Are you preparing to brave the dreaded internship application process, applying for a new campus job or just preparing to rush some of Vanderbilt’s most intense student organizations that somehow have four rounds of interviews? You’ve come to the right place. Start yourself off on the right foot and show any employer that you’re the perfect fit by dressing to impress. Here are some tips to help keep you on par with any given dress code.

Casual 

A “casual” dress code is your sign to come as you are. Seriously, don’t overthink it. Skip the sweatpants and pajamas, but jeans will do just fine. Think of casual dress as your everyday attire — anything that feels comfortable but is a step above loungewear. 

While casual attire is relaxed, it’s still important to dress appropriately for work. If you have an interview or are meeting with someone outside your organization, consider stepping up the formality just a bit to make a polished impression.

Pieces to fit a casual wardrobe might include: 

Tops: T-shirts, blouses, sweaters, button-downs, sweatshirts or jackets 

Bottoms: Jeans, sensible skirts, khakis, shorts, linen pants or slacks

Shoes: Flats, sneakers, sandals or boat shoes

Smart Casual 

A smart casual dress code is probably something you won’t run into very often, but some jobs fully embrace this style. It’s a step up from casual, with a touch of stylish flair that creates a polished look — without the need for a stuffy suit jacket or an uncomfortable necktie.

Smart casual looks integrate just a hint of professionalism into your regular daytime clothing. As the name implies, you should look and feel just like yourself while still reflecting a subtle sense of sophistication and refinement. 

Pieces to fit a smart casual wardrobe might include: 

Tops: Blouses, button-downs, collared shirts, blazers, sweaters or dresses

Bottoms: Khakis, trousers or skirts

Shoes: Flats, low heels, fashion (simple canvas or leather) sneakers or dress shoes

Business Casual 

Business casual is an extremely common dress code, so it’s important to have a solid understanding of it. While it’s probably more dressed up than you’re used to, business casual has some distinct elements that can help you feel relaxed and comfortable while looking like a million bucks.

A perfect balance of formal and casual, business casual is usually a safe bet if you’re not sure what to wear. Business casual attire can explore a wider range of colors and patterns, allowing you to mix and match different pieces of your wardrobe (as long as they’re complimentary, of course). 

Pieces to fit a business casual wardrobe might include: 

Tops: Blouses, button-downs, collared shirts, sweaters or blazers

Bottoms: Slacks, trousers, khakis or pencil skirts

Shoes: Flats, low heels, oxfords or loafers

Business Professional 

When the dress code is business professional, you know it’s time to pull out the big guns. Business professional is the upper-echelon of workplace attire, calling for suits, ties and other traditional formalwear.

While business professional can be found in the workplace, it also makes great interview attire, especially in highly competitive industries. Dressing in business professional can be a great way to show you’re serious about the job and can give you some added confidence and authority.

Pieces to fit a business professional wardrobe might include: 

Tops: Blouse with blazer, dark colored suits, dark colored ties or fitted dresses

Bottoms: Slacks or suit pants 

Shoes: Heels, loafers, oxfords or flats

I hope these tips help you feel prepared and confident, knowing that no matter what you do, you’ll look good doing it!