Raise your hand if you dread adult-like interviews (all hands go up). Raise your hand if you would be prepared and dressed wisely for said adult-like situation (a few hands go up). As college kids, we dread the day we graduate, start getting involved in fancy (nerve-racking) interviews, and have to learn how to “adult.” The interview process? Piece of cake — thinking on our feet is what we do! Making a good first impression based on our appearance? Wait, you mean my Sunday best won’t cut it? Probably not.
There are far more times in our young adult lives where we need to dress professionally, not just for interviews. Maybe a friend is getting married! Maybe you have a big date next week and don’t want to look like a chump. Or maybe you just have a thing for suits (Barney Stinson) or a thing for designer heels and dresses (Blair Waldorf). The bottom line is, professional attire is a necessity at this time in our lives. So we need to be looking our absolute best, and here’s how.
First off, let’s focus on the men. Guys, wear a suit that fits! A tailored suit brings a responsible vibe and lets others know that you demand to be taken seriously. Well, that and you will be getting tons and tons of ladies. A well-dressed man is extremely attractive. Color is also a big issue. When picking out a suit, you must first settle on the color scheme. If you decide on a navy suit, make sure the trousers are the same shade as the jacket. The button-down shirt and tie should match ever so slightly. In the case of a navy suit, a white shirt and a lighter shade of blue on the tie should pull everything together. If color coding isn’t your style, you can never go wrong with a classic black suit, white dress shirt, and slick black tie.
All right, ladies, let’s talk fashion! Paris is good for many things. The majority being trends, of course. So it isn’t any wonder that the latest trend in women’s professional wear was plastered all over Paris Vogue. Trousers are back, and they are better than ever! That’s right, ladies, we can and do wear them better than men. Trousers pair beautifully with a sleek button-down shirt, subtle jewelry and, of course, classic pumps.
While we’re on the subject of menswear, pantsuits are not just for Hillary Clinton! The pantsuit is a true classic in women’s professional attire. The look is extremely simple and flattering at the same time, if you get the right accessories, sizes and colors. Express your individuality using colors. A dark-colored suit with a lighter shade of dress shirt looks very put together. And as we all know, put together is exactly what we all want to feel and look in the case of big adult interviews. If you would much rather spend your day not wearing pants, here are some tips: A pencil skirt is sexy and sleek. Add some classic pumps, statement jewelry, and you are all set to go as a professional fashionista. That’s the dream, right?
This is the time in our young adult lives where first impressions are imperative. It isn’t just about what you wear anymore; it’s how you wear it! As uncomfortable and scary as those situations are, keep in mind how awesome you look! Look in the mirror, adjust your tie or fix your lipstick and remember why you’re wearing that outfit in the first place.
