23 Professional dress for the showcase

To help you prepare for your big day, let’s address the dress code for the showcase. We wanted to give you a chance to get some items from home or plan ahead to get what you need.

Business Casual… whatever that means!

By now, you know how you are expected to dress for your internship. For some, it’s jeans and a t-shirt while others, it may be nice “non-jeans” bottoms and a top or polo. Since you are presenting your work, we ask that you “dress-up” from what you typically wear at your site. After all, we are celebrating your hard work! With that said, we ask that you dress up in at least business casual.

Definition of business casual: style of clothing that is less formal than traditional business wear, but is still intended to give a professional and businesslike impression.

What does dressing up in business casual entail?

Do’s

• Office Pants/Slacks: The nice pair of pants you put on to go to work or give a presentation. Tend to be neutral colors but can be other non-traditional colors too. AKA no jeans/yoga pants/black skinny jeans/tights or leggings. A suit would also be acceptable if you’re looking for an excuse to wear one.
• Chinos/Khakis: lightweight/heavyweight cotton or cotton blend/twill pants. Former is slightly “dressier” while the latter tends to be part of uniforms.
• Skirts: Paired with a blouse or button downs. Aim for knee-length or longer, you need to be able to move around!
• Tops: An article of clothing that covers the upper body of a body. Can be a button down shirt, blouse, polo, or light sweater. Sleeveless tops are typically not appropriate unless paired with something else, such as…
• Jackets/Blazers/Vests/Sweaters: Jackets can be part of a suit but don’t always have to be worn. Blazers are similar to jackets but are not part of a suit. Vests and sweaters (open or closed) are worn above shirts. You never know what April weather will bring and that room tends to be very cold!
• Suit: Typically a set with matching bottom and top. NOT to be confused with a tux. Please don’t wear a tux.
• Shoes: Dress shoes, nice loafers, flats, boot, or slight heel. You don’t have to wear high heels if you’re not comfortable walking or standing in them. The showcase is not a day to try out new shoes but we do have band-aids on hand for blisters.

Don’ts

• Graphic T-Shirts: Graphic meaning pictures but also no gore or obscenities.
• Cold shoulder tops: Super cute, perfect for high school senior year photos but have no place in professional dress.
• Strapless/backless tops/dresses: Items reserved for high school prom, weddings, going out with friends, etc. Cocktail dresses that you’d wear to an awards ceremony are also not appropriate here.
• Shorts: A little too casual.
• Sneakers/tennis shoes/trainers/sandals/crocs:  Some of these tend to be a little too casual for a presentation. Fashionable sneakers may be appropriate for the office but not for a presentation.
• Strong scents: If you choose to wear cologne or perfume, please be mindful of others. You may think it smells nice, and others may think it smells nice but if it is too strong, it may put people off or trigger reactions such as nausea, headaches, allergic reactions, or asthma.

Hire Attire

Paws’ Closet opened Fall 2018 to connect IU Indianapolis students to FREE everyday clothing, business attire, and accessories such as ties, shoes, and simple jewelry. Many students have used this resource. As of spring 2024 Paws Closet has been renamed Hire Attire and is now based in the Office of Student Employment. Hire Attire is a free service available to all IU Indianapolis students to expand their professional wardrobe for interviews, career fairs, or even a new job.

The closet is located in Hine Hall room 210. Students will make an appointment through SAS to look through the many clothing options available. They will be guided through the process by the Hire Attire Ambassador who can assist with looking into what items they need and helping plan out outfits for the occasion.

Items are available on a first-come, first-served basis and depend on received donations. Typical items include suits, blazers, dress shirts, dress pants, slacks blouses, dresses, professional footwear, belts, and some accessories.