No matter your role in the hotel world—whether you’re setting up breakfast buffets or closing deals in the boardroom—how you present yourself matters.

First impressions aren’t just for guests; they’re for coworkers, hiring managers, and potential mentors, too. And while dress codes may vary depending on your department or brand standards, dressing with intention can help you project confidence, professionalism, and readiness for whatever the day throws at you.

Let’s break it down by level to help you look the part and feel your best at work—whether you’re just getting started or you’re steering the ship.

Entry-Level Employees: The Power of Polished Basics

Front Desk Associates, Housekeepers, Valets, Servers

You might be in uniform—and that’s a good thing. Uniforms are designed to align with your brand’s image and keep things simple. But even within those guidelines, there’s room to stand out for the right reasons.

Tips:

• Stay crisp and clean: Make sure your uniform is freshly laundered and wrinkle-free. It shows attention to detail, which guests and managers appreciate.
• Grooming matters: Keep hair tidy, nails trimmed, and hygiene top of mind. For food and beverage roles, clean shoes and hands go a long way.
• Proper fit: Uniform too tight or too baggy? Ask your manager for a replacement. You’ll feel more comfortable and look more put-together.
• Simple accessories: Avoid anything flashy. A nice watch or small studs are fine, but keep it subtle and brand-appropriate.

Pro Tip: If your role doesn’t require a uniform (think boutique hotel or casual restaurant), opt for dark pants, closed-toe shoes, and a clean polo or button-up shirt in a neutral color.

Mid-Level Managers: Smart, Professional, and Approachable

Supervisors, Assistant Managers, Sales Coordinators, Catering Staff

This is the level where your wardrobe may not be dictated by a uniform—but expectations around professionalism are definitely higher. You’re juggling staff meetings, guest requests, and vendor walk-throughs, so your look needs to be versatile.

Tips:

• Business casual is your best friend: Think tailored slacks, knee-length skirts, collared shirts, or neat blouses. Avoid overly casual pieces like jeans, hoodies, or sneakers.
• Layer thoughtfully: Blazers or cardigans can instantly elevate your look and keep you prepared for air-conditioned offices or a quick walk through a ballroom setup.
• Footwear counts: Closed-toe dress shoes or polished flats are ideal. Avoid anything overly trendy or impractical for walking.
• Neat grooming = leadership presence: As someone leading by example, make sure your look reflects the tone you want to set for your team.

Pro Tip: Keep a lint roller, mini sewing kit, and stain remover pen in your desk or locker for quick touch-ups.

Executive-Level Leaders: Brand Ambassadors in Every Way

General Managers, Directors, VPs, Corporate Roles

As a leader, your appearance not only reflects your professionalism but also the brand and culture of your hotel. Whether you’re attending high-level meetings or giving property tours, you should always look polished and prepared.

Tips:

• Classic business attire: Tailored suits, dress shirts, sheath dresses, and sleek shoes are standard. Choose high-quality fabrics and timeless cuts.
• Stick to brand-appropriate style: Even luxury hotels may have a preferred color palette or tone. Understand what fits your brand’s identity.
• Details matter: A well-tied tie, tasteful jewelry, and polished shoes can signal that you pay attention to the small things—which is exactly what your role requires.
• Grooming and personal presentation: Haircuts, skincare, makeup (if you wear it), and overall hygiene should be maintained at a high level.

Pro Tip: Invest in a capsule wardrobe—quality basics you can mix and match—that ensures you’re always ready for business trips, media interviews, or last-minute VIP meetings.

A Few Universal Style Rules for All Hospitality Roles

• Comfort counts: You’re on your feet a lot. Make sure your clothes fit well and your shoes are comfortable enough to last your shift.
• Avoid distractions: Skip heavy colognes, loud patterns, or anything too flashy. You want guests to remember your service, not your sequins.
• Respect cultural and company norms: Always consider your hotel’s brand and location. A beach resort will have different expectations than a luxury city hotel.
• Confidence is key: No matter what you wear, how you carry yourself makes all the difference. Stand tall, smile often, and let your professionalism shine through.

Extra Tips to Dress for an Interview

Clean Hands

In hospitality, our hands are often on display, whether we’re cooking or serving food to guests. Fingernails should be clean and trimmed. In fact, you may want to get a professional manicure before your interview to clean up your nail beds and cuticles. Nail polish optional. 

Hair, Makeup, and Tattoos

Opinions on what is professional for hair and makeup vary widely from employer to employer. If you don’t know exactly what is allowed, it’s usually best to err on the side of caution. Keep makeup minimal and avoid loud colors or heavy eye makeup. Hair should be clean and neat. Men with facial hair should make sure it’s well-trimmed.

As for tattoos, it may be a good idea to keep them under wraps until you know the company’s ink policy. If you have a tattoo on your shoulder or upper arm, wear long sleeves to keep it concealed. And if you have a tattoo in place you can’t hide, like on your knuckles or neck, you may want to ask about the company’s policy before you arrive to avoid wasting your time.

What About Virtual Interviews?

If you’re interviewing through a video chat, the same basic rules apply. Keep clothing clean, neat, and professional based on the above guidelines. 

Beyond your clothes, make sure you’re in a well-lit space and try to minimize the visible clutter behind you. A bookshelf is fine. A giant pile of laundry is not. 

And while it’s tempting to only dress from the waist up, you should commit to the whole outfit during the interview. A barking dog, knock at the door, or another interruption could require you to stand up in full view of your camera. Better to be in your slacks than a pair of workout shorts or pajama pants

Final Thoughts

In hospitality, we’re in the business of people—and people notice the details. Dressing well helps build trust, reinforces your credibility, and sets the tone for how others perceive you. Whether you’re on day one of your first role or leading a team of hundreds, your appearance can help you stand out—in the best way.

So dress for the job you have, and the one you want. Every level deserves a little style—and a lot of pride.