First impressions are important whether you are starting a new job, going to an interview, attending a networking event, job fair, or meeting with an employer for an information chat. How you dress might also contribute to your self-confidence and expression. Here are a few things to reflect on:
- Basic Expectations
- What are the Rules/Employment Laws
- Business Formal vs. Business Casual
- Grooming Tips
- Other Tips
- Budget
- Disability Inclusive Professional Dress Guidelines
Basic Expectations
Expectations might be different on each occasion. Before you attend an interview, event, or go on your first day on the job, take the time to research the dress codes when they exist. We suggest you put your best effort into balancing external expectations with self-expression. For first impressions, consider where you want your audience to focus and avoid bringing too much attention to what you are wearing.
- Interviews. Consider the organization and position for which you are interviewing. We recommend that you dress the way you would on the most important day of the job (e.g. meeting the CEO or most important client). If you are not sure about the dress code, you can visit the organization’s website. If you have visited the organization before, think about how staff dress on a daily basis and be inspired by the best dressed person.
- Networking Events. Read the posted information carefully. Most events will mention whether they are Business Formal or Business Casual.
- Job Fairs. While most job fairs are Business Casual, consider the position for which you are applying. If it typically requires a more formal dress code, you can consider being dressed in business formal attire.
- Safety Protocols. Some companies have dress codes to meet safety protocols (e.g. lab or hospital environments might require long pants and sleeves, and close-toe shoes to cover the skin.)
Employment Laws
According to the Ontario Human Rights Commission
- According to the Ontario Human Rights Commission
- “When setting out dress codes to meet business needs, employers should not rely on stereotypes or sexist ideas of how men or women should look. They should think about a range of clothing options. Dress code policies need to be flexible and include everyone, regardless of their sex, gender identity, race, disability, gender expression or religious faith. Employees should be able to choose from this range of options without pressure or coercion.”
- “Any sex-based differences in the dress code must be legitimately linked to the requirements of the job. Where this cannot be shown, these dress codes will be discriminatory. Where female employees are expected to meet more difficult requirements than male employees or are expected to dress in a sexualized way to attract clients, this could be a violation of the Human Rights Code.”
- These principles apply to all aspects of your job search and networking.
Business Formal, Business Casual, Casual Friday’s/Casual Workplaces, Gender Inclusive Professional Dress
Gender Inclusive Professional Dress Guidelines
- Most companies are adopting neutral or gender-inclusive dress codes to avoid stereotypes and enforce consistency with organizational values. For instance, for a setting with machinery, instead of stating that women should tie their hair in a certain length or manner, the code might state that employees with hair at a certain length or volume should tie it to comply with security protocols. The code might focus on general recommendations such as wearing clean and well-kept attire, uniforms, or “business formal,” “business casual” rather than giving specific suggestions. It can also offer clear guidance on what is not appropriate, which gives employees room to express their identities without compromising the company’s brand and/or image.
- Unisex or gender-neutral clothing such as tailored blazers and trousers, suits without ties, mixed styles including items that are more masculine with more feminine ones can work perfectly fine if you don’t identify with one specific gender.
- Before accepting a job offer, research about the company’s values and EDI policy and how its dress code is consistent with those. If you feel you would have to compromise your gender identity and/or expression to fit-in, you might benefit from a career counselling appointment to reflect on your options
What is Business Formal/Formal Dress?
- Business Formal is the most formal level of business attire. It's often seen at important meetings, award ceremonies, and client dinners. It includes a suit or blazer, dress shirt, tie, and polished dress shoes, tailored pants or skirt, or a long evening dress with closed-toe footwear.
What is Business Casual/Casual Dress?
- Business casual is a polished, put-together look that’s less formal than a full suit but still professional. This might mean wearing a blazer or sweater over a button-down shirt or blouse, paired with dress pants, chinos, or a knee-length skirt. Closed-toe shoes like loafers, flats, or low heels complete the look. Avoid ripped jeans, athletic wear, or overly casual items like hoodies or sneakers.
When in doubt, aim for clean, neat, and modest—it's better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.
Dress for Your Day
- Some companies recommend employees determine the attire type in accordance with their planned activities for the day. Usually, this includes a more formal code for situations like meeting with important clients or presenting at conferences, and a smart casual code for administrative, routine tasks.
What is Smart Casual?
- Smart Casual is a more contemporary dress code adopted in many creative workplaces, or at professional but informal events, such as dinner parties and meet-and-greet events, or included in the Dress for Your Day when the employee is not expected to meet with high level leadership and clients. It indicates a relaxed but sophisticated look that pairs formal with casual items, giving employees more room for personal styles. It might include high-quality t-shirts, casual button-downs, polo shirts, denim, skirts below the knees, sneakers, loafers, and boots.
What about Casual Friday’s?
- Some workplaces have specific days for employees to dress more casually. They are not obligated to dress in a casual manner. But it can be more comfortable fitting-in in those situations and enjoying the opportunity to show a little bit of your personality. Don’t worry if you feel a little overdressed sometimes, especially if you are just starting the job.
Grooming Tips
- Clothing Fit: Clothing fit is important. If you are unsure about fit, ask a friend or family member to take a look. You don't want your suit to be too snug or too loose. You can find the perfect fit after a tailored alteration at a tailor shop or dry cleaner.
- Hair: Ensure your appearance is kept, clean and professional for your industry/work environment, including facial hair. Many workplaces now welcome long beards if they are well maintained. A company might prefer clean-shaven faces but if not based on safety measures, they should accommodate creed and religious needs.
- Perfume, Cologne, Deodorant, and Body Spray: Many workplaces are implementing scent-free policies to ensure a comfortable work environment for everyone. You might need to wear deodorant or anti-perspirant, but it is best to avoid cologne, perfume or body spray fragrances for the following reasons:
- The people you are meeting with may have allergies/sensitivities to fragrances
- You don’t know how big or ventilated the space is where you will be meeting
- If you wear a scent frequently you may have become accustomed to it and not notice its strength
- Smoking: Avoid smoking or vaping before your interview or event. Tobacco and vaping odors can cling to your clothing, breath, and hair, while vape odors may linger on your breath.
- Breath: Make sure you have fresh breath. If you choose gum or take breath mints to freshen your breath, get rid of it before you enter the building or meet anyone.
Other Tips
- Tattoos: Companies can require tattoos and piercings to be covered, especially for client-facing employees. But they have become so common that most workplaces don’t have particular rules on showing or covering them. Reflect on what tattoos you feel comfortable displaying and if they might get in your way of making a positive first impression.
- Cell Phone: Turn off your cell phone or place it on silent mode (not on vibrate) before you arrive at your event or interview. Avoid bringing out and looking at your cell phone unless if for sharing contact information for networking. You want to ensure that you are engaged, giving people your undivided attention. Leaving your phone in your pants pocket may cause it to fall out when you sit, so you may want to leave it in your bag or in your inner jacket pocket instead.
- Bags, Padfolios and Purses: Depending on the situation, you may find that you need a place to store things that you bring with you to the interview, the meeting, or event. Aim for a professional padfolio, or professional-looking backpack, or tote bag such as a nice laptop bag that won’t take too much space, considering you will share space with others and want to be approachable.
- Umbrella and Outerwear: Be prepared to bring appropriate weather attire according to the temperature and time of the year that you are attending. This might mean brining a coat, jacket or umbrella to deal with either rain or snow. Remember to bring outerwear that looks professional and matches your existing business attire.
Budget
Employers are aware that many students have a limited budget for clothing. You won’t need to have more than one or two outfits for your interviews and events. You can also save money by mixing and matching clothes and by shopping at vintage clothing stores. Several non-profit organizations and charitable programs offer free or low-cost clothing to help young, low-income, or newcomer workers build a professional look. Some examples include:
Dress for Success Toronto, specialized in women’s clothing, and Glow in Suits, a program by New Circles that assists a variety of clients including men, women and non-binary and trans people.
Disability Inclusive Professional Dress Guidelines
- It’s important to consider how workplace expectations intersect with accessibility needs. Professional dress codes can sometimes be a barrier for people with disabilities. In many workplaces, these may be adapted as part of a workplace accommodation. This includes those with visible and non-visible disabilities and can be different for everyone – there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
- Some examples of how disability can intersect with dress codes include:
- Neurodivergent individuals may experience sensory sensitivities such as fabric texture, seams, tags, or temperature
- Individuals with dexterity or fine motor challenges may find buttons, zippers, or ties difficult to manage
- Some individuals may require adaptive clothing or specific footwear to support mobility or pain management
- Consider how your clothing allows you to feel comfortable and able to perform your best in the workplace. You might:
- Try outfits on in advance to test comfort over a full working day/shift
- Choose sensory-friendly fabrics that work for you
- Review any available information on dress codes and discuss accommodations if needed
- Learn more about workplace accommodations and disclosures through Resources for Students with Disabilities