Lucky you – you’ve scored your first internship. Regardless of your chosen career path, your first position in a ‘big girl job’ is a big deal. Dipping your toes into an industry of your choice for the first time is equal parts exciting and terrifying. It also comes with all sorts of questions, including ‘how do I turn my closet full of going-out clothes and class athleisure into something professional?’
Here are four tips on how to tailor your wardrobe to make sure you look your best in business casual.
- hit the thrift
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Your first time shopping for office wear can be overwhelming in more ways than one – a whole new set of style rules and the harsh reality that many workwear brands stretch a college student’s budget quite a bit. There’s an easy solution to this: the majority of thrift spots are inundated with retired business casual pieces, from work pants to blouses to smart looking flats.
Rather than going online to expensive boutiques, or relying on fast-fashion outlets, thrift store finds can give you the dependability and affordability that is essential for pieces you’ll be wearing everyday. My holy grail thrift finds include sturdy dress pants and a collection of fun cardigans to throw over my outfit for the day.
- prioritize basics
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Mixing and matching is my personal hack for honing your business casual closet. If, like me, you want to mix up your outfits without breaking the bank, make sure to invest in a variety of pieces that mesh well with each other.
This doesn’t have to mean a drawerful of beige and white – prioritizing a few neutral pieces that go well with a range of colors can ensure you don’t have to sacrifice style for utility. For me, that means a few staple white blouses, and dress pants or maxi skirts ranging from bright orange to blue.
- go shopping in your own closet, too
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Styling for business casual doesn’t mean you need to break the bank on a whole new wardrobe. There are endless ways to edit what you’ve got, and having some creativity in how you wear your pieces is key.
My favorite tricks for “workifying” my closet include throwing a cable knit sweater over a strappy dress, or using a button up as a coverup over a smaller top.
- don’t be afraid to add your own personal flare
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I’ll die on this hill: business casual doesn’t have to be boring.
One of my favorite ways to spice up run-of-the-mill slacks and blouses is with accessories. Add a fun belt or a chunky necklace, and don’t be afraid of a headband or a stack of bracelets. Buying button ups in fun prints or with interesting patterns and textures is an easy way to make an outfit more you.
Office wear might seem limiting when you first start experimenting with it, but just like anything else, there are thousands of ways to put your own personal spin on it.