Building a Professional Wardrobe

Lots of questions come in to our office about professional attire, especially when wanting to make a good first impression at an interview. But once you have secured a clerkship or externship, it is important to maintain a professional appearance each day in your office. Consider the following suggestions and resources for building your professional wardrobe:

• Evaluate what you have: many students already have a number of key pieces such as dress pants and shirts, or accessories such as dress shoes and belts. Take a look at your existing wardrobe so you are only purchasing what you really need to add.

• Stay frugal: You do not need to buy high-end designer pieces to impress everyone in your office. While it may be a good idea to invest more in a staple item such as black dress shoes, everyday items such as white dress shirts or a black pencil skirt can be purchased from any typical department store.

• Check out OPD's presentation: Our annual Dress for Success Program has already taken place for this school year, but you can always watch the video of the presentation on Symplicity in the Document Library. 

• Consider this checklist: The website Online MBA provides a concise list of wardrobe suggestions, broken down by "Essentials; Nice to Have; and Luxuries" to help you prioritize your new purchases. Check out that list HERE.

• Peruse our Pinterest boards: If you are looking for concrete suggestions for an interview or everyday professional attire, look at our online bulletin boards on Pinterest HERE. You do not need to have a Pinterest account to view the boards.

• Stop by the OPD: Students have often come by the office to show us the outfits they are planning for an interview or their first day of work, especially when concerned about whether a certain piece such as a shirt or shoes are appropriate. We can also help with suggestions of what outfits would be appropriate for a new job at an office in which you are unfamiliar. Feel free to come by with questions. And remember! The OPD business center stocks emergency items such as a lint roller, shoeshine kit, Shout wipes, and ties in basic colors.