Stylish Fashion for Student Workers

Maintain a modern professional appearance with fashionable interview outfits and work wardrobes for student interns/employeesBy Leah VealFor students who will soon enter the internship/job market, it is crucial to look professional and look your best in order to feel confident and succeed. Now is the time to begin building a professional work wardrobe, starting with the all important first interview ensemble. Even if you don’t have a job yet or you have a job that provides uniforms or doesn’t require professional clothing, an interview outfit is still essential for everyone to have on hand. All that’s needed to put together an interview outfit are five basic pieces to begin with. Then you can build a professional wardrobe around those pieces. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune to look office-ready either. The only rule: look sharp, modern and put-together at all times. Below are some suggestions on how to proceed depending on the type of office environment you work at:Office Type 1: Traditional = classic, conservativeOffice Type 2: Casual = simple, chicOffice Type 3: Creative = trendy, flamboyant5 essentials for women5 essentials for women5 essentials for womenSuit: Simple, fitted blazer, matching pant or skirt in black, brown, navy or grayTops: Fitted, classic white blouse, chic plain camisole, thin sweater or fitted jersey tee shirtFootwear: Well-polished black or brown leather pointy toed shoes: flats, kitten heels or high heels (sheer hosiery or trouser socks to match shoes)Bag: Simple, chic black or brown streamlined leather purse to carry leather document casePants: Fitted boot cut slacks and khakis in many colors, dark denim trouser jeans (if allowed)Tops: Simple fitted jersey tees, thin v-neck sweaters, feminine blousesBlazer: Fitted blazer in black, various flattering colors, fabrics and pin stripesFootwear: Well-polished black or brown leather pointy toed shoes: flats, kitten heels or high heels (sheer hosiery or trouser socks to match shoes)Bag: Simple, chic black or brown streamlined leather purse to carry leather document casePants: Fitted boot cut slacks in many colors, dark denim trousers and skinny jeans (if allowed)Tops: Fitted blouses, camisoles in daring color, fabrics and printsBlazer: Fitted ones with stylish design details, in various colorsFootwear: Well-polished black leather knee boots. Black, brown and various colored leather and exotic skin pointy toed shoes: flats, kitten heels or high heels(sheer hosiery or trouser socks to match shoes)Bag: Trendy, chic bag in leather, or exotic skins to carry leather document caseExtrasOver coat to wear over blazerChic leather walletFeminine blousesClassic watchKnee length skirtsExtrasFitted skirts 1 inch above the kneeSimple, chic watchChic leather walletOver coat to wear over blazerExtrasFitted skirts 1-3 inches above the knee with design details and various colors, patterns and fabricsInteresting watchChic leather walletFashion Notes:Fitted clothing = a flattering, chic version of tight clothes.Avoid tight, poorly fitting clothes as they can make you look cheap and sloppy.Exotic skin bags, shoes and accessories = anything in snake skin, alligator skin, eel, ostrich etc. in black, brown, navy, tan and a wide range of bright colorsNeutral colors=black, gray, tan, navy, brownStores to get the right look:Banana RepublicBrooks BrothersMr. PinkUnited Colors of BentonJ CrewCole HaanStuart WeitzmanCoachBoss Hugo BossStores to get the right look:GapOld NavyEspritCole HaanStuart WeitzmanCoachBoss Hugo BossStores to get the right look:BebeClub MonacoMontmartreZaraH & MKenneth Cole ReactionBoss Hugo BossSisleyArmani Exchange5 essentials for men5 essentials for men5 essentials for menSuit: Blazer, matching pant in black, brown, navy or grayShirt: Classic solid white or striped button-up shirtFootwear: Well-polished black or brown leather dress shoes (black dress socks)Bag: Simple, classic black or brown streamlined leather briefcase to carry leather document caseTie: Classic patterned or solid colorsPant: Slacks and khakis in neutral colors, dark denim jeans (if allowed)Shirts: Classic solid white, striped or color button-up shirt, thin v-neck and crew neck sweater, polo shirtFootwear: Leather and suede loafersBag: Simple leather or canvas briefcase, messenger bag or back pack to carry leather document caseTie: OptionalPant: Regular cut and slim cut slacks, straight leg and boot cut indigo or black jeans, (no skinny jeans)Shirts: Fitted button-up shirts in various colors and patternsFootwear: Black leather motor cycle boots, cowboy boots in black leather and various color exotic skins, Italian made athletic style sneakers or dress shoesBag: Leather or exotic skin briefcase or messenger bagTie: OptionalExtrasExtrasExtrasWool pea coat to wear over the blazerClassic, expensive looking watchCuff linksPocket squares for suit jacketBlack and brown leather beltWool pea coat to wear over the blazerTies in solid colors or classic patternsBlazers in wool, corduroy, dark denimSimple, stylish looking watchBlack and brown leather beltWool coat to wear over the blazerTies in solid colorful silk or patternsFunky fitted blazers or vestColorful, interesting looking watchFunky fedora hatsBlack and brown leather beltStores to get the right look:Banana RepublicBrooks BrothersMr. PinkCole HaanUnited Colors of BenettonStores to get the right look:GapOld NavyEspritCole HaanStores to get the right look:Club MonacoZaraH & MKenneth Cole ReactionBoss Hugo BossSisleyArmani ExchangeHelpful items everyone should have on interview day:Cold bottle of water to calm nervesTravel size bottle of mouth washAltoidsSmall mirrorSmall comb and/or brushTravel size bottle of styling product to fix fly-away hairTravel size KleenexHeadache medicineEnergy bars/granola barsTooth picksFashion Note:Fitted clothing also looks great on slim men, but be careful not to go too tight or the outfit won’t look right. For example, Justin Timberlake is a good archetype of how fitted clothes look flattering on a man.Neutral colors=black, gray, tan, navy, brown.Italian made athletic style sneakers and dress shoes look chic and are cut narrow for a more streamlined appearance, which is essential with fitted pants.Exotic skin bags, shoes and accessories = anything in snake skin, alligator skin, eel, ostrich etc. in black, brown, navy, tan and a wide range of bright colors.Office Supplies: Investment pieces for both women and men:- Simple, chic slim leather folder or document case to keep resumes, job applications, slim note book and pen- Slim, quality bound or spiral notebook that looks chic and simple, no busy designs- Quality, chic executive pen in black, silver or navy- Simple, compact light weight business card folder to carry in bag- Desktop business card/contact organizer- Simple, chic ‘thank you’ cards on quality paperBrands to get the right look:Leather document case: Louise Vuitton, ForayNotebook: Moleskine, MujiPen: Cartier, TiffanyBusiness card folder: Muji, Kate’s PaperieRolodex, FilofaxPaperchase at Borders Music & BooksTargetVarious NYC stationary stores