Professional clothing options
What’s the difference between professional and business casual? What should I wear to an interview, career fair, or my first day at work? There is a difference in business professional and business casual clothing, but it can be hard to define. In fact, standards of dress may vary between industries and companies. The Center for Career Development & Academic Exploration encourages students to understand the difference and always ask for clear clothing expectations for an interview, class presentation, work, and more. At UT, we have resources to help you dress sharp and feel confident in all of your professional environments.
Business professional
Business Professional Clothing is usually used for attending career fairs, interviews, and certain networking events. There are some select industries and companies that wear Business Professional clothing for every day work wear. The Center for Career Development & Academic Exploration recommends that if there is ever any doubt on attire expectations students should wear business professional clothing. Business Professional attire includes:
- Full matching suit typically in neutral colors like black, navy, or gray
- White or light-blue dress shirt
- Formal low-heeled shoes in black, brown, or corresponding colors
- Matching belt
- Tie in a solid dark color or simple pattern (ex: stripes)
Business casual
Business Casual Clothing is usually used for class presentations, information sessions, and certain casual networking events. Business casual clothing is utilized as everyday work wear for certain industries and companies. Business Casual attire includes:
- Blazer, sport coat, or solid sweater cardigan
- Dress shirt, blouse, or solid color turtleneck
- Neutral colored slacks or knee-length skirt
- Flats or loafers
Headed to the photo booth? Most students wear business professional or business casual on top, see the Professional Photo Booth page for outfit tips.
Where to get professional clothing on campus
Smokey’s Closet
You need professional clothing at no cost, open to all UT students (undergraduate and graduate).
Smokey’s Closet provides free, gently used professional clothing and accessories to all students at UT Knoxville.
- Location: Student Union Room 376C
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (865) 974-0858
- Shopping hours and donation info are on the Division of Student Life’s site.
Rocky Top Boutique
You want a curated outfit, a stylist consultation, or you’re outfitting a full professional wardrobe.
Rocky Top Boutique gives students access to high-quality professional clothing at a discounted rent or purchase price for job fairs, networking events, internships, presentations, and more. Students can speak with a stylist to prepare their look.
Do this next
Got your outfit sorted? Schedule a mock interview with a Peer Career Advisor or Career Coach! Stop in for a free professional headshot to show off your new professional outfit.
Career Coaching & Education
Center for Career Development & Academic Exploration