It is also deemed inappropriate to go to a business meeting like this:
We have different styles of dress for different things. By going into an interview or business meeting dressed professionally, you are showing your peers that you are taking your job seriously and are ready, focused, and organized. At Johnson and Wales University, we have a professional dress policy that is strictly enforced. Some students feel that this policy is way to strict and outdated. I feel that this policy sets us up for real life situations where by looking the part, we will get that job or promotion we are vying for!
At the North Miami campus, (Which i attend) the rules are as follows:
MEN
Shirts
Any color long-sleeved or short-sleeved, spread or button down collar dress shirts
Must be tucked in to dress pants Classic patterns (i.e., subtle stripes, checks) or solid Worn with tie tied snugly around neck
Pullover shirts Polo-style shirts Busy/unprofessional patterns No tie; loose or sloppy ties
Shoes
Black or dark brown dress shoes in good condition Worn with socks matching your pants
Sneakers Sandals or flip-flops Boots
Pants
Dress slacks (solid colors or subtle, classic patterns) Worn at waist, not hips Properly hemmed
Overly baggy or poorly fitting pants Khakis or jean-style pants Unhemmed pants
Outerwear
Solid, button up cardigan sweater Professional suit jacket or blazer (solid colors or subtle, classic patterns)
Pullover sweaters and sweatshirts Athletic or casual jackets (i.e., nylon, denim)
Grooming
Hair must remain neutral in color Neatly trimmed facial hair or clean shaven Clean, ironed clothing
Unnatural hair colors (i.e., pink, blue) Tattered, wrinkled clothing
Accessories
University-issued name tag (required) A dress belt that matches your shoes
Facial jewelry or earrings Hats or headwear
WOMEN
Shirts
Long-sleeved or short-sleeved blouse appropriate for business (button down or a shell worn with a business suit)
Pullover, dressy sweaters
Plunging necklines Bare midriffs Pullover sweaters with a hood Halter tops or spaghetti straps
Shoes
Solid color dress shoes Closed-toed shoes Peep toe heels or pumps (expose only one or two toes)
Sneakers Strappy sandals or flip-flops that expose feet Boots
Pants/Skirts
Full length, hemmed dress slacks worn at waist, not hips Skirts worn at waist, not hips. Skirt length should fall no higher than at the knees Solid colors or subtle, classic patterns
Capri style pants or shorts Overly baggy, tight or poorly fitting pants; skirts
above the knee Khakis or jean-style pants Casual Dresses Unhemmed pants
Outerwear
Solid, button up cardigan sweater Professional suit jacket or blazer (solid colors or subtle, classic patterns) Sweater vest
Pullover sweaters with a hood and sweatshirts Athletic or casual jackets (i.e., nylon, denim)
Grooming
Hair must remain neutral in color Clean, ironed clothing Conservative make-up
Unnatural hair colors (i.e., pink, blue) Tattered, wrinkled clothing Bright, flashy make-up
Accessories
University-issued name tag (required) Neutral hosiery Modest jewelry Modest earrings
Simple hair accessories (i.e., small headband, plain bobby pins)
Visible piercings other than earrings (i.e., nose, lip or tongue)
Hats, flashy headbands or headwear (i.e., bandanas, scarves)
These guidelines set the precedent for how to dress professionally. I have asked many students in my classes what they would most like to change about this policy and I noticed an overwhelming response when it came to the categories of dresses and jewelry, more so on the women's perspective. Many young women at Johnson and Wales North Miami Campus revealed that they would like to be permitted to wear dresses. I can relate to these girls because I myself own some very sleek, classy professional looking dresses. Here are some examples of do's and don'ts when it comes to dresses:
DONTS!
These dresses are too tight, short, and skimpy to be taken seriously at the office!
DO'S!
All of these dresses are knee length, feature covered shoulders and covered bust area and are perfect for office wear!
Another interesting pattern I found when inquiring about dress code flukes is the jewelry policy for men and women. Most believe that jewerly policies should be both equal for men and women. There are many professional and stylish men's accessories lines out to date. Women are permitted to wear earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, but sometimes women can commit the crime of over accesorizing, causing their once professional and classy outfit to deteriorate right before our eyes!
These looks would be a hit, except for the fact that we are so overwhelmed with their jewels! Too much is too much, we want to focus on your sparkling personality and impeccable style!
And I simply cannot forget about our JWU men! Men usually have less leeway when it comes to the dress code policy, but by being creative and adding the right touch of accessories, males can make their outfits their own!
By adding a few touches, such as a scarf, bag, or bracelet- males can add a sophisticated touch to a simple outfit.
Creativity is an important aspect of our Johnson and Wales Dress Code. We can add our own personal touches to a professional outfit to make it fun, unique and stylish. I believe the guidelines are important to follow because they can create good dressing habits for the future. In the real world, having the right attitude and looking the part makes or breaks your career.
Donald K. Burleson from Burleson Consulting says:
"First impressions count. A professional consultant who doesn’t take the time to maintain a professional appearance presents the image of not being able to perform adequately on the job. Our professional dress code is codified because many professionals have never been taught appropriate professional appearance and demeanor.
Professional dress code standards are alive and well in major financial and executive management levels. Anyone who aspires to top management knows that personal appearance counts."
Selfesteem.org lists these 10 decisions people will make about other people based solely on first impressions.
As you can see, first impressions are very important and crucial when trying to impress someone! The JWU dress policy only aids us in building good habits for the future and being creative while still being professional. To end my blog for today, here are some examples of stellar outfits for school!
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