Dressing for success

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Jan 2015 12:20:51 -0500

I wanted to have a discussion about something that is very important but often overlooked in the civilian/business world. How do you dress for success? What do you feel is the optimal suit/tie/shirt/shoes combination for a first interview? For everyday business? Any other tips or resources? Possibly some places for veterans to up their wardrobe on a budget? Feel free to add your input.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Jan 14 at 2015 1:27 PM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Wed, 14 Jan 2015 13:27:36 -0500

There are numerous web sites that cover this subject in great detail. Take a look at them and find what suits your personality. The type company you are interviewing with will have a lot to do with what you should wear, as well. Try to do a little research, even surveillance, if possible and make your decisions on what you learn and see.

For interviews, the best bet is a nice blue or grey suit with a white shirt and conservative tie. Avoid the browns and greens. Avoid loud ties. Wear highly polished lace up shoes; avoid loafers with a suit. During that interview, observe what others are wearing and adjust what you wear to the next interview with them by what you saw/observed, but don't dress down too much. You want to make a great impression, but you also want the focus to be on you and not what you are wearing. Avoid anything that may be distracting. You'll have the opportunity to display your individualism after you get hired.

What you wear after you are hired will be dictated by that company's dress code. My recommendation is to always surpass the dress code; dress a little better than required. That will be noticed by those who count.

While I hesitate to advertise for any specific business, places like Jos. A. Bank and Men's Warehouse have some pretty good deals for folks starting to build a civilian wardrobe. Wait for the "two-for-one" or "buy one get two free" type offers they seem to routinely have and take advantage of them.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Jan 14 at 2015 2:11 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Wed, 14 Jan 2015 14:11:43 -0500

"Dress for the job you want" is something I've always been told. I found a (male) friend that my wife told me is fashionable and asked him to be my style mentor. I'm still working on it.

A good article I once read suggested buying 1/3 as many items as you thought you should and spending 3 times as much as you thought you would per item. I.E. spend the same amount on 1/3 the number of goods for higher quality... but I cant find it again.

Here's one that recommends spending more on quality and why (although this level may be a bit excessive).
http://www.quicksprout.com/2014/12/10/how-spending-162301-42-on-clothes-made-me-692500/
And one that gives more specific recommendations:
http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-buy-cheap-mens-clothing-2014-10#suits-under-650-1

How To Dress Like A Wall Street Hotshot Without Spending Cash Like One

Surprisingly easy.

Response by PO2 Ryan Brogan made Jan 14 at 2015 2:42 PM

PO2 Ryan Brogan — Wed, 14 Jan 2015 14:42:37 -0500

Conventional wisdom has it that a dark suit with a conservative tie and matching footwear is always a safe bet. However, it's not necessarily a catch-all. Different business and even regions have different standards for acceptable dress. In Hawaii, for example, no one wears suits. A good pair of slacks and a sharp aloha shirt are standard fare. In the Silicon Valley (notorious for it's comparatively relaxed atmosphere), a well laid out business casual look may get the trick done. When in doubt, the best piece of advice I could offer is to give the local HR office a call an ask them what the business culture you're applying for considers appropriate. Play to the crowd!

Response by SFC Donald LeBlanc made Jan 14 at 2015 2:58 PM

SFC Donald LeBlanc — Wed, 14 Jan 2015 14:58:15 -0500

CPT Adelman,

Great question to propose for individuals transitioning from Military Service. I believe that a few responses hinted at the dress code being in line with the company you applied to. However, I find that the time tested behavior of dressing for success by presenting yourself in most professional way is optimal. Some recruiters will be kind and recommend what you wear, others will not. This is where your gut feeling and "common sense" kick in. Put yourself in the interviewers shoes for a moment - How would you like to be interviewing people for a high profile job and see them come to the interview dressed casually? in Suits/Dress clothes? What would your initial impression of those people be?

No need to spend a ton of money on a new wardrobe - just be budget wise, shop around and use taste. Honestly, a very nice dress shirt, tie, slacks and dress shoes will take you FAR!

Good luck!