Business Professional Dress For College Budget

[OnlySunshine]

You're very welcome!   

 

If you can find one, Mater, look for a soft-sided 'portfolio bag' (sometimes you can find a good one that is a laptop case?) that you can use as a way to carry the resumes AND your non-interview clothes.   Something like this:

 

 

(DO NOT wear that outfit, however!!!!)

 

I had one that was a little larger, and it was roomy enough that literally I was able to put a back pillow in one at one point when I had a long bus trip before and after an interview and needed to wear athletic shoes until the VERY moment I went in for the interview.

 

With one of these, no one was the wiser!!!!

 

You may be able to find one at a consignment shop or almost certainly at an office supply store or mall.  You don't have to pay a ton for it... but you'll keep this in the back of the closet for YEARS and it will pay for itself.  It's a classic that will NEVER go out of style.  And, if you get one that will hold your laptop, you may be using it for MANY years AT work!

 

I'll be heading to the consignment stores either tomorrow or Friday so I'll be on the lookout for something like that.  TJ Maxx has become my new best friend for accessories so I might check there, too.  Marshalls, OTOH, is not very helpful as the ones here are very small.  I'll be also checking Walmart and other low cost places for some good shoes as the ones I have are strappy or embellished and not very professional looking.

[AnneLine]

You might want to think about this, too....

 

I ordered my laptop bag one from Staples on line - got free shipping and a great deal.  These are getting to be more common, so just keep an eye open for a good deal... look for the ones that are leather or leather-like and snap it up when you see a good one.  Be sure your laptop will fit in it (if you have one!) so it will do double work as your laptop bag AND your interview portfolio bag....

[Basilisa Marie]

Loads of great suggestions here. :) I want to add that it's a really, really good idea to have one good generic blazer (aka suit jacket thingy) in a neutral color that fits reasonably well. It really takes things to the next level as far as business attire goes, and you can usually find them at a secondhand store like Goodwill. Most people go with black, but my old standby is grey and I love it. Even if you don't find one in time, it's totally worth it to eventually have one in your wardrobe. 
 

Oh, and if you wear a skirt, nylons can help pump up the professionalism factor. I hate nylons, so I normally don't wear them except to interviews and other really professional stuff. :)

[AnneLine]

Very definite yes on the nylons... or you can use dark tights (or nylons) to match your shoes and outfit.  

[marigold]

Very definite yes on the nylons... or you can use dark tights (or nylons) to match your shoes and outfit.  

 

Or if you can't be bothered to shave your legs.

[Just a Skosh]

Also don't be afraid to be original.  Make sure you pick something professional that you still feel represents YOU, not just what you want to look like.  Having some color is fine, having a ribbon on a laptop bag is fine, not having a laptop bag, fine also...  You can be original without looking ratty and unprofessional.  Also depends what kind of jobs you're looking for.  If you're going for a more creative type job, you obviously have more freedom, they want someone original and inventive.  If you want to be an accountant, than you need a serious wardrobe.

 

 

[OnlySunshine]

Since I'm enrolled in the Health Administration program, I'm looking for clerical/administrative positions.  I was able to look at a list of the recruiters and find out which ones were hiring for my major and which tables to approach.  There are about 7 or 8 so far that I have an active interest in and that are hiring for my major.  :)

[Basilisa Marie]

Or if you can't be bothered to shave your legs.

 

I've totally pulled the "dark tights instead of shaved legs" thing so I can get some extra sleep on a Sunday morning. :) 

[OnlySunshine]

Well, I looked at Walmart and Ross today and came up with nothing, unfortunately.  I'll be hitting the consignment shop tomorrow as we have a pretty nice one a few blocks away.  They don't take in junk like most of the thrift stores in the area do.  I hate going to Goodwill, especially, because most of the stuff should be chucked in the trash.  The only other thrift shop that I think might have good stuff is connected to a hospice organization.  I might check them this weekend, too.  :)