General Overall Guidelines
- Students are encouraged to always take pride in their attire and appearance--there are always events and opportunities to meet new people at the Smith School and making a good first impression is important.
- Well-fitting clothing is extremely important--the wrong fit doesn't look composed and may make a bad first impression.
- Avoid clothing with stains, avoid clothing that is wrinkled, and avoid clothing with offensive sayings.
- Keeping a neat and tidy appearance through grooming--is important; this includes clean hair and nails, and using deodorant to control body odor.
- Little or no perfume/cologne is recommended to be respectful to those with allergies.
- Dress guidelines can be followed while respecting social, cultural, and religious traditions.
Business Professional
for Career Fairs, Networking Events, Interviews, Company Treks/Visits
- Appropriate business professional attire is a well-tailored suit in a dark neutral color (navy, black, gray, brown).
- Suits can include a jacket and trousers, a jacket and skirt, or a jacket and dress that are made and sold together and are of the same fabric, texture and color.
- Threads holding suit jacket or skirt pleats shut should be cut off.
- A blouse or shirt with collar and tie is worn under the suit jacket.
- Polished leather shoes in black are most appropriate; shoes should match the suit or be darker than the suit, and open-toed shoes should be avoided.
- A belt should match the color of shoes (primarily worn with trousers).
- Keep jewelry/watch simple.
- Bags and accessories should be professional and appropriate for the setting, such as a briefcase, tote bag, or handbag; casual backpacks are not recommended.
- Trouser length should be a “slight break.”
- The tip of a necktie should always touch the belt line.
- Socks should be similar to pant color.
Business Casual
for Speaker Events, Employer Information Sessions, Student-Sponsored Events
- Business casual is more casual than business professional, but still a polished and professional look.
- Khaki, corduroy, twill or cotton pants or skirts, neatly pressed, in neutral colors.
- Sweaters, cardigans, polo/knit shirts, twin sweater sets, button up shirts with collars, with or without a tie; shirt should cover torso.
- Slacks/skirt and jacket are frequently bought separately, not as part of a set.
- Belt should match color of shoes (primarily worn with trousers).
- Dress shoes, nice loafers, flats or heels (no platform); maximum 2 inch heel.
- Socks should be similar to pant color.
- The following is not considered business casual: t-shirts, flip-flops, crocs, jeans, sneakers, shorts, tank tops, and ripped jeans/pants.
Casual
for Class, Extracurricular Activities
Casual dress is comfortable and relaxed and suitable for informal occasions and includes jeans, shorts, t-shirts, sweaters.
University of Maryland "Spirit Wear"
for Sports Events, Socials
- Spirit wear--clothing with the University of Maryland or the Smith School of Business logo--is strongly encouraged when dressing casually, especially during a sports event or other school-sponsored activity where students want to show their school pride.