As graduation get closer, so does the unfortunate reality that we soon will have to ditch our oversized T-shirts, Nike shorts, and revealing, but super cute, going-out clothes. The time comes that we must start dressing like actual adults, first to get a job, and then to wear to work every day. This is a depressing realization for a lot of women.
However, there is a misconception. You don’t have to spend all of your hard-earned money on ugly, boring clothes that you hate. There is still a way to dress cute and express your individuality, while looking classy and professional.
The first step is to put aside your cut-off jean shorts and mini skirts. No one wants to see that much of your legs, especially not someone at a job interview who holds your future in their hands. Skirts are perfectly acceptable, but make sure they’re close to or at knee’s length.
Try something like this origami skirt from J. Crew. The texture and geometric shape make it a good alternative to a straight, plain skirt. Pair it with a simple solid colored blouse and some jewelry.
Origami Skirt in metallic tweed. $110 at J. Crew.
A patterned pencil skirt, like this geo patterned skirt from Banana Republic, is another good alternative to mix things up.
Geo Print Pencil Skirt. $89 at Banana Republic.
Pants are also a staple in the workplace, but if you’re like me, the only kind of pants you own are skinny jeans and yoga pants. It’s best to keep it simple with solid colored wide leg or skinny trousers, and wear an embellished blouse or add some jewelry.
Moto Bi-Strech Skinny Pants in Zoe Fit. $69 at Ann Taylor Loft.
Peppered Tweed Pleated Wide-Leg Trousers in Marisa Fit. $79 at Ann Taylor Loft.
For tops, dressing professionally means keeping it a little more conservative than usual. Layering with blazers or nice cardigans can go a long way, and give you options to mix and match pieces so you don’t wear the same thing every day. Under a blazer, blouses with texture or patterns work well to keep it a little less boring. Try pairing this bow neck shell top with a twill blazer. Both are from Ann Taylor Loft (as were the pants above), and, personally, this is my favorite spot to get classy, conservative clothes. It is trendy and affordable, and don’t make you feel like you’re shopping at your mother’s store.
Bow Neck Shell. $44 at Ann Taylor Loft.
Twill Open Jacket. $98 at Ann Taylor Loft.
Given, this twill blazer is a little on the pricy side for Ann Taylor Loft. I recommend buying an expensive piece like this that you can wear with almost any blouse, as well as a couple cheaper blazers with different styles. Forever 21 doesn’t necessarily have the best quality clothing, but it’s certainly affordable. This open-front shawl blazer gives you a different color to work with, as well as some texture. With something like this, something with less texture and maybe a pattern would look best.
Open-Front Shawl Collar Jacket. $29.90 at Forever 21.
Darkness Takes Over Top. $48 at Tobi.com.
Happy job hunting!
About Nicole Crites
