Style 101: Ask Michelle
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Posted By: Jehan Bunch on May 17, 2006 Style 101: Ask Michelle [Fashion and Image Consultant: Michelle Washington, AICI] Style-ology LLC www.styleology.net From College Student to Working Professional The party days of college are over and graduation is upon you. All night “cram” sessions, midterms, finals, and earning your long awaited degree was only half the battle. Now, it is time for your new life in the professional world. As hard as it may be, put away your favorite college jersey and toss your sweat suit in the bottom drawer. The transition from college student to working professional is a dramatic change and you will need to “look the part” to get the job. Your new professional look must change with the seasons. With summer upon us, there is no need to be a fashion mishap by looking “overly sexy” or “sloppy”. Your new place of employment is not the setting to use as your “personal catwalk”. However, you can still look professional without forsaking fashion. Here are a few ways to look stylish while staying work appropriate. Women: • DO NOT wear miniskirts to your interview or in your work environment. Remember, you are not back on “campus” anymore. Your best bet will be to avoid looking “too girly” and choose a look to emphasize your inner strength. • DO purchase a stylish “A-line” skirt, circle skirt, soft pleated skirt or straight skirt. Pair this with a nice tailored jacket (light suiting fabric) for a look that is chic. • DO NOT take the “spaghetti strap” look into the workplace, or shirts that show your bra strap. • DO continue to wear tailored jackets or a nice cardigan over revealing tops. Versatile short sleeve shirts with accent colors work well with jackets and cardigans to update your professional flair. • DO NOT overdo your jewelry in the corporate environment. • DO focus on one key piece of jewelry such as: a strong necklace, pendent, or earrings (other accessories should “subtly” follow). • DO NOT overstuff your handbag. There is no need to look as if you are “carrying your life” with you; this is also bad for your posture and balance. • DO carry a simple yet stylish bag (no bigger than a bread box) packed with your essentials to avoid unsightly bulging. • DO NOT wear a “V-neck” if you are “well endowed”. A “V-neck” is a big arrow pointing to your cleavage. • DO wear a feminine scoop neck to avoid drawing attention to your cleavage. • DO NOT wear open toe shoes to your interview. If you are currently in an office environment, the company dress code will decide the rule on open toe shoes and hosiery. • DO wear a closed toe pair of shoes to your interview. Choose a pair of shoes that will compliment your interview ensemble in both style and color. Also take time to polish and clean your shoes. Men: • DO NOT wear short sleeve dress shirts; this look goes beyond “tacky”. • DO wear long sleeve dress shirts; change the fabric to a lightweight cotton to compliment the season. • DO NOT be afraid to experiment with color when choosing a dress shirt. • DO wear neutral hues and pastels; a “color analysis” will help to identify hues that are right for you. • DO NOT always wear black suits. • DO allow yourself to change suiting color with the season such as: gray, brown, khaki, and navy. • DO NOT go to your interview without a tie. If you are currently working in an office environment, the company dress code will determine if a tie is necessary. • DO make sure to wear tie colors within your “color palette”. The background color of your tie can either match or contrast with your suit. • DO NOT look sloppy. Avoid shirts that are two times your size and pants that fit a man 50 pounds heavier than you. • DO wear clothes that look structured and well tailored. • DO NOT forget to wear an undershirt. • DO wear undershirts to prepare your clothes (and yourself) for the heat. Armpit stains, due to the lack of an undershirt, are not stylish. • DO NOT wear old scuffed unpolished shoes to your interview or in the workplace. • DO invest in one or two pairs of shoes in the latest styles and neutral colors. Match the appropriate shoes according to the color of your suit; keep your shoes clean and polished. **NOTE for both men and women: Avoid wearing perfume and cologne to your interview (and in the workplace). Your interviewer, employer, co-worker, or client may be allergic to your fragrance or simply offended by the scent. If you feel you must wear a fragrance, make sure you put on a “very” light application. Image is important in the office, no matter what the season may be. Always be aware of fashion trends that are elegant, classic, and chic to update your wardrobe. You are your best advertisement. Follow these tips and you will not miss! What is Style-ology? Michelle Washington, AICI is the creative mind behind Style-ology LLC. This fashion industry professional (turned Fashion and Image Consultant) has distinct skills and knowledge. As a registered and active member of AICI (Association of Image Consultants International), Michelle's forte is in creating a "true style" for clients; which means "being clever" and seeking out unusual shops. Michelle collaborates with top businesses and professionals to facilitate a full transformation for each client from beginning to end. Whether it is a total image makeover, personal shopping, fashion styling, or company speaking engagements; her personal one-on-one comprehensive service is what sets Style-ology LLC above all others. Do you have questions? “Ask Michelle”: www.styleology.net If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Jehan Bunch
From Columbus, OH Central State University class of 2005 Member Since January 2006 |
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