In certain business situations blue jeans are much more appropriate than the proverbial suit and vice versa. You must do your homework and investigate the apparel dilemma.

It pays to dress more formally during the interview process. Call the human resources director or the boss’s administrative assistant before your interview and inquire about their dress code. But go ahead, both men and women, and buy yourselves some no-iron shirts from Brooks Brothers or L.L.Bean. They go from the dryer to the office to the pub without your looking like an unmade bed.

If your business profession requires more formal wear, a BEI presentation can steer you and your staff toward the appropriate attire. Dress to show your respect to your clients and your team. There is a little wiggle room here but some dress code rules are carved in stone. Consider golf and tennis attire. If you’re playing at someone’s club, check on their dress code. Some mavens say leather is not allowed. Is a leather jacket part of your fashion statement? As a conservative dresser and a grandmother, the leather jacket works for BEI’s Margie Kelly.