The Career Fair is your opportunity to make a positive first impression on a prospective employer. The standard of dress recommended for the career fair is “business casual” to “professional.” Choose your attire carefully to present a professional image.

The definitions of business casual and professional vary by industry and organization as well as position. General guidelines are listed below.

BUSINESS CASUAL Your daily attire for classes, working out or running errands is typically too casual for a professional environment, even if it is a “business casual” one. While business casual allows for greater flexibility and creativity, you should always strive for neat, clean, and well put together.

Stay away from: • athletic clothing, including sneakers and flip-flops • rips, holes and wrinkles • too tight or too revealing clothes • inappropriate logos, images and messages

Stock up on: • leather shoes and belts • dark jeans, trousers and skirts (knee-length) • sweater vests (men) and sweater sets (women) • sport coats (men) and fitted jackets (women) • button shirts and blouses

PROFESSIONAL In general, professional dress for both men and women starts with a neutral-color suit in a solid or very subtle stripe or pattern.

For women: • pants or skirt (knee-length or longer with hose) • blouse or shell • simple jewelry and make-up • closed-toe leather shoes • professional bag or small purse

For men: • long-sleeved collared shirt • conservative tie • polished leather shoes with matching color socks • leather belt the same color as shoes • leather portfolio or case