How to Dress for How to Dress for Presentation SuccessPresentation Success

The Preuss School UCSDThe Preuss School UCSD

ImpressionsImpressions

Many of us have heard the popular Many of us have heard the popular saying, saying, “You never get a second chance “You never get a second chance to…to…

make a first impression.”make a first impression.”

How much time does it take for someone How much time does it take for someone to determine their first impression?to determine their first impression?

Studies show that people decide their Studies show that people decide their first impression of someone within first impression of someone within seconds.seconds.

First ImpressionsFirst Impressions

What are first impressions based on?What are first impressions based on? Research shows that: Research shows that: 7% of first impressions are based on 7% of first impressions are based on

what we actually say, our wordswhat we actually say, our words 38% of first impressions are based 38% of first impressions are based

on how we speak, our tone of voice on how we speak, our tone of voice and mannerismsand mannerisms

55% of first impressions are visual, 55% of first impressions are visual, how we lookhow we look

VisualsVisuals How we look is largely dependant on How we look is largely dependant on

how we dress.how we dress. Dressing Dressing professionallyprofessionally is critical to is critical to

giving your best first impression giving your best first impression when you present yourself. when you present yourself.

When you portray yourself well, you When you portray yourself well, you show respect for yourself and for show respect for yourself and for those you are presenting to. those you are presenting to.

Formal vs. ProfessionalFormal vs. Professional What is the difference between formal What is the difference between formal

attire and professional attire?attire and professional attire? Formal attire is what you would likely Formal attire is what you would likely

wear to a ceremonial event such as a wear to a ceremonial event such as a wedding, a dance, or a birthday party. wedding, a dance, or a birthday party.

Professional attire is what you would Professional attire is what you would wear when you are trying to present wear when you are trying to present yourself in a scholastic or vocational yourself in a scholastic or vocational environment such as a job interview or environment such as a job interview or an academic presentation. an academic presentation.

Appropriate For MalesAppropriate For Males

What are some recommendations of What are some recommendations of appropriate professional things for appropriate professional things for males to wear?males to wear?

A suit or blazer A suit or blazer Nice fitted slacks Nice fitted slacks A tieA tie A tucked-in button-up shirtA tucked-in button-up shirt A conservative watch A conservative watch

Appropriate For FemalesAppropriate For Females

What are some recommendations of What are some recommendations of appropriate professional things for appropriate professional things for females to wear?females to wear?

A suit or blazerA suit or blazer Nice fitted slacks Nice fitted slacks Nice skirtNice skirt Button-up or full sweater Button-up or full sweater Pantyhose or tights Pantyhose or tights

Inappropriate For MalesInappropriate For Males

What are some recommendations of What are some recommendations of ininappropriate professional things for appropriate professional things for males to wear?males to wear?

Jeans, shorts, t-shirts, or tennis shoes Jeans, shorts, t-shirts, or tennis shoes Wrinkled clothingWrinkled clothing Sagging pantsSagging pants EarringsEarrings Mohawks or unnatural hair colors Mohawks or unnatural hair colors

Inappropriate For Inappropriate For FemalesFemales

What are some recommendations of What are some recommendations of ininappropriate professional things for appropriate professional things for females to wear?females to wear?

Jeans, shorts, t-shirts, or tennis shoes Jeans, shorts, t-shirts, or tennis shoes Strapless shirts or strapless dresses Strapless shirts or strapless dresses Tight skirts or pants-slitsTight skirts or pants-slits Spiked heels, UGG-type Boots, or Spiked heels, UGG-type Boots, or

sandals sandals Dark or flashy makeup Dark or flashy makeup

ExamplesExamples

Is it okay to wear an outfit that was Is it okay to wear an outfit that was borrowed?borrowed?

YesYes, absolutely. Try to make sure , absolutely. Try to make sure that it isn’t too small or too big.that it isn’t too small or too big.

We took example pictures of Preuss We took example pictures of Preuss Seniors who earned high marks for Seniors who earned high marks for the outfits they wore for their Senior the outfits they wore for their Senior Exhibitions:Exhibitions:

PresentingPresenting You never know who will be listening to You never know who will be listening to

you present your exhibition.you present your exhibition. How you dress for a presentation can be How you dress for a presentation can be

different than how you will dress for work.different than how you will dress for work. Err on the side of caution and overdress Err on the side of caution and overdress

rather then be underdressed. rather then be underdressed. Do “motion checks” to make sure your Do “motion checks” to make sure your

outfit will stay in place and remain outfit will stay in place and remain comfortable.comfortable.

Any Questions?Any Questions?

As a future college student and As a future college student and professional, you want to get in the professional, you want to get in the

habit habit

of wearing appropriate clothing to of wearing appropriate clothing to present your best self! present your best self!

Thank YouThank You