Emory University may be home to one of the top business schools in the nation, but it seems that the one class we’re lacking is “Dressing to Impress 101.” And with internship and job interviews fast approaching, sometimes we find ourselves wondering, “What is business casual?”
Sure, there’s the classic black pant with the crisp white button-up shirt, but if you really are what you wear, who wants to be just another cookie-cutter gal in a cubicle, having another one of those days at the office? As high fashion gets more experimental, incorporating the latest trends with business casual does get more and more difficult. You’re right, Issa London’s fiery orange skirts might not be among the best options for your upcoming interview. But that doesn’t mean you can’t sneak in the patterns, metallics, and lacy bits that are oh-so-hot this season.
Business casual is all about maintaining a clean, composed look that typically includes a dress shirt and non-denim pants or a skirt of reasonable length. (And no, despite their name, “Pleasure Doing Business” bandage mini-skirts do not qualify as business casual, and big-shot interviewers will not find them pleasurable to look at). Varying the look goes beyond finding different colored tops and bottoms, though. Instead of thinking about basic pieces, think about shape and detailing: go from fitted to flowy and don’t hesitate to throw in a pattern where it’s least expected.
The next time you dig through your closet for “that top” you always wear with “that pencil skirt” you’ve worn to work three times in the past week (you can admit it), don’t dismiss the sheer chiffon top that you bought for that first date. Instead of black knee-length blahness, pull out those wide-legged camel pants that you got on sale at Nordstrom – yes, the pair you haven’t taken the tags off of because you’re afraid they won’t look as good on you as they do on Olivia Palermo. Pair that ensemble with leopard-print pumps (yes, the very same ones you went out in last weekend). A clean-cut, conservative and cute business casual look.
Of course, it’s clear that Olivia Palermo’s socialite-status wardrobe is out of a typical Emory girl’s league. If you’re on a college-student budget like the rest of us are, chances are you won’t be hitting up the local Saks for Dolce & Gabbana’s fitted blazers or Chloé’s feminine tops (hey, a girl can dream…). So instead, head next door to Lenox Mall where you’ll find J.Crew, the Gap, Express and more. Madewell’s “Silk Epaulet Blouse” ($110) is a sheer take on the everyday button-up and Banana Republic’s “Kimbra Tiered Skirt” ($74.50) adds texture to a plain old pencil skirt. Aldo carries shoes that look like designer heels at low price points and features stylish handbags ranging from $24 to $600. With its quirky, earthy vibe, Anthropologie is sure to carry a purse to fit your office-basic needs.
As you’re preparing for your next interview try to think about more than knowing who founded the company, or being able to discuss what you can contribute as an intern. Take some time to think about the outfit, too! Ditch that black satchel and forget those pointy-toed heels that won’t take you more than three blocks anyway. Throw in a little something unique, that will allow you to stand out. Just remember to keep it neat – and please, take it from a former Victoria’s Secret employee: never wear a white bra under a white blouse.