Expert: Denise Anne Taylor - 2/25/2011

Question
I applied for a job recently, the requisition for which states:
"...Assists customers and candidates, of which professional dress attire is required."
Though poorly worded, I take this to mean that, at least when dealing directly with customers and candidates, professional attire is required. My question is this: If I were to wear a plain, black sheath dress with sleeves, must I also wear a jacket?  A jacket is usually a given in professional attire, and would certainly required if the dress had no sleeves, but isn't a jacket on top of a sleeved dress bulky, redundant and therefore unnecessary?

Answer
Gi,

It would depend on the weight of the sheath dress as to whether a blazer/jacket would be too bulky.  

There are many variations of the black sheath dress and although many have a professional tone, some can come across as too short above the knee, or too much like "bar wear", so you want to ensure that you are taken seriously in the place of business and if you have to err, err on the side of formality.

Skirted suits are ideal.  In addition, clarify in the interview as business attire may be required as a corporate protocol and is not unusual today as many companies have decided to bring back a more professional image for those they employ.

Good luck.

Denise Anne Taylor