Professional Style
Although summer internships are still months away, campus currently is dotted with friends and peers dawning professional attire thanks to on-campus (and Skype) interviews that are now taking place. Unlike men, whose formalwear can double as work apparel, women can initially be daunted and overwhelmed by the search for work clothes and daily struggle of composing an appropriate outfit that is both professional and stylish. Try these tips to add speed and style to your work wardrobe.
Basics
Although it is tempting to splurge on a bright red dress or silk top, you will be thankful if you invest only in neutral-colored staples that will be worn at least once a week. This includes black closed-toe heels or flats, a black dress, pencil skirts, slacks, and some plain white or blue button-up collared shirts. Black, navy, grey, and brown are all neutrals that will be versatile together and mixed with other colored garments. Make one of your investments a full pant or skirt suit suitable for interviews and presentations. The formality of your investment pieces is largely dictated by the industry; however, always err toward being over- rather than underdressed. Dress for the position you want!
Finding your uniform: Make an outfit formula
After investing neutral staples, try rotating them out with various silk blouses, sweaters, and button ups. By keeping bottoms neutral, you have a blank canvas to play around with silhouette, colors, and textures on top while streamlining your daily look and avoiding extra purchases that do not match.
Adding personal touches: More is less
Adding your own touch through accessories, shoes, and scarves can communicate a lot about you. In client-facing industries tasteful jewelry can add personality and polish to presentations, and in creative work-spaces, showing off unique style though statement pieces might even help you stand out in interviews. Pearls, silk scarves, or colorful shoes are always safe options, but if you want to stand out more, just remember that more is less. Select one statement piece, and keep everything else minimal to avoid looking overdone or distracting.
Where to shop
High end: Nordstrom (or other department stores), J. Crew, Brooks Brothers
Mid range or inexpensive: Banana Republic, Express, H&M, Ann Taylor
Inspirational looks from Olivia Palermo: