NationStates Jolt Archive

I have a presentation before my class, my TA, and my professor on Thursday afternoon. The dress code for this is "professional dress."
I'm an engineer, so most of us believe that professional dress means that we aren't wearing jeans and a t-shirt. I plan to wear a long black velvet skirt and a black button-down top (because I live in a very cold state and if I wear anything less, I might as well be naked).
NSG, what would you consider to be professional dress?

No jeans, no big printed slogans of any kind on any piece of clothing, no trainers.
That's about it.

NSG, what would you consider to be professional dress?I consider it to be entirely dependent on your profession. Your TA needs to clarify.

I have a presentation before my class, my TA, and my professor on Thursday afternoon. The dress code for this is "professional dress."
I'm an engineer, so most of us believe that professional dress means that we aren't wearing jeans and a t-shirt. I plan to wear a long black velvet skirt and a black button-down top (because I live in a very cold state and if I wear anything less, I might as well be naked).
NSG, what would you consider to be professional dress?


*shrug* I guess that depends on what your profession is?

I had to wear "professional dress" for 6th form. Basically trousers or a smart skirt, and a shirt or blouse or smart looking top. No trainers or logos.

What you're planning to wear sounds fine tbh.

Fishnet stockings, a leather mini-skirt and a tube top. They didn't specify a professional what..

It gets no more professional than this:

http://www.dressaday.com/balloon_dress.jpg

the velvet seems a bit iffy to me.

professional dress is not the same as dressy dress.

if the TA or professor is female, dress like they do in a similar circumstance. if not, search out a female TA and ask her if what you are planning to wear is appropriate.

Fishnet stockings, a leather mini-skirt and a tube top. They didn't specify a professional what..

I used to go to school with a woman who worked at a strip club, and yes, on "professional dress day", she dressed professionally.

Much to the delight of all the males, professors and students alike.

The women on the other hand were less than pleased.

Ranging from a full business suit to a monkey suit, depends on the occasion for me.

For an engineer, professional dress is how you would dress for a job interview, or if you were presenting a paper.

Guys: Wear a suit. Or dress slacks and a button shirts with a tie and sport coat. Dress slacks and a polo shirt could be acceptable if its a "laid back" kind of professional look.

Jeans and a sport coat is a no-no. Actually, jeans are a no-no. A suit or sport jacket without a tie, also a no-no. And unless you are Ben Stein, dress shoes, no sneakers!

Women: Same rule as guys, or, if you wish, a dress skirt, button down shirt, and tie with a jacket. As much as I am always in favor of a nice cheerleader outfit, "Professional Engineers" should eschew such dress.

Remember, Conformist, Conformist, Conformist! If you think that's what you look like, you've done it right.

When I was teaching, I wore dress pants and blouses. I liked suits, but they were a bit too pretentious. Some of my colleagues somehow got away with either sweat pants or miniskirts...not sure how professional that really ever was. Now, those teaching outfits are way too casual, so I've had to drop some serious cash on upscale suits. Awww poor me. I mean, it's what I wanted to wear anyway :P

aren't these

http://www.dickiesstore.co.uk/products/29_1.jpg

professional dress for an engineer?

It gets no more professional than this:

http://www.dressaday.com/balloon_dress.jpg

Wow that's pretty cool.:)
As for professional dress, hmm i think it depends on what it's for, in your case i suppose some sort of shirt and a tie (and trousers obviously although it would make for an interesting presentation), the best idea is to ask the guy who's organising what sort of dress it should be.

Dress like a manager. They are the ones that make up these "buzz descriptions".

professional dress for a woman usually includes a cotton-ish skirt with no print (unless it's pin striped) that is a suit cut and a button down blouse, often it's actually suit pants and a collared shirt.

The velvet would be bad, IMO, while it's probably dressy or pretty it's probably not professional.

I have a presentation before my class, my TA, and my professor on Thursday afternoon. The dress code for this is "professional dress."
I'm an engineer, so most of us believe that professional dress means that we aren't wearing jeans and a t-shirt. I plan to wear a long black velvet skirt and a black button-down top (because I live in a very cold state and if I wear anything less, I might as well be naked).
NSG, what would you consider to be professional dress?
What do employed engineers wear to work when they see customers? You're right that you shouldn't wear jeans or other casual clothing.

For a female, I'd think a decent pair of pants and nice blouse would be more than appropriate. If you want ( and my daughters rarely want to ) a skirt is fine but wear hose.

I sure wouldn't go overboard and buy something for the occasion. After all, you're still in college and you aren't seeing real customers. I think the idea is to get you used to the fact that once in a while you need to dress up.

The definition depends on whether you are a whore or not.

The definition depends on whether you are a whore or not.

Or a construction worker, or a chef, or a server or flight attendant or janitor or pilot or or or...

Sheesh, it's not all black and white, whore or not whore there buddy....

Or a construction worker, or a chef, or a server or flight attendant or janitor or pilot or or or...

Sheesh, it's not all black and white, whore or not whore there buddy....

True, but perhaps among those "whore" is the only one whose professional outfits can accurately be described as "none" when actually engaged in the profession.

True, but perhaps among those "whore" is the only one whose professional outfits can accurately be described as "none" when actually engaged in the profession.

But then what meaning will the term 'corporate whore' have when it clearly connotes business attire?

A tie and nothing else?

I'm loathe to change the term to mean this. Especially considering the lack of good looks amongst my compatriots here at law school who most certainly should remain clothed at all times in much more than a tie.

What do employed engineers wear to work when they see customers? You're right that you shouldn't wear jeans or other casual clothing.

For a female, I'd think a decent pair of pants and nice blouse would be more than appropriate. If you want ( and my daughters rarely want to ) a skirt is fine but wear hose.

I sure wouldn't go overboard and buy something for the occasion. After all, you're still in college and you aren't seeing real customers. I think the idea is to get you used to the fact that once in a while you need to dress up.

I somewhat disagree with your last paragraph, if one wishes to have a professional career and is without a professional outfit, it seems the perfect excuse to buy one. It would most likely be put to use.

But then what meaning will the term 'corporate whore' have when it clearly connotes business attire?

A tie and nothing else?

I would go and consult the nearest tailor or cutter

The classical "professional dress" is nude. The Greeks dressed that way anytime they had something important to do (not just that).

What is that you say? Something about your teacher preferring something less classical? Ah, more romantic....

Skirt, blouse, blazer, stockings, and pumps. Reserved but stylish.


NO flip flops, strappy sandals, camisole tops, cleavage, jeans, logos, ruffles or lace etc.

Changed my mind on what I'm wearing. Yet again.
I hate being a poor college student. Definitely the next job I have where I have a little extra money, I'm getting a women's suit.
For now, I'm going with a heavy pair of khaki pants and a button-down black blouse. I'd go a little more formal, but I have to walk everywhere, and there is enough snow on the ground to make it unpleasant.

What do employed engineers wear to work when they see customers? You're right that you shouldn't wear jeans or other casual clothing.

You really don't want to know the truth. I had an internship, and we definitely wore denim shirts and jeans every day, even when we were going to see customers. All I can speak for is the company I was with, but still ...

I somewhat disagree with your last paragraph, if one wishes to have a professional career and is without a professional outfit, it seems the perfect excuse to buy one. It would most likely be put to use.
It sort of depends on far along the student is... Up through junior, I wouldn't expect them to spend much, if anything, unless they plan to intern. If they're seniors and plan to start interviewing, then now is the time to buy that decent set of clothes.

You really don't want to know the truth. I had an internship, and we definitely wore denim shirts and jeans every day, even when we were going to see customers. All I can speak for is the company I was with, but still ...
That's a little casual for my taste. What do the customers wear?

Pants suit ftw. Of course more often than not I'm required to wear dress pants, shirt and jacket with a tie. Stupid professional conformity.

The term "professional" in this context is needlessly imprecise. The dress standard isn't knowable given only this information.

I used to go to school with a woman who worked at a strip club, and yes, on "professional dress day", she dressed professionally.

Much to the delight of all the males, professors and students alike.

The women on the other hand were less than pleased.

LOL

For guys, collared shirt, slacks, dress shoes, tie, maybe a sports coat if more formal
For girls, dress pants or skirt (plain, no pattern...either cotton, wool, or linen), blouse...suit also works, but is more formal.

I have a presentation before my class, my TA, and my professor on Thursday afternoon. The dress code for this is "professional dress."
I'm an engineer, so most of us believe that professional dress means that we aren't wearing jeans and a t-shirt. I plan to wear a long black velvet skirt and a black button-down top (because I live in a very cold state and if I wear anything less, I might as well be naked).Sounds good to me, unless you're a guy, in which case its a little weird ;)
NSG, what would you consider to be professional dress?
For me? Jeans and t-shirt, its all I ever wear to work.

It gets no more professional than this:

http://www.dressaday.com/balloon_dress.jpg

You've been beaten to the punch again LG, you're definitely slipping

Think Geek Squad.

White button down shirt, black tie, black slacks or skirt, hose and black pumps or flats should do nicely.

Depends what your profession is, no?

Professional prostitute - as little as is legally possible.
Professional manager type - something suitesque.
Professional nuclear waste disposal person - an NBC suit type affair.

Frock coat and tophat! :)

I have a presentation before my class, my TA, and my professor on Thursday afternoon. The dress code for this is "professional dress."
I'm an engineer, so most of us believe that professional dress means that we aren't wearing jeans and a t-shirt. I plan to wear a long black velvet skirt and a black button-down top (because I live in a very cold state and if I wear anything less, I might as well be naked).
NSG, what would you consider to be professional dress?

you'll be fine wearing that.

It gets no more professional than this:

http://www.dressaday.com/balloon_dress.jpg
Pfft.

http://asweb.unco.edu/depts/english/Undergraduate%20courses/2001%20Trip/images/dandy.jpg

The way this thread is going, I demand pictures.

The way this thread is going, I demand pictures.

If you think you're ever getting photos of me looking like that, you're crackers. (:p) It hurts. I can't believe my friends are going to see me that way ... they're already threatening to bring cameras to lunch ... :headbang:

I have a presentation before my class, my TA, and my professor on Thursday afternoon. The dress code for this is "professional dress."
I'm an engineer, so most of us believe that professional dress means that we aren't wearing jeans and a t-shirt. I plan to wear a long black velvet skirt and a black button-down top (because I live in a very cold state and if I wear anything less, I might as well be naked).
NSG, what would you consider to be professional dress?

Definitely NOT the velvet skirt. Simple black skirt, white blouse and a cardigan (if it's cold) would be your best bet.

I have a presentation before my class, my TA, and my professor on Thursday afternoon. The dress code for this is "professional dress."
I'm an engineer, so most of us believe that professional dress means that we aren't wearing jeans and a t-shirt. I plan to wear a long black velvet skirt and a black button-down top (because I live in a very cold state and if I wear anything less, I might as well be naked).
NSG, what would you consider to be professional dress?Professional dress is basically business dress. You won't need to wear formal business attire (a full matching suit with jacket etc.), but you will need to dress in a refined, business-like manner. On top, you could wear a blouse, a collared business shirt or a even a nice ralph-lauren-esque sweater, and you can wear a business jacket if you wish. On the bottom, I'd suggest a pencil skirt or something similar (with stockings, perhaps), or tailored pants. The alternative would be a simple, tailored, collared, belted dress. You'll definitely need to wear closed shoes, preferably heels, and in terms of colour, it's best to keep it muted. I wouldn't recommend you wear the velvet skirt, personally. It sounds nice, but it's not "professional dress".

I hope that helped.


The definition depends on whether you are a whore or not.

I know plenty of sluts who can dress themselves.