Attire

The National Black Graduate Student Conference is a business meeting; therefore, business attire is required. This includes, but is not limited to suits, business suits (skirts), dress shoes, ties, and khakis. There is also a reception held on Saturday night where semi-formal ,i.e. dresses and suits, are recommended. However, there will be less formal events where business casual and casual attire is appropriate. Participants should also bring jeans, polo shirts, tennis shoes, sandals, and after-five attire. It is also recommended that you bring some comfortable dress shoes.

Here are some guidelines to help you in choosing your attire:

• Suit: A two piece matched suit is always the best and safest choice.
• Conservative colors/fabric: Navy, dark gray (and black for women) — are safe. Other color trends may come and go; avoid the extremes. Solids or very subtle weave patterns or plaids (the kind that look solid across a room) are safest. Wool, wool blends, or good quality micro fiber for women only, are generally the best fabrics in all seasons. Avoid acetate / rayon blends.
• Cost/quality: You are not expected to be able to afford the same clothing as a corporate CEO. Do invest in quality that will look appropriate during your first two or three years on the job. One good quality suit is sufficient for a job search if that is all your budget allows. You can vary your shirt/blouse tie/accessories.
• Details: Everything should be clean and well pressed. Carefully inspect clothes for tags, dangling threads, etc.

The Alumni & Membership Awards Banquet on Saturday is a semi-formal event. Please dress accordingly.

For a printable version of more attire information, click here.

For any questions, regarding attire, please contact the Vice President for Conference Affairs at vpconference@nbgsa.org.

From Virginia Tech Career Services