Tips

Classics

Buy Classics

“ 70% of the clothes you own should be meat and potatoes. 30% should be icing and fluff”.

-Michael Kors, Times Online

Why buy the classics?

• Classics are universal
• They do not go out of style
• They extend the life of your wardrobe
• They usually work well on job interviews and big events, also.

What can you do with classics?

• You can layer
• Tone down bright outfits
• Hide areas that you don’t feel comfortable with
• Put together far more outfits
• Shape your body

Women’s Classics

• Jacket/Blazer
• A-line skirt
• Cardigan
• White shirt
• Pants suit (3)
• Camisole
• Trench coat
• Black dress
• Sundress (maxi)

Men’s Classics

• A well fitting dark grey or navy suit (winter)
• A well fitting blue or tan suit (summer)
• A sports jacket
• A blazer
• A pair of oxfords
• A pair of penny loafers

Why should you care?

• You will not be a student forever
• A lot of jobs require business casual attire
• A lot of the classics are business casual or can be made business casual
• A lot of people have limited assets and classics create versatility
• More bang for your buck
• Classics create a more serious and professional look

Before you shop

“Knowing when to splurge is an art. There are just two rules: Splurge on the most classic items in the world. You will have and cherish them forever. Splurge on the most insane things in the world. You will have and cherish it forever.”

– How to Have Style by Isaac Mizrahi

Rules

General rules for everybody!

• Price is important but not that important
• Fit is the most important factor
• Pick neutral colors (they tend to last longer)
• Pick things that you are comfortable in
• Go for plain pieces

Special Tips for Men

When shopping for suits the classic silhouettes are:

• The American Sack
• The British Double-breasted
• The Italian Double-breasted

Don’t forget to...

• Have your suit tailored
• Spend good money
• Ask opinions of people you trust and would give good advice
• Have some fun

Special Tips for Women

• Fit is the most important
• Buy plain classics
• Blend pieces together
• Ask employer, ensure that you understand expectation

Common Interview Pitfalls
By: Christina Hardy, YSU Career Services

• Under-dressed
• Overdressed
• Too-low neckline
• Length of skirt
• High heels too high
• Too-flashy attire
• Loud bangles
• Too much makeup
• Hair in face, face blocked by hairstyle

Dos & Don’ts

Dos

• Always ask employer what is expected regarding appropriate dress
• Ask if there is a dress policy to consult
• Pay attention to length of skirt and slacks
• Mix & match suits with different scarfs, vests, and accessories
• Have fun: getting dress should not feel like punishment
• Assemble your clothes the night before
• Wear hosiery to cover legs
• Wear sweater, cardigan to keep arms covered

Don'ts

• Choose your outfits based on what others in the setting wear
• Assume you can get away with a chancy outfit “this one time”
• Wear outfits you would find appropriate to wear at a club, bar, or a night on the town
• Wear heels higher than 2-1/2 inches
• Dye your hair in a non-traditional color (black, brunette, blonde, auburn)
  * the only exception is if you’re in a career in a fashion-forward field or you find your employer has no restrictions.

More Bang for Your Buck

• Spend the most money on items that will be used repeatedly and help you get the most out of your wardrobe
• Take inventory of what is in your closet; make a list of what you need to complete an outfit/look – place list in purse or wallet for quick reference
• Buy as many “classic items” as possible (e.g., turtle neck, trench coat, black dress, black suit, white button up shirt, pearl necklace)
• Buy a supply of plain shirts in various colors and cut (e.g., long-sleeve, short-sleeve, v-neck, round neck, swoop neck, button-up, etc.)
• Use these various tops and accessories to easily change looks
• Purchase at least 2 suits in different plain colors and styles
  • Interchange the tops and bottom of the suits

Work with what you have when you can!

Conclusion

“What you wear tells the world how you expect to be treated”.

-Clinton Kelly Freakin’ Fabulous