Professional Dress: What do I wear to look my best?
Your appearance communicates much about your attitude, culture, and organizational skills. Especially during first impressions, making appropriate wardrobe choices can heavily impact the amount of success you experience with potential employers. The MSU Career Center is here to help!
Through the Mississippi State Career Closet, students can be sure to make a great first impression. Check out more information below about the online rental box, and be sure to check out tips that can help you make the right choices for you!
Mississippi State Career Closet
We know that first impressions are important, and the Mississippi State Career Closet provides access to professional clothing for students for opportunities such as interviewing, career fairs, and networking events. The service is easy, accessible, and personalized to students’ styles.
We also offer vouchers for those students who need financial support. To get started in reserving your professional clothing rental box and to talk with a stylist, click the button below. Help us help you look your professional best!
Interview Attire Tips
When preparing for your interview or career event, employers may expect or let you know of the dress code for the interview or event. Below are the top three professional dress codes and guidelines for each.
BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL ATTIRE
Most formal level of professional attire. Typical for interviews and career fairs.
- Conservative look with neutral colors (black, navy, or gray) and minimal accessories.
- Features: Tailored suits, dresses, or skirt/blouse combinations.
- Closed-toe shoes are preferred- no sandals, athletic footwear, or open-toed shoes.
- Avoid bold patterns, flashy colors, or excessive jewelry.
- If you do not have access to a suit, mix and match tailored pieces to pull together an outfit that is conservative and muted.
BUSINESS CASUAL ATTIRE
Less formal but requires a neat, put-together appearance. Typical for social gatherings, interviews, and networking events.
- Features blouses and collared shirts, sweaters, and blazers with nice pants, dresses, or skirts (a tie is optional).
- Consider using pops of color in your outfit without being too flashy.
- Heels, flats, loafers, or even leather sneakers are acceptable footwear.
- Accessories should be tasteful and not distracting
- This attire is meant to be less formal but still professional in appearance.
SMART CASUAL ATTIRE
Strikes a balance between formal and casual, a refined but comfortable look. Typical for social gatherings or less formal business events.
- Features more casual pieces including collared shirts, sweaters, blouses, chinos or khakis, skirts, or even dark-wash jeans.
- Blazers or sport coats often pull the outfit together.
- Dress shoes, loafers, boots, and even sneakers are acceptable footwear.
- Leather belts, scarves, and jewelry that complement the outfit are typical.
- While it is a more comfortable dress code, avoid ripped jeans/pants, loud prints and patterns, and worn-out sneakers or flip-flops.
General Considerations & PROFESSIONAL ACCESSORIES
Hair/Nails/Makeup
- Well-groomed hairstyles and natural tones/shades for nails and makeup
Jewelry and Fragrance
- Small hoops or studs (no bangles)
- Nice wristwatch, pearls, or simple gold/silver necklace
- Facial/body piercings should align with company culture and standards
- Wear mild fragrances
Portfolio, Professional Tote, or Small Purse
- Portfolios and professional totes/bags are great for storing writing utensils, questions for the employers, and extra copies of your resume
- Dark colors preferred