Out with the Old and In with the New: Transforming your College Closet

As graduating seniors we face a multitude of things yet to be accomplished: applying for jobs, finding the motivation to study for our final final exams, and completing our senior year bucket lists before our big day on June 17th. There are so many steps we need to take before entering the real world that I sometimes even forget to sleep. But there is one essential step that many of us tend to overlook: transforming our college get-ups into professional start-ups.

Your classroom attire, LuLu’s, American Apparel zip ups, and Converse won’t cut it in the real world. As a graduating senior, I wish I had started adding more professional items into my closet sooner. But let’s be honest, I’m not complaining about a shopping spree for the new ‘working girl’ wardrobe; my debit card might, however!

Creating your new identity for your new life can be fun, even with a small budget. We all know that first impressions at the new job are vital, so find the time to make your style makeover a priority. First, there are many items that need to go. Learn how to trade in your college essentials for new real world fundamentals. Out with the old and in with the new!

Goodbye hoodies, hello jackets!

Let me assure you, there are plenty of ways to stay warm other than with your oversized Oregon hoodie or American Apparel zip up. Layer any of your new looks with a stylish jacket. Throw a boyfriend blazer over a casual top with jeans for a put together comfy look, or a leather jacket over a dress or slacks for an instant trendy-chic look.

Sorry, sweatpants…

Showing up for work at 8 a.m. is a little bit different than rolling out of bed for your 8 a.m. class, so it’s time to trade in your baggy sweats and go-to leggings for a pair of stretchy straight-legged dark wash jeans or black pants. This swap instantly transforms your look from unflattering to flattering, and as for the workout/yoga pants, well… they should only be worn – you guessed it – while working out.

Bye bye, bro tanks!

If you all love your collection of bro tanks that you’ve acquired over the years as much as I do, this change is going to be a hard one. Unfortunately, it’s no longer acceptable to rock our favorite frat tank in the real world (it’s such a “college” thing to do anyway). So say adios to Kotis boxy apparel and hello to shirts that show off your figure.

Now that you’ve said goodbye to your last four years and welcomed in the basics, you’re ready to take the real world head on.