DeKALB | In preparation for the Internship Fair on Tuesday and the Full-Time Job Fair on Wednesday, students may need to brush up on their knowledge of professional dress.

Tèvita Manu’atu, a graduate student studying linguistic anthropology, said he wasn’t very confident in his knowledge of professional dress, but senior communication major Nyomi Gonzalez was more confident, rating her knowledge of professional dress an eight out of 10.

Malik Hughes, junior industrial management and technology major, works for Career Services as a Career Peer Mentor and said for career or networking events like the Internship Fair and Full-Time Job Fair, students should dress business professional.

“You want to make that first impression a good impression, so you want to look your best,” Hughes said.

Here are some tips Hughes gave on professional dress:

Keep it simple

“For both men and women, you want to have a nice, clean and simple look,” Hughes said.

Clothes should be ironed and crisp, and Hughes advises to keep jewelry to a minimum and avoid strong cologne and perfume. Students should also pull long hair back so it’s not distracting, and keep nails clean and cut. If students choose to wear nail polish, keep it to one solid color.

Professional dress for men

“For males, you definitely want to have a full suit,” Hughes said. “Typically, a dark grey, dark blue or black suit is preferred.”

Hughes said a lighter color shirt should be worn underneath with a tie a shade darker than your shirt and everything should match. He said men should wear nice dress shoes and dress socks and make sure facial hair is groomed.

Professional dress for women

“For women, [professional dress is] a bit more complicated,” said Hughes. Typically, a nice dress shirt or blouse would do along with slacks or a skirt that’s knee-length.”

Hughes said women can have a suit jacket with the outfit, but it’s not necessary. When choosing shoes, either flat or low-heeled shoes work, and women should consider the same colors for their outfits as listed above.

Well-fitted clothing

Hughes said the biggest mistake people make in professional dress is wearing ill-fitting clothing.

“Make sure your clothes properly fit your body and your frame,” Hughes said.

He emphasized that suits shouldn’t be too big and that skirts shouldn’t be too short.

Smile

“Have a happy demeanor,” Hughes said. “That’s also a part of the professional look in my opinion. Be energetic — if you look scared or timid, it’s going to affect your professional image.”

Hughes said students should try to smile and remain upbeat.

“That first impression, in my opinion, is what’s going to help that employer remember who you are,” Hughes said.