A Diva State of Mind

While at work the other day, three girls walked in looking to purchase suits.  They had recently tried to attend a school career fair, but were denied entry because they weren’t dress appropriately.  The young ladies were all juniors and had never owned a suit.  When I was an undergraduate business student, I had  a suit (maybe even 2) and all of my classmates made sure to have suits too! So I thought, fall not only marks the beginning of another school season and interview season, it’s also a great time to evaluate the wardrobe to make sure we have the essentials that will last through any situation from year to year.  Below is a list of essentials for both men and women.  Let’s make sure we have the essentials as the fall season approaches us!

Young Professional Men’s Wardrobe Essentials:

*White dress shirt – White dress shirts are a staple piece. They should be worn with dresser pieces like a dark suit or dress pants and coat. The great thing about white shirts is they look great on everyone.

*Dress pants – You may not want to wear a suit every time you have to attend an event where business or business casual is appropriate.  A nice pair of dress pants with a separate piece like a blazer goes a long way.

*Navy Blazer– A suit is not going to be necessary at every event when a jacket is required, so having a sports blazer as an alternative is great! A navy blazer with a pair of khakis looks great.

*Gray or Navy Suit – We are now at the age of interviewing, networking, and being a part of professional organizations where business attire is essential.  A navy or dark grey suit is essential. The pieces can be worn as separates too, allowing for a more versatile wardrobe.  This is definitely an investment piece. 

Check out EXPRESS. They currently have select suits on sale for 30% off.  Also check out Jos A. Banks. They currently have a Buy 1 Suit, get 2 Suits for Free sale going on! You can’t beat that deal!

*Dark dress shoes & matching dress belt – Dress shoes and belts have to match! That is the cardinal rule when putting together an outfit!

*Pair of khakis- While jeans are comfortable and great, they can’t be worn everywhere and all the time! Business casual does not equal jeans.

*Solid tie – Solid ties will look great with your white button up shirt or any other dress shirts you have in your closet. You can’t go wrong here.

*Polo– Casual shirts like polos look great with a pair of jeans or khakis.  They can be worn during the day or at night with khakis and dress shoes.

*Dark denim jeans - Dark denim jeans are great because they can be dressed up or dressed down.  Dark denim is great for casual Fridays at work and looks great with a button up shirt when going out.

Read more: http://mensfashion.about.com/od/dressingonabudget/a/budgetesentials.htm

Young Professional Women’s Wardrobe Essentials:

*White dress shirt – White dress shirts are a staple piece. They should be worn with dresser pieces like a dark suit or dress pants and a jacket. The great thing about white shirts is they look great on everyone.

*Black dress pants – Dress pants are great to wear to work with a nice top and are essential when attending a “business casual event.”  A nice pair of dress pants with a separate piece like a blazer or sweater goes a long way.

*Black Pencil Skirt– The basic black pencil skirt is amazing!! The fitted silhouette looks great on anyone.  You can always dress up the pencil skirt with a belt or great funky tights for the fall/winter!

*Dark Suit – We are now at the age of interviewing, networking, and being a part of professional organizations where business attire is essential.  A dark suit is essential. The pieces can be worn as separates too, allowing for a more versatile wardrobe.  This is definitely an investment piece. 

*Black Pumps – Black pumps are essential! They can be worn with anything.  A diva must always have a pair of heels on hand.

*Jacket – This includes the classic boyfriend jacket which is masculine, but oh so feminine, and/or a leather jacket .  The boyfriend jacket looks great with jeans or over a dress while the leather jacket looks great with everything! Rock the leather jacket for a more edgy look.

*The Little Black Dress – There is a LBD out there for everyone! A little black dress that hits right at the knee or above can be so flattering. This dress is great for any dressy occasion: cocktail dinner, new years eve party, wedding, etc.

*Cotton Sweater or Any Occasional Top – Many list of wardrobe essentials suggest a sweater and other suggest an any occasional top.  Sweaters are great because they can be worn with anything; jeans, dress pants, and skirts.  Look for a top that looks great during any occasion under a jacket.

*Trench Coat – There are trench coats for both fall and spring that come in a variety of colors allowing you to show your more creative side.  Trench coats look great over dress pants and a casual shirt.

*Dark denim jeans – Dark denim jeans are great because they can be dressed up or dressed down.  Dark denim is great for casual Fridays at work and looks great with a party top when going out.

Read more: http://womensfashion.suite101.com/article.cfm/tim_gunns_10_essential_elements#ixzz0RPPFJ6IZ