While you may still be in school and “grown-up stuff” seems miles away, it may be time to become more acclimated to the career world. This means writing a resume, getting job experience (interns and summer jobs in your field) and adding a few more mature pieces to your closet. No one will make you throw out your flip flops (heaven knows I wouldn’t give them up) but it is a good idea to have a few basic pieces you can mix and match for interviews and hopefully the work days ahead.
You may not always want to wear skirts but owning three simple pencil skirts is a great base to work from. With a black pencil skirt, you have a great base and can have a fun with the rest of your outfit while still looking professional. You can have a fun printed blouse, a statement piece of jewelry or a splash of color with your shoes. You can also get a few fun pairs of tights to make your outfit unique. You may not want to wear tights to an interview or if you work in a very professional setting like a law office though. You should always strive to look professional and chic. While this may mean not wearing your tie-dye tights to the office, you will thank yourself later.
Dress pants are another great staple to a professional wardrobe. While they should be flattering, they should not hug your body. The top the pants should fit loosely while still flattering. They should not be skin tight but should show off your figure. A straight leg pair of pants is a safe bet over the flared pants. Once you find a few pairs of pants (two black and one navy pair for example), same rules apply for blouses and accessories as they did with pencil skirts.
When it comes to blouses and such, you can have a bit more fun. You will still want some basics like solid button ups and a black pair of pumps or flats depending on your work place; you can still make an outfit pop.
Shoes are a great way to make you stand out. With a pair of flats in a striking red or blue you can have fun with your clothes while still looking professional. This would probably be best in the spring and summer since you will not want to wear tights or jewelry that may stick and make you sweat.
In the fall and winter I would suggest wearing subdued shoes and using pieces of jewelry to finish your outfit. Statement pieces of jewelry can be a lot of fun but still look professional as long as you pick the right piece for you. While you may not want to wear a cuff to the office, a silver bangle can be fun or even something like an antique clip bracelet be chic but not overbearing. Things like rings and earrings, however can be tricky. You do not want to distract others from your work with chandeliers hanging off your ears but you may not want to wear studs every day. Funky hoops or studs can be fun but then you will want to keep the rest of your outfit simple to balance you out.
With staple pieces along with some cute accessories you should be able to put clothing together that is fashionable and professional. While it may be a bit scary to go into the career world, what you put on will hopefully put a skip in your step and a bit of confidence.
Molly Sams - Molly Sams is a professional writing student at Kutztown University. She has worked on a student newspaper and wishes to continue ...
Join the Conversation