There’s a vital window of opportunity between high school and college for a woman to revamp her wardrobe.

Internships. Job interviews. Sorority dinners. All these events have one thing in common – a need for classier clothes. Unfortunately, after high school we can’t get away with wearing short skirts and tight tops to professional events. We need an upgrade, but one that doesn’t break the bank (not that we have a lot to start with), and in order to do this we need to invest in statement pieces. Statement pieces never go out of style, never clash, and always look classy. Add a few of these bad boys to your closet, and watch your career take off before your very eyes.

1. Pencil Skirt. This does not mean the mini skirt you’ve been eyeing at Forever 21 that looks like half of it is missing. A good pencil skirt should begin at the waist, come to the knee, and be in a neutral color, such as khaki, black, navy, or gray. Apart from being professional attire, pencil skirts are very form flattering on almost every shape. They give a feminine shape and, when paired with a good pair of heels, they can make you look longer.  

H & M Pencil Skirt ($34.95) - 

http://www.hm.com/us/product/24615?article=24615-A...   

TOBI Miss Interpreting Pencil Skirt ($48.00) - 

http://www.tobi.com/product/53713-tobi-miss-interp...   

2. Nude Heels. Before I elaborate, I just want to make something crystal clear, your 5-inch stilettos are not going to fly in a professional environment. By nude heels, I mean nothing with a thick platform and nothing that can double as a party shoe. Your heels should be comfortable and easy to walk in. A tip to test if the shoes are comfy is to buy the heels and walk around in them, in your home for a few days. If you find yourself unable to keep them on for less than an hour or two, chances are they aren’t the shoes for you.  

Candie’s High Heels ($59.99) – 

 http://www.kohls.com/product/prd-1479107/candies-h...  

Madden Girl Getta Platform Pumps ($49.00) – http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/madden-girl-get...  

3. Fitted Blazer. A nice, fitted blazer will open a lot of doors. It's the perfect way to bring an outfit together, while simultaneously providing shape and structure. Personally, I prefer classic colors, but you can still look classy and put together with a patterned or colorful one. Make sure that you get it in a fitted style, as non-fitted can make you look boxy and larger than you really are. Most blazers have shoulder pads in them, but they’re usually removable if you decide they aren’t for you.  

Aritzia Talula Shrunken Exeter Blazer ($62.50) - 

http://us.aritzia.com/shrunken-exeter-blazer/38058...   

H & M Jersey Blazer ($34.95) - 

http://www.hm.com/us/product/31042?article=31042-B...   

4. White Blouse. This is the ultimate universal piece. A white blouse goes with jeans, a pencil skirt, shorts, and everything in between. If you wear it to work, make sure the buttons are done up to an appropriate length and/or there is a camisole underneath. I would recommend 100% cotton blouses if you can help it because it breathes, but it’s not essential to a good white blouse. 

H & M Stretch Blouse ($19.95) - 

http://www.hm.com/us/product/93004?article=93004-A...  

Brooks Brothers Non-iron Double Dash Stripe Dress Shirt ($59.00) -http://www.brooksbrothers.com/Non-Iron-Fitted-Doub...