Fashionably Finding Myself
2 Comments Published by Site Editor on Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at 4:51 AM.
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I am 23 years old and am about to graduate college. As security meets casual, I am stuck...in jeans, flip flops or my oh-so-comfortable, anti-boot, but very cool Ugg shoes. I would consider myself to be fashionaly comfortable. What I wear feels nice, it's fine for a day of sitting, listening to lecture...
I have my designer jeans and semi-designer tops (and by that I mean leisurely, laid-back fashion i.e. Project E, Michael Stars, etc...) all of this seems to me juvenile and representative of a period in my life that has been, well, appropriate for the moment. Now, I am going to start interviewing and going for my first career oriented job. I have great sweaters and blouses, trousers (no pant suits) and some relatively fashionable shoes (I prefer flats).
What would be suggested for my new wardrobe? What are the basic, must-have pieces that would transform me from college pro to career amateur (all the while looking quite professional, of course)? This is a question, not quite a fashion statement. Mine is not founded on insecurities, but rather, the need to, yet again, reinvent what it means to have an individualistic style.
What is your height, hair colour, skin colour/type and body type? Maybe I can give you some tips?
For job interviewing I would invest in a suit, preferably in 3-season wool but if you are going to start interviewing in the summer, maybe something in a more seasonal fabric. Check out Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, and JCrew for good selection and quality at a moderate price, or Theory (a bit more higher end).
Get a classic, matching suit jacket, dress slacks, and skirt. Yes, all three pieces. Go with black for your "starter" suit - appropriate for interviews.
Even if you land a job in a business casual environment, these three pieces can be mixed and matched with your other separates for endless outfits. You will get years of use out of these three pieces.
Also invest in a very good pair of pumps to go with the suit. Needn't be boring - look for something that has interesting details.
Next, invest in a good quality handbag. Needn't be ultra-trendy, but this is one area you can up your style quotient. But go for quality - i.e., leather.
Next, I would start building a wardrobe of jewelry. Interesting necklaces and earrings that go with the suit jacket and make it interesting.
If you already have blouses, then simply change blouses and jewelry with the suit, and you have a variety of different looks.
If you end up in a business casual work environment:
1) Wear the suit jacket with a dressy blouse and dark wash trouser jeans with ballet flats for a smart casual friday look.
2) Wear the skirt with a blouse and a cardigan for another look.
3) Wear the suit pants with your sweaters for another look.
For a good work wardrobe, you don't need a lot of pieces - you can mix and match endlessly. Accessories are worth the investment here because they can change up any outfit.
Good luck and happy job hunting!