is an extract from our Interview Guide eBook available at http://www.execstyle.com/eBook/Interview_Dress_Etiquette.pdf

Choosing The Right Suit: Fitting

Jacket:

Jacket Length

• Should just cover crotch and seat of pants. Can hang 1-2" longer

Collar

• Should fit snuggly against back of neck. Allow 1/4 - 1/2" of shirt collar to show
  
• Back of jacket should lie flat against back below the collar

Body of Jacket

• Should not be overly tight. Allow for some play when jacket is buttoned
  
• A slight break on the back beside the armhole is fine, allowing for movement

Sleeve Length

• Sleeve should come to the base of the palm when arms are at your sides
  
• Shirt cuffs should show 1/4 - 1/2"

Note: It is very common for arms to be different lengths. Sleeves should be
tailored to fit each arm.

Suit Pants:

• Pant should sit comfortably on the waist, just above the hips.
  
• Pleats should not open. If pants are flat front, watch that pockets do not gape.
  These are both indications that the pant is tight on the seat.
  
• Pant length should reach the heel in back or up to 1/2" shorter.
  Allow for a small break in the front.
  
• Pleated pants can be worn with or without cuffs.
  
• Flat front pants should be finished with plain bottoms.

posted by GoldenTeahouse @ 12:35 PM   

Choosing The Right Suit: Style

Below is an extract from our Interview Guide eBook available at http://www.execstyle.com/eBook/Interview_Dress_Etiquette.pdf

Choosing The Right Suit: Style

Color / Pattern

• For entry or mid-level positions, dark grey and navy suits are best.
  
• Black is more formal and austere.
  
• Solid colored suits are best. Subtle stripes are fine. Avoid flashy patterns.
  
• Strong stripes convey authority and are appropriate for higher level positions.

Single vs. Double Breasted

Choose a 2 or 3 button single breasted suit. Double breasted suits will look sloppy
worn open, and are not considered main stream in the corporate climate.

Buttons

• 3-button suits will look best on a taller, slimmer man.
  
• 2-Button suits will have a slimming effect on a shorter, stockier man.

posted by GoldenTeahouse @ 12:32 PM   

Choosing The Right Suit: Fabric

Below is an extract from our Interview Guide eBook available at http://www.execstyle.com/eBook/Interview_Dress_Etiquette.pdf

Choosing The Right Suit: Fabric

Wool
A quality wool is the most appropriate fabric for your interview. Wool is
resilient, crease resistant, drapes well and is relatively long wearing.
Wool breathes, is comfortable in a wider range of temperatures and
has an elegance that cannot be duplicated.

Other Fabrics
Fabrics such as silks, linen, rayon have their place in a less formal
environment where one wishes to make a fashion statement.
Polyester on its own or blended with wool can be presentable but may
feel like you are wearing a plastic bag. It is also likely to pill.
A quality microfiber, a fine fiber woven from polyester or a polyester
blend, can be woven to breathe reasonably well but does not have the
elegance of wool.

posted by GoldenTeahouse @ 12:29 PM   

The Look: Accessories

Below is an extract from our Interview Guide eBook available at http://www.execstyle.com/eBook/Interview_Dress_Etiquette.pdf

Complete the professional look
Bring a conservative briefcase or leather binderShould put everything you need at easy access:Reference letters, resume copies, notepad- High quality pen: Simple, nice, not overly ornate

Avoid accessories associated with students
Backpacks. Overly colorful, branded or ornate notebooks and binders

Accessories should complement your professional look, but not distract the interviewer.

posted by GoldenTeahouse @ 12:26 PM   

The Look: Shoes, Socks, Belts

Below is an extract from our Interview Guide eBook available at http://www.execstyle.com/eBook/Interview_Dress_Etiquette.pdf

The Look: Shoes, Socks, Belts
Business Attire VS Smart Casual
Shoes:

• Clean, polished and black
  


• Burgundy or brown are fashionable, but a little risky for an interview


• Stick to black unless your matching skills are excellent.

Belt:

• Should match shoe color
  


• Avoid overly large or flashy belts

Socks:

• Coordinate with suit
  


• Same shade or a shade darker
  


• Solid or with a subtle design
  


• Never wear athletic socks.

Shoes:

• Clean, polished leather
  


• Avoid sneakers and boots

Belt:

• Coordinate with shoes
  


• Avoid overly large or flashy belts

Socks:

• No bright pastel colors


• Use muted tones


• Don't be remembered for your socks!

posted by GoldenTeahouse @ 12:18 PM   

The Look: Shirts and Ties

Below is an extract from our Interview Guide eBook available at http://www.execstyle.com/eBook/Interview_Dress_Etiquette.pdf

The Look: Shirts and Ties
Business Attire VS Smart Casual

Dress shirt:

• Shades of light to mid blue are most
  effective. If you choose another color,
  pastels are safest.
  
• Subtle patterns are fine
  
• White shirts create a more formal look

Silk Tie: Keep it subtle

• Should coordinate with suit and shirt
  
• Patterns in your shirt, tie and suit will
  fight each other unless they are different
  designs and size

* Need help getting the right tie knots?
Go to: www.ExecStyle.com/TieKnots.asp

Casual Shirts:

• Long-sleeved are more business oriented
  
• Button-down is a neater look
  
• Cotton or cotton-blend
  
• Solid pastels or small subtle patterns
  subdued patterns
  
• Crisp, clean and pressed
  
• Avoid T-Shirts and black
  

Sweaters:

• Sweater alone or under a sport coat
  is a great look
  
• Never a sweatshirt
  

Tie:

• Adds a touch of elegance
  

posted by GoldenTeahouse @ 12:14 PM   

The Look: Jackets and Pants

Below is an extract from our Interview Guide eBook available at http://www.execstyle.com/eBook/Interview_Dress_Etiquette.pdf

The Look: Jackets and Pants
Business Attire VS Smart Casual

Mid to Dark colored suit

• Solid Navy or Grey are best, you can con-
  sider a subtle stripe.
  
• More prominent stripes are appropriate
  only for higher level executive positions
  
• Black suits are more formal and austere.
  If you do wear black, soften the look with
  a blue shirt.

Pants: Must match jacket

• Pleated pants have a more classical look
  
• Flat front pants have a slimming, mod-
  ern look, but may look awkward on larger
  men.
  
• Suit pants and jacket MUST be tailored
  from identical fabric.
  

VERSUS

Khakis or slacks

• Always with a crisp crease
  
• Cotton, wool or micro-fiber
  
• Darker colors are dressier
  
• Lighter colors are more casual
  
• Avoid jeans or cargo pants
  

Sport coat or blazer:

• Makes a casual look a bit more formal
  
• Can be removed for a more casual look
  
• Choose a jacket in a solid shade or a
  subtle design (no bold, bright patterns or
  colors)

posted by GoldenTeahouse @ 12:02 PM   

Business Attire VS Smart Casual

Below is an extract from our Interview Guide eBook available at http://www.execstyle.com/eBook/Interview_Dress_Etiquette.pdf

"Business attire" is a full suit with matching pants, a dress shirt and tie.
It differs from the type of outfit you might wear to a wedding or evening
event. It is conservative, designed to be sharp but not flashy, and elegant
but not overly formal. The idea is to showcase the individual, not the
clothes.

"Smart casual" is a more relaxed, yet professional look. Pressed
pants, a collared shirt, and clean, matching accessories. A sport coat
will add a touch of class to a casual look. Avoid jeans, sneakers and
T-shirts. You should never dress completely casual to an interview.

posted by GoldenTeahouse @ 11:59 AM   

Rule 2: Err Towards Formality

Below is an extract from our Interview Guide eBook available at http://www.execstyle.com/eBook/Interview_Dress_Etiquette.pdf

Rule 2: Err Towards Formality
It is harder to overcome being underdressed than being overdressed
Dress like a professional and you will feel like a professional

If you feel overdressed

• Don’t Panic: You’re sending a strong message about taking the position
  seriously
  
• Politely tell the interviewer that the casual dress code gives the office a
  warm and familiar atmosphere that you would like to be a part of
  
• If you can, discretely remove your jacket and drape it over your chair

If You feel underdressed

• Maintain a professional demeanor, to compensate for informal attire
  
• Maintain an erect posture
  
• Speak formally (avoiding colloquialisms and words such as "like" and
  "you know").
  
• Mention that you were misinformed about the dress code and you look
  forward to dressing more professionally

posted by GoldenTeahouse @ 11:50 AM   

Rule 1: Research Ahead

Below is an extract from our Interview Guide eBook available at http://www.execstyle.com/eBook/Interview_Dress_Etiquette.pdf

Rule 1: Research Ahead
Choosing the right interview attire is not alchemy.
It's a matter of knowing the corporate culture and the position's demands.

Check out the website
Many corporate websites will show images of employees in their work
routines. Use this as a clue. Also, review the career section for comments
on interview etiquette.

Go to the source
Visit ahead of time to observe the workers in context. If dress is casual,
be sure that it's not a dress down day such as Casual Friday. If you have
any doubt call HR to ask what is expected. Many companies expect pro-
fessional attire for interviews even though the office dress code is quite
casual.

Consider the type of position you are applying for
Creative positions such as advertising and design may allow for a more
liberal look. Positions involving high-level consultations, or meetings with
important clients may require a classical professional look. If you are un-
sure of what standards to apply, ask a business dress expert:
www.ExecStyle.com/AskExpert.asp

posted by GoldenTeahouse @ 11:33 AM