The Blackburn Institute utilizes a standard dress classification system to help its community identify appropriate attire for a variety of events. Attire will be noted in all invitations for Blackburn Institute events. This system provides flexibility for personal style, while ensuring a consistent appearance and level of professionalism.
The information on this page been adapted and simplified from The Emily Post Institute Inc..
Need professional attire? The University of Alabama’s Denise and Chandler Root Crimson Career Closet lends professional clothing to students at no cost.
Business Formal
Menswear
- Suit
- Dark business suit
- Matching vest (optional)
- Dress shirt
- Conservative tie
- Leather dress shoes and dark dress socks
Womenswear
- Business-style dress
- Dress with a jacket
- Stockings (optional in summer)
- Closed-toed heels or flats
Business Casual
Menswear
- Slacks or khakis
- Dress shirt, casual button-down shirt, open-collar, polo shirt or quarter-zip
- Seasonal sport coat or blazer (optional)
- Loafers or loafer-style shoes with socks
Womenswear
- Skirt, khakis, or pants
- Open-collar shirt, knit shirt, sweater or quarter-zip (no spaghetti straps or décolleté)
- Dress
- Flats or heels
Casual
Casual is anything in which you are comfortable, but if you want specific guidelines for this category, here are some suggestions.
Menswear
- Khakis or nice jeans (clean, no holes)
- Shorts (depending on occasion and climate)
- Plain t-shirt (no slogans), polo shirt or turtleneck
- Casual button-down shirt and/or sweater
- Loafers, sneakers or sandals
Womenswear
- Sundress
- Long or short skirt
- Khakis or nice jeans (clean, no holes)
- Shorts (depending on occasion and climate)
- Plain t-shirt (no slogans), polo shirt or turtleneck
- Casual button-down blouse, shirt and/or sweater
Spring Networking Dinner
Menswear
- Light or dark business suit
- Matching vest (optional)
- Dress shirt
- Tie
- Leather dress shoes and dark dress socks
Womenswear
- Short afternoon or cocktail dress
- A “little black dress”
- Long dressy skirt and blouse
- Dressy separates (e.g. pants suit)
- Colorful dress or jumpsuit
- Heels or flats