In the College of Creative Arts and Media, the professional attire is as varied as the students and disciplines. In some professions wearing a hoodie to work every day is common and in others a tuxedo is required – so with that in mind, it is important to consult with your closest faculty, mentors, and professional organizations about the expectations in your unique career path. Professional dress is emphasized as a way to demonstrate readiness and ensure that nothing distracts from your qualifications.
When in doubt, dress more professionally
- Dress one level above the workplace standard.
- It is better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.
- For interviews, always default to business professional.
Grooming and Presentation
Your overall presentation matters just as much as your clothing.
Checklist
- Clothing is clean, pressed, and properly fitted.
- Hair is neat and intentional.
- Shoes are clean and appropriate.
- Accessories are minimal.
- Fragrance is light or avoided.
- Overall appearance is polished and put-together.
Industry Awareness Matters
Different creative fields have different expectations:
Corporate media / communications: business professional
Design / arts / entertainment: polished business casual
Startups / freelance: more flexibility, still intentional
How to prepare:
- Review the company’s website and social media.
- Observe how employees dress.
- Ask your recruiter or interview contact how employees typically dress.
- Use networking insights or prior experience
Understanding Professional Dress Codes
Professional attire exists on a spectrum. Knowing these categories will help you dress appropriately for interviews, events, and workplace environments.
*graphic will be added of doodled blazer, pants, skirt, tie, dress (maybe dress shoes and heels)
Business Professional (Recommended for Interviews)
The most formal standard—and the expectation for interviews and employer-facing events.
Best for:
- Interviews
- Career fairs
- Employer presentations
- Networking events and formal programs
Key Elements
- Matching two-piece suit (pants or skirt)
- Long-sleeve dress shirt or conservative blouse
- Tie (optional depending on role/industry)
- Closed-toe dress shoes (heels, flats, or professional dress shoes)
*graphic will be added of doodled pants, polo, blouse, dress
Business Casual
A flexible but still professional dress code commonly used in many workplaces.
Examples:
- Dress pants, khakis, or tailored pieces
- Blouses, polos, or button-down shirts
- Sweaters or cardigans
- Optional blazer
- Loafers, flats, or dressy leather sneakers
Guidelines
- Dark jeans are acceptable only if clean and without rips or tears
- Dresses and skirts should be modest and knee-length
- Coordinated separates (not a full suit) are appropriate
- Ties are not required
*graphic will be added of doodled jeans, longsleeve, sweater, jacket
Smart Casual
A polished but relaxed style appropriate only in certain creative or informal environments.
Must be:
- Clean, neat, and wrinkle-free
- Coordinated and intentional
- Still professional in appearance
- Optional blazer
- Loafers, flats, or dressy leather sneakers
Avoid
- Hoodies
- Graphic t-shirts with inappropriate content
- Athletic wear or sweatpants
- Distressed or overly revealing clothing
Dressing for Creative Media Industries
Creative fields allow for more individuality—but professionalism still comes first.
Best Practices:
- Dress professional first, then add personal style
- Incorporate subtle personality (color, accessories, textures)
- Align your look with the employer’s brand or aesthetic
- Avoid overly trendy or distracting pieces
- Your goal is to show creativity while maintaining a polished, professional image
What to Avoid
- Avoid anything that distracts from your qualifications
- Wrinkled, ripped, or poorly fitting clothing
- Flip-flops or overly casual shoes
- Athletic wear (unless context-specific)
- Loud patterns or excessive accessories
- Revealing or unprofessional fits