Collegiate DECA leader discusses tips on dressing professionally

2010-10-05

Keep these tips in mind when packing for your competitive conferences, including the International Career Development Conference in sunny Orlando, Florida next spring:

Opening Session is an opportunity to showcase your school and state spirit! Dress is expected to be professional, but with touches of pride.

Ladies should wear a coordinating suit with close-toed shoes and hose, but dress shirts and accessories can showcase school colors or logos.

Gentlemen should also wear a professional suit and polished brown or black shoes, but look to show off your alma mater with a special tie or class ring.

All members should follow DECA dress code when competing. Competitors of both sexes should wear a coordinating suit with blazer. Competition attire should exemplify the best of your professional attire and appearance.

Ladies should wear your best quality pant suit or skirt suit of appropriate length and dark color with a blazer. Skirts should hit just at or right above the knee and be worn with hose and close-toed, polished heels. Avoid low-cut or revealing dress shirts, but wear a color that makes you feel confident. Makeup and hair should be tasteful, yet conservative. Jewelry should be kept to a minimum, with only one necklace, one pair of earrings, and a watch.

Gentlemen should wear a dark suit with coordinating tie for competition. Make certain to choose appropriate-colored socks that rise to the mid-calf as not to reveal skin between the suit and shoes. Neckties should be tied with the appropriate style and size of knot for the dress shirt being worn. Facial hair should be trimmed and no jewelry should be worn.

The excitement of the Awards Session should be reflected in your attire, however professional dress is still expected. Steer clear of too-relaxed or too-formal clothing such as unbuttoned shirts on gentlemen or formal dresses on ladies. This session is the time to wear a stand-out tie, sparkling jewelry, or more colorful suit and dress shirt choices. Choose an outfit that will look great on stage!

Brianne Bower | North Carolina State Collegiate DECA