Go Get 'Em

I've recently begun applying for summer public relations internships and quickly realized that I'm in need of professional and chic interview attire. Wearing a stylish, yet appropriate outfit for an interview (or to work once you've landed the job) is essential to creating a positive first impression. The exact ensemble you choose may differ depending on the type of job you're going for, but in general, there are few basic pieces that can be purchased that are versatile and can be paired with different shirts and shoes when needed. A well fitting pants or skirt suit is best and can be transformed by matching it with a white basic oxford versus a boldly colored ruffled blouse or high boots with textured tights versus closed toed kitten heels. It is amazing how many looks you can create with just a simple blazer and bottoms. Whichever fashion route you choose to take, it is essential that your look is professional, fits your body and your personality, and does not look cheap. Of course, it is acceptable for the outfit to be affordable (in fact, I recommended it) but make sure it appears to be good quality. It may be difficult to find true professional look that is inexpensive but does not appear like it was. Therefore, as painful as it is to spend all of your holiday cash on one outfit, (especially before you're even employed) it is just the kind of occasion that one should splurge for and invest in.

A great way to go about this is to find a good quality suit and pair it with a less expensive undershirt and funky (but appropriate) jewelery. Or, do as I did, and try an outlet store to find your perfect suite. Here are some great options to help you start off on your quest! 

J Crew blazer- $230
J Crew Pinstripe Dress- $180
Anthropologie Cowl Neck Shirt-$88
New York and Company Ruffled Shirt-$37
J Crew Pencil Skirt- $118
Charlotte Russe Necklace- $12.50

Blazin' Hot

When the weather starts changing from warm summer days to the briskness of autumn, it can take a fortune teller to know the perfect amount of layers to wear. It may be cold while walking to class and work in the morning, but by mid-day, the sun is often glowing, leaving anyone who dressed for a cool day feeling embarrassed and much too hot. Light coats, such as blazers, are a perfect way to keep warm during the Fall months, without sweltering in overly heavy winter gear. Plus, they are extremely chic. Depending on the exact style of the jacket, they add sophistication, spunk, and sometimes color to an outfit. They look great with dresses, jeans, boots, scarves, and even over light sweaters. One of the best parts about owning such a versatile piece is that they can be thrown on to spice up a plain outfit on a lazy day (they look great with jeans and a plain white tee shirt, for example.) And we all know lazy days are common, especially in college.

Any type of outwear is generally on the pricey side. Here are some coats I found (blazers and otherwise) that are light, stylish, and affordable.



This Old Navy blazer is 39.50 and comes in 4 colors.



This Old Navy jacket comes in two colors and is only 34.50.

 

                        This Urban Outfitters Vintage Wool Blazer (below) is only 48 dollars and comes in 3 other (neutral) colors.

This pink Forever 21 biker jacket is only 34.80.



Work it!

If you have a summer internship, you probably have come across the problem of figuring out what you're supposed to wear. Finally having an excuse to dress up and be sophisticated is definitely something to look forward to, but it can be tough if you can't afford to buy cute and appropriate work clothes, especially if you have an unpaid internship. One way to dress right for work, without using up all the money you make, is to mix and match. I suggest buying a few basic bottoms, such as pencil skirts, black pants, and even a long dress. Then, buy about 5 shirts that go well with any of those bottoms. That way, you can form different outfits out of just a few items of clothing. Buy a cardigan or belt to go with the dress, so that you can wear it different ways. The key is to make sure the clothing is stylish, while still being appropriate for a work setting. This way you avoid being the most gossiped about employee by your female coworkers (and the most loved by the men.)





This Forever 21 dress (Heritage 1981) dress is only $14.90. It's an appropriate length for work and also comes in blue. A belt would work perfectly around the cinched middle. It can also be accessorized with a long necklace (pearls would give the outfit a more dressed up look) or tights to make a whole new ensemble.







I love this Charlotte Russe open front lace top, and for only $20.00, it's a definite must have. It's perfect with a pair of blak pants, but also can be worn with a pencil skirt and a tucked in tank top underneath.