For many, fashion is more than just clothing, it’s self-expression and a reflection of the moment. With so many styles it can be difficult to find the best pieces to serve you. College students breaking into the work-force face this issue directly.
College students have created many styles and trends of their own. Outfits worn to class have shifted a focus towards comfort rather than flashy items. This allows students to get from place to place, sit through lectures, and work through assignments while they are feeling their most relaxed.
This laid-back approach to campus style has increased popularity in sweatsuits and loungewear. Matching sets have become extremely potent on campuses. While they offer comfort for students, they are also a clean, put-together look to showcase style simultaneously.
Campus sweatshirts have also maintained their popularity throughout the past few years. Not only are these cozy items, they also allow students to showcase their school spirit on campus. Typically paired with sweatpants or leggings, they are able to match items students can easily find in their closets.
As the week flows into the weekend, students are eager to showcase their personal senses of style. Whether they are going to local bars, campus parties, or hanging out with their friends, weekends in college bring out an excitement for fashion.
Going out tops have always been popular in college culture. While they aren’t typically super expensive, they are elevated tops that allow students to dress for a fun occasion. It gives students a chance to have fun with their clothes after spending a week relying on comfort to get them through the day.
With so many styles, as graduation creeps closer and closer, it’s only reasonable to ask the question: What do I wear now? It can be tricky for college students to break out of their campus comfort zones and adjust to what to wear to break into their careers.
New generation of style
Unlike previous generations, Gen Z is stepping into an untraditional work environment. After the pandemic, the traditional idea of the workplace changed significantly. There are so many different ways you can work. Remote and hybrid workplaces have become just as prominent as in-person jobs.
It can be difficult for new graduates to know what attire is appropriate for these new, different workspaces. The shift in tradition leaves the lines between casual and professional more blurred than ever.
For decades, there was a predictable pattern in professional styles. Pencil skirts, button-downs, slacks, and loafers were prominent pieces to have in your wardrobe. These fit the standard of what was appropriate to wear when coming into work.
Today, these styles are harder to predict. Some students come into interviews dressed in blazers, while others take a more comfortable approach. Zoom has had a large impact on this change in expectations. For years, students have been taking classes in the comfort of their own spaces, so they were able to have flexibility surrounding what they wore.
Gathering of office workers (Shutterstock/Anton Vierietin)
After adapting to so many changes, most people in Gen Z don’t want to completely change the way they dress to adapt to the workplace. Their individuality in style has been something that they can showcase throughout the past few years, so it is hard to let that go after graduation.
The goal of adjusting to professional attire isn’t to diminish what they love about style, it is about extenuating what they already love and elevating it into something more professional after graduation.
Elevated basics
When stepping into the workplace, there are plenty of pieces that can find a new life. Campus styles can be transformed into professional attire with the right styling.
Elevated basics are a key staple in most students’ wardrobes. Not only do they fit any occasion, but they are easy to dress up and elevate into something completely different. High-quality tees, fitted long-sleeves, and solid tanks can be perfect pieces to use as a starting point for a professional look.
Pairing these clean, neutral pieces with more traditional staples, such as trousers, can create the perfect look for an interview or a day in the office. Jewelry and polished hairstyles can make the look even more put-together. This gives an old campus look a whole new life without having to spend more money.
Professional doesn’t necessarily mean uncomfortable. Tailored, but comfortable, pants such as wide-leg trousers and ponte pants are perfect for long days working. Whether you are working remotely or sitting down in person, they can be the perfect go-to.
These ideal pieces for long desk days can be paired with almost anything. You can circle back to your basics or find something to make the look even more you.
Zoom styles
When working over Zoom, you may feel drawn to more comfortable pieces. Spending long periods of time sitting in front of a screen can make you want to go for a more casual style.
Focusing on the top can be a perfect way to do this. While you wear comfortable pants that won’t be seen during the workday, you can still show off a cute look.
Linen or lightweight fabrics are perfect ways to do this. While they still appear professional and put together, they are loose and flowy to maintain comfort.
Solid colors and muted patterns are super easy ways to pull this look off. While it appears well on the meeting, it can be an easy way to make it through the day at your desk.
Coming into the winter season, comfort can start to mean staying warm. Knitwear is a great way to stay warm and cozy while you work from home.
These pieces look amazing in hybrid roles. They look great on camera and they are extremely flexible pieces. Depending on the rest of the look, knitwear like sweaters are able to be dressed up or dressed down to fit the environment.
Sweaters are also pieces that you can wear outside of the workplace. Coming into the career field from college, there are definitely plenty of knitwear pieces that can find a new life in your workplace wardrobe.
Professional pointers
When dressing up to show up for an interview or in-person workplace, there can be an added pressure to look presentable. Looking back on some of the traditional looks can be a good way to start.
Blazers can be a perfect way to look even more professional and confident. They are easy to find in stores and online, and they can even be thrifted if you’re looking to shop secondhand.
You can wear basics or an old going out top underneath to make the outfit feel more youthful and fun. There are tons of ways to make a traditional outfit look unique.
Professional looks don’t necessarily mean changing the way you present yourself. Using traditions as a baseline can set you up to accessorize and add pieces that showcase who you are.
Adding statement shoes, jewelry, and hairstyles can showcase the personality that you have while maintaining a polished look at the same time.
Building a wardrobe on a budget
Coming out of college, it can be difficult to find the money to create a whole new closet. However, you don’t need to. The pieces that you can wear can be old pieces you elevate. If you are looking to find new items, it can be efficient to find key pieces that can appear in many different outfits.
Having 2 or 3 basic shirts that you can adjust to different environments or outfits is a perfect way to start. These can be solid color pieces that match anything or they can be something you love and can alter to any look.
A button-down or blouse is another key element that can be utilized in many different ways. It’s a polished, clean piece that is easy to dress up and make your own.
Shoes are an easy way to make a look casual or dressy. Having a good pair of heels can dress up the look for the day while a sneaker can allow the look to feel more relaxed.
With these key pieces, you can create dozens of different looks that are suitable for any occasion. They are perfect to adjust for interviews, hybrid work days, remote meetings, or a day in the office.
Bridging the gap
Bridging the gap between college fashion and early professional style doesn’t require muting the things you love or rebranding yourself completely. Instead, it’s about refining the styles that you already love.
You can lean into comfort to maintain efficiency in your work day while adding a little more structure. Choosing quality pieces over quantity and building on them is a perfect way to take on styles in this new chapter of your life.
This new generation approaches professional looks in a way that’s modern and fresh. Keeping their personality and statement pieces represented showcasing who they are.
With the right staples and mindset, the transition can feel natural rather than overwhelming.
