Dressing for the "Big Girl" Job

Admit it, you've schlepped into your internship office at least once with those pants that may or may not be precisely up to code and your hair desperately needs a good brush. Maybe it's a Monday, but it could also be a Wednesday. It depends on if your alarm decided to go off. While this may have worked in the days of free labor, or maybe you are paid you lucky duck, when you step out there for your first graduate job your wardrobe needs to step out there with you.

As someone who is broke almost every day of the month I understand that this is a challenge. Your closet may be full of pants/skirts/dresses that are a wee bit too small thanks to too many summer margaritas or too big because your sorority sister opened her closet up as a free-for-all. These pieces will have to do in the beginning, but there are things you can do to make them look better.

Curtesy of LOFT- 34.99 and an extra 50% off

1. Belts- They're your BEST friend. Never underestimate the power of a good belt. I worked at LOFT and if there is one thing my manager taught me it is that the right size and shape belt can shrink you, shape you, and simply work magic. It's a cheap investment for even the poorest graduate and will make some of those too big dresses fit much better! This is also a chance for you to show your personal style. Dress clothes do not need to be droll and boring!

A cute blouse only $16.99 at Rue 21 

2. Clearance- Did you just like to browse through your favorite stores? Too tired to dig through those messy
clearance bins? Shoot back an espresso/chai latte/monster because now you're going in. In those bins are jackets, blouses, dress pants cheaper than your wildest dreams. $20.00 black, no dry-cleaning-needed slacks? The God of Shopping has smiled on you. I've found $5 blouses that look great, feel comfortable and still allowed me to pay rent. It's miraculous, I know, but dig around at less conventional stores like Rue 21 and never underestimate some of the clothing at Forever 21! Look for those beautiful 50-60% off sales at places like Ann Taylor and J.Crew, and download/cut coupons like a mad person.

Forever 21 blazer for $24.80!

3. Conquer the Wrinkles- Even if you are broke, the one thing you CAN do is make sure your clothes are clean and wrinkle free. Perhaps they don't fit as well as that girl's Lauren by Ralph Lauren tailored dress that you would possibly kill for, but it shows that you are putting in the effort and that goes a long way with your boss. They know the position you're in because they were there once too.




Do you have suggestions for the recent college grad's wardrobe? Comment below!