CONTENTS

Dress Norms 1

Pakistani / National Dress 1

Lounge Suit 2

Smart Casual 3

Casual Dress 3

Morning Dress / Smart Casual for Women 4

Dining Etiquette 5

Sitting 5

Conversation 6

Use of Cutlery 7

Eating and Drinking 8

Table Manners 9

Eating Manners 10

Use of Napkin 10
Use of Toothpick 10
“The world was my oyster but I used the wrong fork.”
― Oscar Wilde

It is but a matter of time before you complete your studies and step
into the professional world. Most of you will be assuming leadership
roles in the corporate world or prestigious Government organisations
and a few will choose to spearhead entrepreneurial ventures. There
on, you will be gauged not only for your ‘hardcore’ professional and
academic excellence, but also for your ‘soft attributes,’ i.e., your
persona as a whole – how appropriately you present yourself on
different occasions, how sensibly you dress up and your general
manners and etiquette.

This booklet has been exclusively designed to provide you with some
basic tips on dressing and dining etiquette. Keep scanning it every now
and then until you realise you have absorbed it to the fullest. Let me
also advise you to observe your peers and seniors, who you think are
distinguished for their etiquette, and follow suit.

Wishing you the best of luck!

RECTOR
 GENERAL
dress norms
Immaculate dress appropriate to the occasion is the “hallmark” of a civilised person. If one is decently dressed, he/she
receives positive response from the other person. Dress is a window to your personality and enhances your
confidence. The dress must not hang on the body but accompany its wearer, and when one smiles, the dress must
smile with him/her. Dress guidelines are laid down in the succeeding paragraphs.

PAKISTANI DRESS
White kurta / kameez with collar
and full sleeves, and white shalwar. OCCASIONS
Waistcoat, black or any sober colour. National celebrations, formal occasions or
Shoes, preferably black colour. when specifically mentioned on invitations.
Religious festivals and formal gatherings.
Convocations.

NATIONAL DRESS
FEW DON’TS
Sherwani / achkan in black or any Open cuff kurta.
sober colour. Chappal.
Shoes, preferably black colour, with Coloured / chequered waistcoat.
black socks. Any cap other than Jinnah cap.
Jinnah cap may also be worn as an
option.

1 DRESS NORMS &

DINING ETIQUETTE
LOUNGE SUIT
Consists of a jacket with FEW DON’TS
matching trousers, necktie Multicoloured necktie with loud pattern
and black shoes, preferably be avoided.
with dark coloured socks. The necktie must complement the shirt
and suit, and not stand out with striking
colour.
OCCASIONS Button only the upper button of jacket.
It is appropiate to be worn on Preferably do not wear a necktie that
the following; precisely matches pocket square.
Formal occasions when Avoid all sorts of frills etc. attached to a
specifically mentioned. shirt to give it a decorative, rather
Official gatherings. feminine, touch.
On official invitations for Never put your hands in your jacket. To
lunch / dinner. the best of your ability, keep your
Formal meetings / presentations. hands out of your trouser pockets as
well.
Jacket sleeves should be short enough
to display 1/2 inch of shirt cuffs.
DO’S Do not let any sticker remain on the
Light / sobre coloured shirt. sleeves of the coat; remove it carefully
Light coloured suit preferred using scissors (normally it is stitched on
during daytime whereas dark suit the sleeve).
during evening.

DRESS NORMS &

DINING ETIQUETTE
2
 SMART CASUAL
For men, smart causal requires a jacket or blazer (during summers it
can be done away with), trouser, a smart casual shirt with a collar (not
a T-shirt), and smart shoes, not necessarily lace-ups, but not trainers
or sandals. A sweater may be worn if it is cold. Neckties are not
necessary but carrying one is often a good tip. Smart casual is usually
a summer dress code, but if it is winter then opt for a blazer.
If wearing shalwar qameez, blazer be worn with shoes.

OCCASIONS
Sports / societies’ functions.
Informal gatherings.
Informal lunch / dinner.
Other gatherings where
lounge suit is not specified.

FEW DON’TS
T-shirts / loose dresses.
Jeans / casual trousers.
Sneakers / sandals and CASUAL DRESS
chappal.
Indecent gaudy colours. A shirt and trousers will do in summers.
During winters, a sweater or coat be added,
sans necktie. Shoes could be without laces.
Pullovers may be worn during winters,
whereas for outdoor functions, jeans and
T-shirts are permissible.

DRESS NORMS &

3 DINING ETIQUETTE
 Bow Tie: Preferably wear black, white or some other sober single colour,
certainly not polka-dotted bows.
Scarves: Apply the same rules as for ties, however, remember scarves
MORNING DRESS / SMART CASUAL are informal wear. They may be worn for sports meets, picnics, riding,
etc.
FOR WOMEN Belt: With a lounge suit, do not opt for modern broad belts with
decorations and implements.
Smart day wear to be worn with a jacket; it may be worn without Handkerchief: Generally white handkerchief be used. Linen or cotton
a jacket in summer, but if so, it should be modest with sleeves. handkerchiefs are used for mopping the brow or blowing the nose.
Avoid high heels or evening style shoes. Light jewellery may be Jewellery: Men of conservative tastes do not wear brilliantly coloured
worn during official hours. A necklace or ring can be a good semi precious stones. Only functional jewellery is worn, which is simple
choice for various occasions. Study the invitation and dress code and masculine-looking in design-tie clip (without stone), cuff links to
for the occasion, the time of day and season. Too much tailoring match and signet ring may be worn. Avoid jewellery when in uniform.
and long heels may look odd. Cologne: One understands that cologne is an accessory. It is not to be
used as a substitute for deodorant. A dab on either side of the neck,
with another drop on a gentleman’s pocket square, is quite enough.
Tipping Your Cap: If you select to wear a cap, you need to understand
what to do with when greeting others. You “tip” your cap whenever you
are being introduced to a new acquaintance or whenever you greet a
lady, an old person, or a distinguished person.
FEW GENERAL TIPS
Correct stitching is important. For a proper-fitting jacket, you should be
able to fit a fist between your buttoned-up jacket and your chest.
The fabric of your suit should depend on how often you will be wearing it.
You will want to go with more durable fabrics for daily wear.
Always unfasten the buttons on your suit when you sit down.
Never pair a sports watch with a suit; get yourself a proper dress watch.
Preferably do not wear a chequered or striped shirt with a necktie.

DRESS NORMS &

DINING ETIQUETTE 4
 dining etiquette
GENERAL
Learning mess manners is an important element of your grooming and your social etiquette. Wherever one may be, that is, at
home or in a social gathering, to appear civilised or gentlemanly one must follow good etiquette. For example, it is a common
sight, while tables are full of a variety of sumptuous food, some people impatiently rush forward and top up their plates. They
only eat half of the food and waste the other half, which looks indecent. There are certain table and eating manners that can be
ensured in all gatherings. One is expected to keep oneself abreast with these manners and endeavour their best to implement
them in social life.

SITTING
Never drag your chair while sitting or leaving the chair. Lift it when pulling back or moving forward.
Sit from the right side and leave from the left side of the chair.
Always sit with your back straight, but in so doing do not stretch your body.
Keep yourself calm and collected. Do not spread your body or elbows.
Do not keep your elbows on the table, whereas folded hands can be placed
if not eating.

Sitting from L to R of dining chair

DRESS NORMS &
5 DINING ETIQUETTE
Do not stretch your feet forward. The sole of the shoe should remain in contact with the floor.

“
Always push back your seat to its original position after you get up.
Do not gesticulate with your hand. “
Proper etiquette will
keep you in the good
grace of everyone
CONVERSATION around you.
Converse in low tone.
Avoid conversing across the table. Talk with individuals sitting on
your left and right.
Avoid discussions on the cost and quality of food.
Do not talk on any subject, which makes the conversation
emotional or where difference of opinion may arise.
Do not narrate long stories or indulge in lengthy discussions. As a
rule, keep conversation general, short and crisp.
At large formal gatherings, at times guests collect in Ante Room /
centre of the hall and chat for a few minutes (20-30 min) before
heading for the dining area. Normally soup / drinks are served
during this time, with light, general conversation / introductions
with newcomers / guests.
Avoid keeping your hands in pockets; especially while conversing
with your seniors / elders, it is considered bad manners. This
prerogative stays only with the senior most person in the group.

DRESS NORMS &

DINING ETIQUETTE
6
USE OF CUTLERY
Forks are always held in left hand.
Spoons and knives are always held in the right hand.
When eating with fork and knife, hold the fork in your left hand
and eat with the fork, e.g. while eating chicken, chops, etc., hold
the piece with the fork, cut it with the knife and then consume it
with the fork.
The fork is held lightly with forefingers advanced. Remember; do
not hold the fork in the fist.
When using a knife, use it gently and not forcefully.
When eating with fork and spoon, hold fork in the left hand,
spoon in the right and eat with the spoon, e.g. while eating rice,
etc., the fork should assist in filling the spoon. Remember; the
basic rule for use of spoon is that solids are always taken from
the tip and liquids always from the side of spoon.
When eating ‘Chapatti' with hand, always hold the fork in your
left hand and use it for pushing curry in the Chapatti.
When eating with 'Chapatti’ or when eating rice, the knife is not
to be used.
While putting fork or spoon in your mouth, do not let your teeth
stare, close your lips on them.
Do not overload your fork and spoon.
Keep the cutlery in the plate while munching your food.
While talking, put the cutlery back in the plate. Do not point it
towards anyone.
When not in use, they are placed on the plate at any convenient
angle to each other.

DRESS NORMS &

7 DINING ETIQUETTE
Once food has been consumed, use fork to put the leftover food in the plate on
the left and place the cutlery in the shape of inverted "V."
Place spoon / knife and fork parallel to each other when formally finished. This
will indicate to the waiter that you have finished eating for him to take away the
plate.
If any cutlery piece falls on the floor, do not pick it up, ask for a replacement.
If you see too many knives and forks on the table, do not be confused; start
picking them from extreme flanks for each course.
Do not let the spoon remain in the cup or glass when drinking. Place it on the
saucer.

EATING AND DRINKING

While eating, always take food to your mouth and not your mouth to the food.
Keep mouth closed when chewing food.
Do not talk with your mouth full.
Do not blow into the spoon or morsel.
Do not make the morsel so big that it chokes you, or flows out of the corner of
your mouth.
Do not take out your tongue while accepting a morsel.
Do not protrude your lips to contact the fork or spoon.
Do not place the morsel in a corner of your mouth; place it in the centre.

DRESS NORMS &

DINING ETIQUETTE
8
 “
Do not prepare your next morsel until you have swallowed the previous one.
Do not rush with food. Enjoy each morsel and chew it completely.
If you want to work on
Do not chew bones. improving your etiquette,
Do not belch. start with table
Do not spit any seed or food into the plate. The general rule is what goes into the mouth on a fork
or spoon is taken out with it, and what goes in with the fingers is taken out with them. manners. Some people
While eating, if anything is spilled, mop it up with your napkin. Leave the rest to the waiter.
If something falls into your plate or is observed in the food, do not announce it; stop eating, and if
the meal is informal, ask for a new serving.
Do not take water if your mouth is already full.
While drinking water, do not gulp the whole glass in one breath.
“
simply need to learn to
use the correct utensils,
while others have no
clue what to do with
their napkin.

TABLE MANNERS
Never overheap your plate.
Do not drag dishes on the table. Lift them to bring them closer.
If dishes are placed far away, do not overstretch. Request others or the waiter to
help you. Waiters are supposed to make all serving from the left (except water).
While serving, if the waiter is keeping the dish too far away, ask him to bring it
closer.
Do not overload the serving spoon; you are likely to spill the contents.
Do not hunt for good pieces, best Chapatti or the sweetest mango.
Remember you do not have to expose your greed to others.
Do not push back your plate to indicate that you have finished.
Do not shout at the waiters; treat them with dignity and grace. Politely thank
them after every serving.

DRESS NORMS &

9 DINING ETIQUETTE
EATING MANNERS
Food should be touched with fingers as little as possible.
While eating Chapatti, try not to smudge your fingers with curry – use the fork to push food into Chapatti.
Licking fingers is bad manners.
The plates are served in a manner that the logo is at 12 o’clock. It is customary not to place food on the logo.
Wait for the host and guest of honour to start.
Second helpings are not offered at a formal dinner.
Picking a chicken piece or chops with fingers is strictly for informal occasions. They should be eaten with knife and fork.
Small fish is often served whole, large fish in pieces. Fish bones are removed from the mouth with finger tips, not with fork, and put on the side
of the dinner plate.

USE OF NAPKIN
Should only be used to wipe the lips and finger tips.
Should be spread over the lap so that drippings do not spoil your clothes.
Do not place the napkin around your neck or against your chest.
After use, do not fold the napkin; lay it casually on the right side. Napkin placed
casually indicates ‘napkin used.’
If paper napkin has been used, place it crumpled in your plate after use.

USE OF TOOTHPICK
Toothpick should always be used sparingly. If you must use it, do so only to clean
your teeth and not to play with it.
Always cover your hand digging in the mouth with the other hand so as to hide the
open mouth.
If you dig something out, do not blow it or spit it out. Either swallow or collect it,
and place it on your plate.
After using the toothpick, place it in the plate. Do not break it into pieces.

DRESS NORMS &

DINING ETIQUETTE
10
Designed by: NUST Marketing & Communications