By Nicole Scopelliti 
It’s May, so the pressure is on. Your roommate just snagged an internship for the summer, and your family members are wondering why you haven’t done the same. If you’re a senior, you’re just beginning to plunge into the bleakness of the post-grad job hunt. With so many other students searching for jobs and internships, it is imperative that you stand out amongst other competing applicants. A crisp, clean interview outfit can do just that. Boost your confidence and refine your style by investing in clothing that is sure to land you your dream career. Before diving head first into a full closet revamp, check out the tips below.
Building a professional wardrobe can be made simple by purchasing a few staple items. For example, a black blazer can be styled in various ways, making it a versatile and practical piece of office attire. Neutral dresses, trousers and pencil skirts are also worthwhile buys for a young professional’s wardrobe, as they can be refreshed and restyled with belts and jackets. Black ballet flats, oxfords and loafers are stylish, yet comfortable shoe options for professionals on the go. Pro tip: maximize your outfit potential- if you can’t mix and match an item to make at least three office-appropriate outfits, then it’s not worth your money.
Figure out the company’s dress code and dress one step above that expectation. You haven’t landed the job yet and you want to show that you’re serious about the position. If the office attire appears to be casual, dress in business casual attire. If the company expects their employees to wear business casual attire, attend your interview in business formal. Typically, business casual attire constitutes blazers, trousers and dress shirts. Business formal attire includes dresses and suits. If you’re not sure what the company’s dress code is, try conducting research online. If you’re unable to find that information, try reaching out to the human resources recruiter at the company you are interviewing at.
It is ideal to keep your outfit simple, but it’s not necessary to sacrifice your personal style. Add a personal touch to neutral colored suits and blazers by sporting a piece of statement jewelry or one of your favorite watches. Remember, you want to keep your outfit professional, so steer clear of crazy patterns and and overly bright colors – you want your personality to be the star of the show, not your purple leopard print pants. It’s also vital to wear clean and pressed clothes. If needed, visit a dry cleaner a few days before your interview to have your outfit pressed to perfection. For quality dry cleaning, I recommend Hi Tech Cleaners located at 100 E. 18th Ave. Hi Tech Cleaners is open from 6 am- 6 pm Monday through Friday, and 9am- 3 pm on Saturday. The shop is closed on Sunday.
Shop smarter, not harder. You can purchase quality clothing without breaking the bank if you shop at the right places. I suggest building the foundation of your wardrobe at H&M. H&M has an expansive array of professional attire for both men and women, including an impressive selection of basics and neutrals. Most importantly, the clothing is high-quality, fashion-forward and refreshingly affordable. H&M is located at Valley River Center, and is open from 10 am- 9 pm Monday through Friday and 11 am- 6 pm on Sunday. If you’re willing to pay a bit extra for quality pieces and brand name clothing, Nordstrom Rack is a great option. For young professionals with a keen eye for current fashion trends and style, Nordstrom Rack offers a wide selection of business casual to business formal pieces. I highly recommend its shoe department, especially if you’re in search of trendy, office-friendly shoes at a marked-down price. Nordstrom Rack is located at Oakway Center, and is open from 10 am- 9 pm Monday through Saturday, and 11 am- 7 pm on Sunday.