Veronica da Voe Goldsmith
The Corsair
Starting a new semester of school, whether you are a new or returning student, can be a challenge. You’re faced with a ton of decisions. What should I major in? What classes should I take? Should I join a campus organization or club?
The last thing you want to worry about is what you’re going to wear. With everything students have going on in their classes, work, and a social life, it doesn’t leave much room to think about what to put on your body. This is why a lot of students throw on whatever is clean and run out the door. It’s understandable.
But in today’s competitive job market you never know when you’ll bump into a potential employer, reference or networking opportunity. That’s not saying you have to wear a suit and tie to school every day, but knowing how to dress your best could potentially give you a boost in your search for an internship, job, or scholarship.
We hate to think that people judge us based on what we look like, but it happens all the time. You don’t have to lose who you are to look put together. College is the perfect time to experiment and take risks with your style personality. Fashion is supposed to be fun and with these tips you’ll be able to have fun, get through school and look awesome doing it!
Women’s Essentials
•A pair of awesome jeans – pick ones that fit well for your body type. Don’t get caught up on the tag size, do what works for you. If you don’t like the size, cut the tag out! I promise, no one will know. Darker rinse/wash denim is universally flattering; skinny leg, boot cut and trouser are cuts most women can rock.
•A few basic tanks and tees – stock up on essential colors; black, white, navy. Be sure to include a few pops of color. Keep an eye out for pretty details and good fit. Shy away from tops too clingy in the midsection; this is an area most women want to minimize.
•One or two chic cardigans – not only are they awesome for keeping you from freezing during lecture but they instantly dress up jeans and a tee.
•A few dressy tops – the whole point of college is to get a job, right? Pensacola State holds several job and community fairs during the year, you’ll be glad you have them.
•A nice pair of dress pants – (see explanation for dressy tops) Make sure the bottom of your pants legs aren’t dragging the ground, this is a super easy way to ruin a good pair of slacks. If you don’t have the money to get them professionally hemmed, try hemming them yourself. It’s ok if you can’t sew, WalMart, Michael’s (craft store) and JoAnn’s Fabrics all sell hemming tape, just fold your pants where you want them to stop then follow the directions on the package.
•A button down white shirt – a classic piece every girl should own.
•A well-cut winter coat/jacket
•A (winter) pair of boots – go crazy here! The styles out right now are endless and fantastic, just look for good construction, and if you have bigger calves, you can still wear knee high boots, just look for ones that have a stretchy panel or section to accommodate your legs.
•One pair of (nice) black pumps – job interviews, co-ops, internships, need I say more?
Men’s Essentials
•Short sleeve polos – the style not the necessarily the brand. Lots of retailers are selling great ones with interesting prints and details.
•Flat front shorts, khakis – Try to keep clear of pleats; they are completely unflattering and make you look like you have a kangaroo pouch over your crotch – not a good look.
•V-neck and crew neck tees – these two types almost any guy can wear. Look for more substantial fabrics, better fit. Super baggy tees look just as goofy as teeny tiny muscle tees.
•Jeans – boot cut looks good onjust about everybody; if you can rock skinny jeans, go for it. Just go easy on the bedazzled, glittery, logo laden denim; ladies love a laid back look.
•A black and a brown belt
•Long sleeve button downs – interviews, job fairs, etc…
•Dress slacks – the pleats rule still applies.
•Ties – please no clip ons. If you don’t know how to tie a tie, ask a friend, YouTube it, etc…
•Thin knit pullover/button down sweaters – v neck, crew neck; for layering.
•Fall/winter coat or jacket