Dressing properly for the business setting is crucial to landing that interview, job or internship you’re after.  

Post-pandemic, the lines between professional and casual have blurred, especially when transitioning between remote and in-person work. Hybrid work makes it more important than ever to understand what attire to wear and when to wear it.  

We spoke to the Fox School’s Center for Student Professional Development (CSPD), seeking expert advice on dressing to impress. In addition, two Temple student professional organization (SPO) leaders, Colin Cross and Carly Stinson, shared their insights from a student perspective.  

Here are three tips to ensure you are headed in the right direction when dressing for a business setting: 

Tip #1: Proper fit is key 

“If you have a suit and it’s ill-fitting, you didn't do yourself a favor,” says Pamela Lyman, executive director for CSPD.  

Janis Moore Campbell, a senior director at CSPD, agrees.  

“It’s a reflection of your judgment,” she says. “It shows how smart and how savvy you are if your clothes fit right.” 

While it may seem like the best move to wear your fanciest attire, these professionals agree that it’s more important that your clothing fits properly. A flashy suit that dangles off your body or is too tight is just as distracting as wearing a graphic T-shirt. 

A proper fit does not have to be expensive. Thrifting a suit and having it professionally tailored is a cost-effective way to look sharp on a budget.  

Tip #2: Have a range of outfits available 

Carly Stinson, director of corporate sponsorship for Temple University’s American Marketing Association (TU-AMA) chapter, recently organized an internship event for its members. The SPO required students to dress in business professional attire for the event, even though many companies do not have this dress code in place. 

“We understand that many students might secure roles at an agency or company where the dress code is more casual,” Stinson says. “I want students and our members to feel comfortable with dressing properly in a business setting, preparing them for the future.” 

CSPD’s Lyman agrees with this sentiment, reflecting on her experience in market research at a large organization. When conducting focus groups over Zoom, she would wear jeans and a T-shirt. However, she would dress professionally when presenting that research to upper management.  

Even if you work in a position where you are not wearing professional attire on a day-to-day basis, you should still have it ready to go. What if you switch roles? Are you prepared if the CEO comes to visit tomorrow? 

Tip #3 - It never hurts to ask! 

There’s no harm in asking an employer what to wear for an interview, job or event.  Asking about attire demonstrates your interest to an employer — so don’t hesitate to reach out. 

Additionally, CSPD is a fantastic resource for Temple students seeking guidance. They have a fantastic resource. They’ve seen it all and know exactly what employers are looking for in a wide variety of fields.  

Campbell invites students to reach out to CSPD if they have questions or are looking for help. “There’s a lot of things on [social media] that are wrong,” she adds.  

And, if you can’t find the information, there’s one simple solution. 

 “If all else fails, always go business professional,” says Colin Cross, president of Temple’s consulting club.  

Lyman agrees. 

“It never hurts to be overdressed, you can always take your jacket off,” she says, adding that she once interviewed at a very casual company wearing a suit.  

“Was I over overdressed? Sure. But did I get the job? Yes, I did.” 

Dressing properly in a business setting may seem overwhelming, but there are many resources available at the Fox School to help in finding the right attire.  

To learn more about the Center for Student Professional Development, click here.