Professional Dress Guidelines for Men

Shirts

• The shirt sleeve cuff should be loose and extend to the end of your wrist.
• If your shirt has a button on the sleeve above the cuff, button it.

Collars

• A classic "Straight" collar is appropriate for all suits. It is traditional and conservative.
• The "Tab" or "Pin" collars are other traditional shirts. They are both neat and formal.
• The "Button-Down" collar is the most casual of all business shirts and looks fine without a tie.
• "Banded" and “Mock” collars are nice alternatives to a traditional collared shirt when a tie isn't required. Select this style in dressy fabrics, such as silk, for an evening appropriate “smart casual” event.

Ties

• The smaller the pattern and the darker the tie, the more authoritative the look.
• The point of your tie should lay over your belt buckle.

Suits

• When buttoning the jacket of a three button suit, fasten the top two buttons.
• A double breasted suit should always be buttoned when standing.
• The cuff of your shirt should extend about a half inch beyond a jacket sleeve.

Trousers

• Fit is everything. Too big or too tight throws off the balance of your overall image.
• Pant hems should clear the shoe heel, but rest on the front of the shoe, creating a slight break.

Socks

• Dark socks such as navy, black or brown are best.
• Over-the-calf socks are much better than shorter styles.
• Going without socks is never appropriate in a business setting.

Shoes

• Best shoes for business are wing-tips, oxfords and dress loafers. Wear wing-tips with traditional suits -- oxfords and dress loafers with more casual looks.
• For many men, shoes are an afterthought, but cheap or uncared for shoes can ruin an otherwise polished appearance.

Outerwear

• An all-weather (i.e.trench) coat and a well-maintained briefcase/tote are essential finishing pieces for most business outfits. Select a good quality trench coat with a zip-out liner so you can wear it year ‘round. You are often wearing a coat when you meet someone for the first time. Make sure this is one of the best items in your wardrobe.