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Making Work Clothes Work For You

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UAB chapter.

As collegiettes, we have each our own definitive style. However, ladies… We are not in high school anymore. Internships, interviews, and business soirées have engulfed our new college schedules, and jeans are not cutting it. Sometimes the “business-casual” might not sound so chic, but we make it work. Remove horrible thoughts of matching pants suits, camisoles, and nude-colored stockings, because this isn’t your mom’s office. Keep jewelry to a minimum. This can be true in most fashion situations, but especially at your job. Big bangles and long earrings can be cumbersome, and even too many necklaces can get in the way! Try to remember that you’re there to do a job. Don’t get me wrong, you’ll look fabulous, but there’s no need to hinder your progress with over-the-board accessories. If your neck feels a bit naked, a good alternative could be a pretty scarf, a few gold necklaces, or a simple strand of pearls. Don’t be afraid of patterns! Mix florals and stripes for a modern look! Unless you’re working at a fashion magazine or a strip-club, let’s leave our platform heels at home. Simple ballet-flats can be a great option if you’re doing a lot of coffee runs or treading up and down office hallways. Oxford shoes are back in style and a cute ode to the menswear trend. Try those! Remember to layer! Some people can definitely abuse the A/C. Try wearing tops that won’t be too revealing without a jacket, just in case you happen to break a sweat. Always try to pack a headband or hair-bands and bobby-pins in your bag in case your hair starts becoming unruly. A staple in any professional wardrobe is a basic, black, skinny pant. They can be worn with a tailored oxford, and a hot pair of nude, patent pumps. The ever-so-chic Little Black Dress can be worn in many different ways. Cinch your waist with a gold skinny-belt and throw on a cardigan and you’re good to go! There are many different skirts that can be acceptable in your cubicle. A-Line, bell skirts are great at concealing your derriere, and pencil skirts can accentuate long legs. High-waisted is the chicest way to go, especially with a nice, billowy blouse. Throw on some black, opaque tights in the winter, and you’ll always be acceptable. A simple, white collared button-down can do so much for a professional girl. Try throwing on a menswear vest over it with gold chains for a vintage feel or tuck it into some wide-leg trousers. The possibilities are endless!

Jaime is a junior at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. There she is the captain of her varsity golf team and a journalism and English double-major. She is an active member in the Student Athletic Advisory Committee where she helps organize volunteer opportunities and social functions for student-athletes at UAB. Jaime enjoys cooking, entertaining friends, reading/writing blogs, fashion, and of course, golf. She aspires to eventually write for a major magazine or write chick-lit books.