For the most part, everyone is sporting a suit of some type. I am glad to see the effort being made to look as presentable and polished as possible. I want to offer a few tips and tricks to help pull your suited look together and help you make a statement to potential employers.
First, let’s start with the basics. Do not underestimate the importance of wearing an undershirt, especially if the dress shirt you will be wearing is white. Be certain your undershirt is white without any printed graphics. Personally, I go for the standard cotton T-shirt style. Steer clear of wearing a white tank top as an undershirt. Few things look worse than seeing the lines of a tank showing through your white dress shirt.
Now that we have decided on the appropriate undershirt, we can move to the dress shirt. For any event, white can never fail. It is the classic stand by; if you are ever in doubt, wear a white shirt. If wearing white, make sure the shirt does not display those pesky discolorations that typically form around the underarms and collar of the shirt. If those are present, it is time for a new shirt. When purchasing dress shirts, fit is key. They should fit snugly but not be overly tight. Buying a shirt that is “tailored” or “fitted” will help to alleviate the awkward blousing that arises when shirts are tucked in.
Accessories can either make or break an outfit. These are the unifying elements that can make an okay outfit into something quite impressive. Let’s start with jewelry. For a job fair, if it isn’t a wedding band or a tasteful watch, leave it at home.
When choosing belts, a classic black leather belt is a can’t-miss option when paired with a black suit. Keep the belt simple and avoid showy belt buckles. The job fair is not the place to brandish a buckle that is the size of a small dinner plate.
Socks should match or compliment the color of either your suit or your tie. Always avoid the temptation to sport navy socks with a black suit. Even though you think no one will notice, trust me, they will. If you are matching your suit to your socks, when wearing a black suit, wear black socks. If you are wearing socks that complement the color of your tie, use caution you do not incorporate too much color into the outfit, thus resulting in an overall garrish look.
Lastly, choosing the appropriate tie is very important. I always advise people to stay away from novelty ties. There is a time and place for them (although I do not know when or where) it certainly is not at the job fair. A simple solid color or stripped tie will never fail. Be sure when tying the tie that it ends just at the top of your belt. Bowties can also be worn, however, make sure your bowtie does not wear you. You must have the confidence to pull off the bowtie and make it look good.
I hope these tips will help you pull your job fair look together. Remember, clothes are a first impression. Mark Twain said it best, “Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society.”
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Guys should dress to impress at job fairs
ADAM SULLIVAN
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October 10, 2012
As I breeze around the job fair talking with reps and making contacts,I begin to notice a horrifying trend. I see some of my fellow job-seekers need a bit of help when it comes to choosing what to wear while attending such an event.
About the Contributor
ADAM SULLIVAN, Former Photography Editor
Adam Sullivan served as the Photography Editor from 2021 to 2022.
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