Dress for Success
Your attire serves as a powerful tool in shaping first impressions during interviews, networking events and professional experiences such as internships, practicums and more. We highly encourage you to think about what the professional dress codes are within your field of study and to match those expectations to your best ability. It’s important to be comfortable and feel your best while making a good first impression. By dressing appropriately and maintaining a polished appearance, you can contribute to your overall professional image and increase your chances of success.
These guidelines are intended to help you present yourself professionally and make a positive impression.
There are 3 different distinctions of professional wear:
Wear a pant or skirt suit with a dress shirt or blouse. Coordinate your tie and shoes with the outfit and make sure to pair with dress socks or stockings.
Networking events are a business professional or business casual environment. Think about how you would like to present yourself to a prospective client or supervisor. This may or may not include a tie or blazer and professional styles of shoes.
Career Fairs are a business professional and should be reflected by wearing dressier options. A suit jacket/blazer is highly recommended. Casual/athletic attire is not acceptable for this type of event in any capacity.
Interviews are business professional and you should wear dressier options. First impressions matter so dress for the job you want, not the job you have.
Usually dress pants or a skirt with a collared shirt. Khakis or neutral colored pants with a polo, sweater or blouse always look great. Shoes can be more casual.
Panels are a business casual or smart casual environment. We recommend refraining from wearing sweatpants and items with holes or rips.
Networking events are a business professional or business casual environment. Think about how you would like to present yourself to a prospective client or supervisor. This may or may not include a tie or blazer and professional styles of shoes.
Very similar to business casual but items like jeans (without rips or holes; darker washes are generally considered more professional) and plain t-shirts are also acceptable additions.
Panels are a business casual or smart casual environment. We recommend refraining from wearing sweatpants and items with holes or rips.
Knowing when/where it is appropriate to wear each of these 3 types of professional wear is important. It will vary depending on your workplace and you should refer to the expectations of your workplace or professional setting when starting your job.
- Your comfort and confidence are key. If an outfit makes you feel uncomfortable, even if it receives compliments and fits well, it may not be the right choice for you.
- Dress in a way that aligns with your personal style while still adhering to professional standards.
- Focus on quality, cut, and fit by choosing clothing items that are well-made, of good quality and that fit you properly
- Avoid wearing dirty or wrinkled clothes, as they can create an unkempt look.
- Ensure your shoes are clean and well-maintained, without scuffs, or visible wear.
- Pay attention to your grooming, including neat and well-manicured nails.
- Avoid inappropriate attire like athletic clothing, including sweatpants, gym shorts, tank tops, hiking boots, flip-flops, athletic sandals or skirts, shorts or tops that are excessively short or tight.
Mack off the Rack is a new resource for Merrimack students to use when looking for professional clothing for networking events, interviews, internships or jobs.
Mack off the Rack launched Spring 2024. Students keep professional outfits completely free. We will have stylists available to help you pick out something you’ll love.
For more information and updates on Mack off the Rack, please check our Mack off the Rack page on the website.
- How to dress for an interview (2 minutes)
- What do you wear for a video interview (4 minutes)
- What not to wear when presenting (2 minutes)