by R. Hake

Created on: January 20, 2009   Last Updated: June 29, 2010

What you wear is one of the first impressions you give to a potential employer about your professionalism. You'll want to be up to date on your attire before applying for the positions you are interested in. Although some jobs do not require a suit and tie, you will always want to look your best for that first encounter.

When clearing out your closet be sure to first inventory your closet. Get rid of unused and out-of-date worn clothing. Remember that what you wear projects an image. There are three ways to focus your image; look to top employees in your company, come up with a shopping list, and compare benefits with cost by realizing that clothing is an investment and you should invest in quality.

The suit is the most intimate purchase. The most common professional colors are blue or dark grey and the cut depends on where you work. Four major decisions when choosing a suit are the cut, the fabric, the fit, and the color. Dark colors are considered to be powerful and authoritative and light colors are considered to be a summer look. Brown suits are not suitable. In regards to fabric wool is very suitable.

There are three types of cuts; American, European, and Elegant British. American style has a broader shoulder for the new world man. It is made for comfort. The European style exaggerates the male form and is the least business like due to constrictions. The Elegant British, also known as the Drape, follows the human form.

When getting fitted you should wear the shoes and all items and apparel you would normally wear with a suit. Remember that dry cleaning removes the natural oils from wool, which shortens the life of the suit. You should have approximately five winter suits and three summer suits depending on the location of the company.

The shirts colors should be light with small patterns. The collars and the cuffs are the show pieces of the shirt. The tie makes a very definite statement. A certain degree of sheen will display power and confidence. The tie should come to belt level.

There are three types of shoes; Oxford, Wing-Tip, and Slip-on. Oxford is the standard type of business shoe. Your accessories should be conservative. A smaller briefcase shows that you delegate authority. Your watch should be simple and thin. One way to add a touch of class is to dress within corporate standards and then make your own personal statement with accessories.

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