DRESSING FOR SUCCESSCaroline Buttimer

Dressing so conservatively… When is it really necessary?

Investigate your prospective employer! You don’t want to under dress or overdress and seem like you didn’t do your research.

If you’re not sure when headed to an interview, air on the side of caution and dress more conservatively.

Skirts are technically considered MORE conservative for women than pants. Many think the opposite.

If you’re a woman in a mostly man’s environment, dressing more conservatively is probably in your favor. You don’t want your clothes to outshine your work.

Some good websites for more tips: http://www.quintcareers.com/dress_for_success_books.html (books) http://www.symsdress.com

Building Your WardrobeThe Basics

The basic suit A good blouse, preferably in a solid color A leather portfolio that can hold the

necessities: notepad, pen, resumes and business cards

Comfortable close-toed heels Tote bag

FIT

Sleeve and shoulder should meet at not quite a 90 angle.

Sleeve, if full-length, should fall to the highest knuckle of your thumb.

You should be able to move freely without being uncomfortable.

Pants should just reach the floor or come a little above, depending on personal preference.

Button-front blouses should not pull at the arms or gap at the chest. No cleavage!

Skirts should reach the knee or come 1-2 inches above.

FIND A GOOD TAILOR!

Some good tailors in Athens: Alterations Express (Georgia Square Mall) Jos. A. Banks (Beechwood) Davis Alterations (Chase St.)

Don’t forget to ACCESSORIZE!SHOES

Don’t forget to ACCESSORIZE!BAGS

Don’t forget to ACCESSORIZE!SCARVES & BELTS

Don’t forget to ACCESSORIZE!JEWELRY

Shopping on a Budget

Get on mailing lists and email listservs! Consider a store card if you mostly stick

to shopping mostly in one store. Befriend the sales people. Mix and match! Consider the “day to night” situation. Use shopping websites to your advantage.

Ruelala.com Bluefly.com Shopbop.com

Teacher

Banker

Interior Designer

Realtor

Business Dinner

Office Happy Hour

Christmas Party

Casual Friday

Have a “signature look”

Give people something to remember you by! Former Secretary of State Madeline Albright and her

signature pins“If you want to know how I’m feeling, read my

pins.”

A few things to keep nearby…

Safety pins, needle and thread Stain remover Handheld steamer Double-stick tape Lint roller Wrinkle-release spray

And don’t forget…

Try your clothes on ahead of time A good haircut… and natural colors

please! Breath mints Deodorant!!! Well-manicured hands

No crazy nail polish colors for work in most instances

Have clothes laundered- no wrinkles!

And of course, come shop J.Crew!

J.Crew offers a 15% student discount at all locations

10% off when you open a J.Crew card… A good idea if you’re buying your first work wardrobe! (This first-day discount will combine with the student discount as well!)

Free personal shopping experience… Just call ahead!

My store’s info if you want to come see me or one of our personal shoppers:

J.Crew @Perimeter Mall4400 Ashford Dunwoody Rd, Suite 1360Atlanta, Ga, 30346(770) 551-8900

Other locations all around metro-Atlanta: Mall of Georgia Lenox Mall Northpoint Mall The Forum at Peachtree The Avenue at East Cobb

All clothing and accessories featured in this presentation can be found currently on jcrew.com