Dress Code Guidelines

PSE Dress Code Guidelines

As College Students, we understand having an extensive professional wardrobe can be a challenge. Below are some guidelines to help you determine what is appropriate in different settings and how to get creative with what you already have!

Business Casual

Business Casual incorporates traditional business wear in a more casual style that is still professional and appropriate.

Women can wear professional tops with dress pants, knee-length pencil skirts, khakis, blazers, and sweaters. Shoes can include flats, loafers, mules, boots or heels.

Men can wear button-down shirts, sweaters, or polo shirts with dress pants or khakis. Sports coats and ties are optional. Shoes include loafers, dress shoes, lifestyle sneakers (with leather or canvas), or boots.

When attending PSE Events, wearing a PSE Polo Shirt is suitable for all.

PSE Pin can be worn on jacket lapels if applicable.

Business Professional

Business Professional attire is a formal dress code common in more traditional workplace settings.

Women can wear button-down tops or blouses with a pant or skirt suit, or knee-length suit dress. Shoes can include Classic heels no higher than three inches, formal flats, oxfords or loafers. Avoid busy prints and bright colors.

Men can wear light, neutral-colored button-down shirts (white, light blue) with a suit. Neutral ties and belts should be worn. Shoes can include oxfords, loafers, or dress shoes. Avoid busy prints and bright colors.

PSE Pin should be worn on jacket lapels or over the heart on tops and dresses.

Business Formal

Business Formal is a step above Business Professional. Similar to “Black Tie”, women might wear cocktail dresses and men wear black suits with cuff links.

Women might wear a dark pant or skirt suit with a light-colored professional top, or knee-length suit dress. Appropriate-length cocktail dresses would also be acceptable. Shoes can include Classic heels no higher than three inches, formal flats, oxfords or loafers. Minimalist jewelry can be appropriate. Avoid busy prints and bright colors.

Men can wear a dark suit (black or navy) with a light button-down shirt with a neutral tie. Shoes can include oxfords, loafers, or dress shoes with clean lines. Accessorize with belts, a tie clip or small, minimal cuff links. Avoid busy prints and bright colors.

PSE Pin should be worn on jacket lapels or over the heart on tops and dresses.

Black Tie

Black-tie attire is a dress code reserved for formal evening events. Guests commonly choose floor-length gowns and suits or tuxedos when attending a black-tie event.

Women can wear dark floor-length gowns or appropriate-length Cocktail Dresses. Shoes can include Classic heels no higher than three inches or formal flats. Jewelry can be appropriate. Avoid busy prints and bright colors.

Men can wear a black suit or tuxedo with a white button-down shirt and a black tie. Shoes can include oxfords, loafers, or dress shoes with clean lines. Accessorize with belts, a tie clip or cuff links. Avoid busy prints and bright colors.

PSE Pin can be worn on jacket lapels or over the heart on dresses.

In any setting, avoid overly large or busy accessories, heels that are four inches or higher, revealing clothing, or any clothing with profanity or offensive imagery or phrases.

Tips for Building your Professional Wardrobe on a budget

Borrow from a friend
Find a friend that is the same size and swap clothes to switch up your look day-to-day at multi-day events.
Maximize what have
Pair a classic suit with a different shirt every day or wear a sweater over an outfit to give it a fresh look.
Shop the clearance racks!
Shop in the clearance sections of professional clothing stores or thrift shops and get items tailored for a few bucks at a local tailor for that “custom-made” look.
Look into rentals
Check out rental services, like Rent The Runway or Campus Career Centers, that allow you to pay a fraction of the price as opposed to buying the whole outfit to be worn once.

For more information, visit Your Guide To Business Professional Attire (With Examples).

Sources:

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/starting-new-job/business-professional-attire

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/starting-new-job/what-to-wear-at-work