Starting at Kelley means entering a world of networking events, career fairs, presentations, interviews, and recruiting events. And while figuring out what to say can be stressful enough, there’s another question students often find themselves asking: 

What am I supposed to wear?

Business professional? Business casual? Smart casual? Casual? With so many different dress codes, knowing what each one means can make getting ready for your next Kelley event a lot easier. Here’s your guide to four common dress codes and when you expect to wear each one. 

Business Professional 

Think: polished, formal, and interview-ready. 

Business professional is the most formal dress code you’ll encounter at Kelley. It typically includes a suit, dress shirt, dress pants or a professional skirt, and dress shoes. A blazer or suit jacket is generally expected.

When to wear it:

• Job or internship interviews 
• Career fairs 
• Formal recruiting events 
• Certain employer presentations 
• Networking events with a formal dress code 

When in doubt for an important recruiting event, it’s usually better to be slightly more dressed up than underdressed. Your outfit is one of the first things an employer sees, so business professional is the time to keep things polished and classic. 

Business Casual

Think: professional without the full suit. 

Business casual gives you a little more flexibility while still looking polished. This includes dress pants, skirts, blouses, sweaters, button-down shirts, loafers or other professional shoes. A blazer can also be added when you want to dress things up. 

When to wear it: 

• Employer informational sessions 
• Networking events
• Business presentations
• Student organization events with professionals 
• Some class presentations
• Career development events

Business casual is one of the most useful dress codes to have in your Kelley wardrobe. It can take you from class to a professional event without requiring a complete outfit change. 

Smart Casual 

Think: elevated everyday style

Smart casual falls somewhere between casual and business casual. The goal is to look put-together without looking like you’re headed to a formal recruiting event. Polished jeans (no holes), sweaters, polos, blouses, clean sneakers, and other neat shoes can all work depending on the event. 

When to wear it:

• Casual networking events
• Student organization meetings
• Guest speakers 
• Club events
• Informal coffee chats
• Events where the dress code is not explicitly professional

Smart casual is especially useful for events where you want to look polished but approachable. If you’re meeting someone for a coffee chat, for example, you probably don’t need a full suit, but you may want something more put together than your everyday class outfit. 

Casual

Think: comfortable, everyday campus clothes

Casual is what you wear most often around campus. Jeans, T-shirts, sweatshirts, casual tops, sneakers, and other comfortable clothes are all fair game. 

When to wear it:

• Class
• Casual club meetings
• Everyday campus activities 
• Group project meeting with classmates

Casual if your chance to show your personal style. This is your change to wear the clothes you feel most comfortable and confident in. 

Still Not Sure What to Wear?

If an event doesn’t specify a dress code, consider who you are meeting and what you are doing. And if you are still unsure, don’t be afraid to ask the event organizer. 

As Kelley students, we get plenty of opportunities to step outside the classroom and into professional settings. Knowing the difference between business professional, business casual, smart casual, and casual can make these experiences a little less intimidating, and can help you focus on what really matters: making connections, learning something new, and showing up prepared.