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What is "business professional" dress?
I will be starting a new position as a Marketing Executive for a Wealth Management company. In my offer letter, they stated that we are "business professional" dress. In my previous roles in tech, I have always worn dresses to work, but I could wear them with open toe shoes and cardigans, so I know this is not "business professional". I know not every office is the same, but in the finance industry in general, what do you think I should start purchasing for this position?
I do not know anyone well enough at the company to ask, so I was going to wear a black suit on day 1 and see what everyone else is wearing. I watched the awesome video on here about the 4 types of ways to dress for interviews and they recommended a neutral color suit and blouse, which I did wear and got the job! What I am getting at is can I wear a nice dress (White House Black Market, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, and the like) with a blazer over it, or should it just be suits?
Also...I am 5'11. Do I have to always wear heels or could I purchase some designer ballet flats (Coach, MK, or Tory Burch and the like) and get away with them?
Thank you for any and all advice. I feel like I am spending so much money and energy trying to get my looks ready for week one since this is such a new industry for me.
Anonymous
10/14/20 at 8:29PM UTC
When I was in law school they gave us wardrobe critiques for interviews with large and conservative law firms. And later I used to work in a large law firm with investment bank clients. I have also worked on Wall Street. Make sure your flats look dressy/professional and not slouchy or casual. Kitten heels are nice too. Hosiery is not optional and it should be close to skin colored. Don’t go for any big logos in the designs of what you wear. It looks tacky. Jewelry should be small and subtle unless you have one high quality and modest-sized signature piece. Toward that end I suggest to save up for a simple and classic version of a high end watch, even a good used one from a reputable dealer, such as Rolex, Cartier, or Omega. I suggest going for a look which is tasteful and discreet. Not stylish and intentionally fancy. Nowadays I’m a client to a private wealth management group within a large bank and I wouldn’t want to invest with someone who looked cheap or like they had poor judgement (whether evident as cheap or gaudy taste, or as ostentatious display of too many designer logos). The only time Is wear a dress is if it came with the suit. But a skirt is a better value since you can change the look more with different blouses. I would start with a black suit with a matching pair or slacks and skirt. And a gray suit. Nicely tailored and not low-cut silk or cotton blouses. No sleeveless tops unless you plan to keep a jacket on all the time. A pearl pendant or necklace and coordinating small earrings. Nothing that jingles. A quality watch is good. No other jewelry unless you have a wedding and/or engagement ring. This is all a conservative baseline starting point and once you are there you can see what others wear and branch out from here. Make sure you are always neatly groomed (hair, eyebrows, nails, polished shoes, etc) with subtle effect. You can probably get nice and simple/classic suits at places like Talbots and Banana Republic or J Crew. Take them to a tailor and get them fitted better. Most of all, don’t be afraid to stand tall in your full and glorious height (I’m envious) and be confident in yourself while keeping an open mind and willingness to dig in and learn the ropes.
Sarah Downs
JD/Property Acquisition/Utilities
46
10/14/20 at 3:54PM UTC
In my experience I have found “business professional” can differ depending on the environment. Based on the company I would say it’s safe to wear the black suit you had planned to wear and then scope what everyone else is wearing and adjust. I actually do that very same thing and it has worked wonderfully. You make a great first impression by wearing a suit. Once you have scoped out what other people are wearing you will know if it’s one of those places that allow dressy jeans or whether suit pants and skirts are The norm. Good luck on your first day!
Sam TranHeavy Highway & Marine Construction Engineer
62
10/07/20 at 11:40AM UTC (Edited)
You're off to the right start. I'd stay away from any open toe or open heel shoes, sandals or flip flops. Closed toe, closed heel shoes only. Personally I think sleeveless is a no-no, so if you have them that you'd like to wear, a cardigan or blazer to go with is a great idea. I believe the rule of "dress one step above what is expected" You'll never be underdressed - which I've done a time or two and is quite embarassing!
Anonymous
10/07/20 at 3:59AM UTC
On a side note for anyone that how dressing is important then research organizations where casual dress is acceptable. This could be outdoor sports, entrepreneur startups, IT, remote work, etc. As I was a hiring manager for a federal agency I always explained what was acceptable but somewhere down the road I would always have that one new hire who would come in a bit too casual. In today's world having to counsel a employee on dress is the last thing I wanted to do.
Annetta MosesConsumer Insights and Strategy Leader
1.31k
10/07/20 at 2:37AM UTC
For me "business professional" attire is a suit in any variation.
1) pants suit
2) skirt suit
3) dress suit
I consider pantyhose optional.
The shoes should be closed toe pumps or flats.
If I was in your situation, I would wear a black suit with a different blouse for the first 2 days and pay attention to what the women at my level and the level above were wearing and go shopping on Tuesday night to get some clothes for the rest of the week.
Good luck.
Crystal Rhinebergerprofessional rofl nevermind lets just wing it
2.29k
10/06/20 at 9:48PM UTC
Ballet flats, padded heels, blazers w anything really!
I stick with sheath dresses and slightly flared skirts. I love print but I aim for toned down prints. Color blocking is an awesome way to not quite commit to print.
Loud colors are not always your friend, remeber age appropriate too. Jewelry can change a look very quickly making a focal point.
Aleays follow some simple rules
Cut trumps print nearly everytime
Visual interest
Balance achieved through the narrowest part of u (think about belting, cardigan or blazer cut off... natural waist line)
Anonymous
10/06/20 at 8:23PM UTC
Thanks for all this great advice!
Nicole BakerTechnical Coordinator in Milwaukee, WI
99
10/06/20 at 8:09PM UTC
I agree with the above. I would dress in nice pants and a blazer or a skirt and a blouse or a sweater for the first week. Then I would see what others are wearing and model my dress after them.
Jacqueline CutlerJournalist
279
10/06/20 at 12:58PM UTC
Agree with the above and wanted to add a little. Finance is more conservative, as is government. When I had to be in a capitol every day, I struggled with this. Once you have a clearer idea (call HR, ask a woman in the office), go through your wardrobe.
No one is saying keep only what brings you joy. This time, keep what you can wear in this environment. You do not need to have an expansive wardrobe; you simply need one that works for your needs. If finances permit, ask a fashionable friend to go shopping with you. Before you go, make a list of what you need and try to stick to it. Shop with purpose.
You can get by with say two pants suits, two skirts suits and a couple pairs of dress pants and skirts, blouses that will coordinate with all and a jacket that would match the separates.
Flats are perfectly acceptable, just don't go to sneakers or sandals.
This likely sounds goofy but this helped me: Knowing I had to up my look (and preferring to be in jeans and black T-shirts), I used to spend time on Sundays working on my outfits for the week. I would lay out five full work outfits, including shoes and accessories. That way it was not a hassle in the mornings.
Good luck in your new job.
Rhonda M Strong, CAP, OM, CWCA, CC, CEIPartnering with EAs & AAs for Success
246
10/06/20 at 11:10AM UTC
Rules of Professional Dress:
1. Matching pantsuit is your most professional (it shows less skin.)
2. Matching skirted pantsuit
For Business Relaxed - often knowns as Business Casual:
1. Unmatched pantsuit
2. Unmatched skirted suit.
At your height, flats are always appropriate. Kitten heels are good, too.
Once you have worked there a month or so, you will see what others are doing. My advice is to always be a step above the rest. It will set you apart more than you realize. All the best to you!
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