With your first job or internship coming up quickly, learn how to dress appropriately and to make the perfect first impression.In mid-November I received an internship offer, which I promptly accepted. The start date was seven months away. Now with the job only a month away, I have realized just how much I need to do. Tax forms, background checks, drug tests, and creating informational slides to tell the other interns about myself are just the start. I need to start building a wardrobe.However, my colorful crop-tops, high-waisted jean cutoffs and barely-there dresses are not suitable for a full time job. When going into the working world, looking the part is half the battle. Presenting yourself in a respectable matter may require some investment, but the respect gained by your co-workers will be worth it.    
When wearing clothes for your first job or internship, it is quite an adjustment. The clothes are totally different fabrics and cuts, but most importantly they will be costing you a lot more money. Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a new working wardrobe: Casual clothing is items such as jeans, leggings, sweat pants, shorts, tee shirts, tank tops, flip flops and athletic shoes. The office is not the place for any of these. Dress respectably. If you want to snuggle up in your cutoffs after work, that’s perfectly fine.
Business casual is the most common type of dress in work places. Business casual for men looks like nice slacks in navy, khaki, or slate. For a shirt, wear a button down or sweater. Your shoes should look nice. There is no need for scuffs, dirt stains or gym shoes. Invest in a pair or two of black or brown leather shoes. Finally, a watch is always a professional addition that prevents you from the nasty habit of checking your phone.
 
For women, business casual gives you a bit more wiggle room. For bottoms you can wear slacks, skirts or a dress. Paired with your clothing should be a nice top, however if you are wearing a tank top a jacket or sweater should accompany it. You have the option to wear heels or flats, but make sure if you choose heels that you can walk in them. With accessories you have the freedom to express yourself and make an average outfit exciting.       
Business professional is a style most often used for interviews and important meetings. For men slacks, a matching suit jacket, and a button down paired with a tie or bow tie is expected. As for females, a suit with matching slacks or skirt and a jacket with an appropriate top is the norm. Think of this as the most “work appropriate” outfit. If you are wearing business professional, you are dressing to impress.
Being college students, building a work wardrobe is expensive and difficult. However, there are a variety of stores that offer work appropriate clothes at affordable prices. Banana Republic, JCrew, H&M, Madewell, Zara, Nordstroms and Macy's all offer pieces and collections that are in a college kids price range. Also, at every store make sure to ask if they offer a student discount. Stores such as JCrew offer a 15 percent discount if you show your college I.D. at checkout. Another helpful hint is to look online and wait. You can shop around and look for the best deals on items you want. Maybe another store offers an even cheaper replica piece. Also, if something you want is full price: wait for it to go on sale. A ton of these websites have sales monthly and even weekly. Finally, don’t be afraid to shop the sale section.
Now that you know the work wardrobe styles and places to get these items, here are a few do’s and don’ts to get you started with your new job.                 DO: Spend the money on nice pieces. They will last a lot longer than cheap items, plus an employer can spot the differences between cheap and quality clothing.                 
DON’T: Show up to work hungover. Shocking, but you do need to shower and look presentable. Looking disgruntled and tired won’t make anyone respect you. Plus, your clothes should not smell like KAMS basement in the office.                 
DO: Get a little creative. Just because you are working doesn’t mean you have to be boring. Feel free to experiment with colors and prints to compliment your basic pieces.                 
DON’T:  Never dress like you are going out. Guys don’t have too many buttons on your shirt unbuttoned, have a shirt with drink stains on it, or wear jeans. Girls, too low cut, too tight, and too revealing is something you want to avoid at all cost. Your boss is paying you to work, not buying you a drink. Also, your clothes should be clean and ironed: look put together.                 
DO: Dress for success. It has been proven the better you look, the better you feel, the better you perform.
Looking good is the first step to a great impression. Every day at work or your internship present yourself in a way that makes people respect you. Most jobs will send you a manual with your apparel expectations: READ THROUGH IT. They have a ton of helpful hints and it’ll keep you from feeling out of place on your first day. You’re first step to success is looking good and now you have all the tools to do it.