Etiquette School of Ohio

Funeral Etiquette - Appropriate Attire

There was a time when black was the only appropriate color to wear to a funeral.  Today, only family members are expected to wear black unless you have been asked to be a pallbearer or have been asked to be seated with the family.

Even though black clothing is not required, but very appropriate, try not to wear any bright colors or loud prints.  Your clothing choice should reflect the solemness of the occasion.

Children should never ever wear black.  They should wear their Sunday best attire to a funeral.

After Hours and Weekend Business Attire

If you are going in to the office after hours or on the weekend, you should dress in casual business attire such as khakis and a button down or polo shirt.  Clothes should be clean and pressed just as they would be during the workday.

Do not wear the clothes you lounge around the house in such as old jeans, tennis shoes, and a sweatshirt.  You may feel comfortable in them, but you never know who you might see at the office or who might see you walking in.

A professional image should always be maintained in order to positively represent yourself and the company you work for.

Excuse Me, Your Fly is Open

It happens. We forget to zip up or a button pops open. I am frequently asked how to handle these embarrassing moments.

As long as you’re not perfect strangers or just been introduced, quietly and discreetly tell the person their fly is unzipped. This is usually comfortable between two men, but can be a little embarrassing when the conversation is between a man and a lady. I recommend you endure the moment of embarrassment and spare an individual extreme mortification of discovering it on their own after a period of time.

If you have been recently introduced, ask a mutual friend or acquaintance to inform the individual.

The same advise goes for spinach or lipstick on the teeth, food on the face, or make-up smudges.

Making the Transition From Student to Professional - Accessories

There is much more than professional attire to consider when making the transition from student to professional. You must also evaluate your accessories. Carrying an old backpack with a college logo on it continues to identify you as a student. Consider using a leather portfolio, briefcase, or handbag to carry your belongings to the office in place of a backpack.

After evaluating your office environment and position, take a close look at the following accessories to determine if you are packaging yourself as a well polished professional.

1. Leather shoes polished and well-heeled vs. shoes that look worn and scuffed

2. A nice writing pen vs. the chewed up ballpoint logo pen you found somewhere

3. A leather portfolio to take notes in vs. the wire ring memo pad you’ve had in your backpack for 4 years.

4. A dark colored umbrella vs. the large striped one you borrowed from your dad’s golf bag

5. A leather briefcase vs. a backpack or canvas tote

6. A leather or nylon computer case vs. the old pillowcase you grabbed off your bed

7. A small case for business cards vs. the rubber band wrap

8. A leather wallet or money clip vs. the crumpled wad you pulled out of your backpack

9. A leather belt in good condition vs. the cording from hay bales

10. A conservative, thin faced watch vs. the underwater diving watch that looks like it weighs 2 pounds