Since my older sister just graduated with her masters and some of my friends just graduated college, I decided it would be the perfect time to talk about some investment pieces straight out of college (or grad school). I was lost at first when I graduated because although I had a suit and collared shirts for interviewing, a lot of my wardrobe was still extremely casual. I have learned to incorporate a lot of those pieces into a more professional wardrobe, but there were still some pieces I needed to add to ensure that I was looking professional everyday. I was in a sales role at the time, so meeting with clients meant suits and looking as professional as possible. I had to learn to work my own style into some of these more professional looks, and it has taken some time but I finally feel good about my work wardrobe! Here are just some of my suggestions for shopping investments once you graduate!
The suit: A suit is the most important investment you can make after graduation. #1 you should be wearing something extremely professional to your interviews and I have always worn my suit for the interview. I just don’t think you can be too professional. If you want to stand out more, use a bright colored blouse, bow blouse, necklaces and heels to make you stand out. The suit screams “HIRE ME!” #2 If you are going into a job with professional wardrobe guidelines, a suit is going to save the day and make you look good as you are starting out in the real world. Now you are probably asking, “Why do I need to invest in a suit if I am working in a more casual environment and don’t have to get dressed up everyday?” My answer: SEPARATES! Whether or not you sit in a cube all day or meet with clients, having a blazer to dress up jeans or a pencil skirt/pair of slacks to wear on a daily basis with a more basic tee, the suit will serve you well. If you are hesitating to invest, why don’t you ask Barney from How I Met Your Mother, perhaps he will change your mind about the suit!
