When you’re young it’s incredibly difficult to be taken seriously. While professional clothes aren’t going to magically grant you respect and authority, it will give you a stronger image that matches the professional behind the clothes. Another fun part of being young (er…well, old, too) is the whole student loans and budgeting thing. Most of us don’t have the funds to buy an entire wardrobe that’s solely for looking professional and business chic.
Here are the essentials and key elements for creating the ultimate young professional wardrobe. Whether it be an internship, job interview or career fair…these pieces will help you tackle them all while looking young, fresh and professional as hell.
1. A smart looking blazer
I absolutely love the phrase “smart looking blazer” and use it so often that the word blazer looks naked without my little prefix. I recommend a neutral colored blazer, such as black, because it’s incredibly versatile. If you, like me, wear a lot of black and white, try a brightly colored blazer for a fun pop of color. Since 96% of my looks are black and white, I opted for a cobalt blue blazer.
RAG & BONE WINDSOR GROSGRAIN-TRIMMED CREPE BLAZER
2. A large, sturdy bag
This bag has to be large enough to fit all of the essentials, but not so large that it looks like you’re carrying around a body bag. Consider the “essentials” you would bring to work, whether it be your glasses case, wallet, laptop, etc., and plan your bag accordingly. While some may suggest buying a small briefcase sort of bag, a large purse will likely get more use. Avoid investing in a briefcase unless absolutely necessary or required for your field…or you can use some money saving shopping tips to help update your wardrobe on a budget.
KATE SPADE NEW YORK ‘CAPE DRIVE – HALLIE’ SCALLOPED SAFFIANO LEATHER TOTE
3. A printed blouse
This can be substituted with a plain blouse, but a fun print will keep you looking young and fresh rather than a bit too stuffy and trying to look overly professional. Remember, you’re a young professional and this is a young professional wardrobe. A blouse with polka dots or watercolor is a fun way to look professional while keeping it fresh.
ANONYME DESIGNERS POLKA DOT RED BLOUSE
4. Fitted non-jeans pants
These go well with a blazer, a blouse and almost any top you can dream up. Don’t be afraid to get them hemmed! I bought a pair of nice black dress pants for $30 and had them hemmed for $10. Dressing professionally doesn’t need to be expensive.
TOMMY HILFIGER SLIM ROLLED CHINO
5. Sensible pumps
Everyone needs a good pair of pumps. Find a pair that have a reasonable heel–read: no sky high stilettos. Avoid pumps that have a platform or too many details. A versatile pair is key–black or nude pumps go with almost everything.
BCBGENERATION TREASURE – PAPAYA PUNCH
6. Walking shoes
This thing on the list is definitely not like the others, am I right? This is a necessity if you’re going to be commuting in NYC or in a city or town where you’ll need to do a lot of walking. Truthfully, these can be ratty and gross so long as you swap to heels before you head into the office or interview. I recommend Vans–they’re so comfortable to walk in and they’re actually pretty cute. These can easily be shoved into your bag.
VANS ERA PERFORATED LEATHER VANS
7. A rain jacket
A trench coat style rain jacket will work well. Tip: make sure it’s waterproof before wearing it in the rain. Also, make sure it has lining. Rain or shine you’re going to have to head to the interview or day at work, so be sure to dress accordingly. If it’s super trendy and less than $20 at Forever 21, it probably isn’t a real rain jacket. I learned the hard way so you don’t have to. Showing up to your internship in soaking wet jeans and an almost see-through blouse is horrible and 10/10 would not recommend. This is also a spring wardrobe essential, so it’s a win-win.
8. Knee-length skirt
Choose the style according to your field. If you’re working in an accounting firm, a navy pencil skirt would be a better fit. If you’re interning with a fashion magazine, a trendy chevron print midi-skirt might be a better fit. Knee-length is a fairly standard professional skirt length.
9. Nude stockings
These are great to have on hand and are very inexpensive and can be bought at drugstores. These are perfectly paired with skirts and dresses in order to keep a smooth, sharp look. Always keep a few pairs on hand in case they tear; they always seem to do so at the worst moments.
10. Cardigan
These are perfect to layer with any sleeveless blouses or dresses you may want to wear. It’s also a great essential to keep in your bag in case you get cold in the office or during your commute.
Ultimately, use your judgement and knowledge of the field when choosing your young professional wardrobe staples. If your office environment is business casual, casual and so on, it should definitely be factored into the look.
What are some of your professional wardrobe essentials?
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