The Monroe Street Journal

Issue date: 1/28/08 Section: Inside Ross

Ally McBeal, Cher Horowitz, Rachel from "Friends"; all women I loved when I was in High School. But looking back, it wasn't actually Ally who I liked, but her clothes. I thought about the day when I too would be a lawyer and could wear mini-skirts and sky, high heels to work. It never crossed my mind that she, and these other women, dressed inappropriately for the work place. But as I matured, so did my taste and understanding of professional attire, which I mostly attribute to the hundreds of dollars I have spent on magazines. And while I agree that employers care more about your resume than how you look, I am also aware that interviewers will judge me the second they meet me, and that will mostly be a result of my appearance. It would be a pity for any of us to not be hired as a result of poor dressing. So, while I am not Anna Wintour, I am going to share my thoughts on appropriate attire for interview season.

The problem I see most often is Fit, and I am not referring to that portion of your interview. I am talking about clothes that do not fit. You know, the ones from undergrad that you are still trying to squeeze over your expanded waistline. Here's a sign they don't fit - if you can't bend in your pants without worrying about them splitting when you sit the in Kresge waiting room, then they are too small. Some of you also buy clothes that are many sizes too large. If you are a small guy, own it. Wearing bigger clothes doesn't mean you will magically grow into them. Instead, you look like a boy playing dress up in your dad's closet. You are a man who wants to project intelligence, confidence and be respected. Start dressing that way.

For you ladies, if you are constantly pulling down your skirt, buy a size up and find a tailor to alter the skirt. The idea is that you should be confident in your work wear, and if it doesn't fit, you will only feel like an over-stuffed sausage.

Another problem is bad taste. I know I know, you are saying, 'who are you Alexa, to be judging me. You wear sequins, Uggs to school and lots of pink. Well, guess what, I was asked to write this and you weren't, so just listen. There are differences in taste, I agree. But bad taste in usually unanimous. First, we are not in the 80's. Big shoulder pads and pleated pants are a no-no. If Joan Collins or anyone from "Dallas" would these clothes, then you should not. Second, colors that can be described using bodily excrements are usually not flattering. Examples include Puke Green, Poo Brown and Pee Yellow. Third, unless you are interviewing for a job with Scores or Chippendales, you should not be wearing anything that can be associated with Sex. Men, make sure your pants aren't too tight in front, no matter how happy you are with your goods. And ladies, do not show lingerie or boobs. One girl once told me her breasts weren't her own so she didn't care who saw them. Do not go with that attitude. It's better to be conservative than be labeled as the provocative person in the office before you even start.

Continued...

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