As summer draws to a close, I begin to celebrate the arrival of fall, the start of school and the chance to evaluate a few closets. Evaluate closets? You’re likely thinking, “Where did that come from?”
As an image consultant (and former college student), I know internships have ended. So now recent college graduates are either starting new jobs or on the job-hunting trail. With 55% of first impressions based on appearance… there’s little wiggle room for mishaps. Given that, here are some steps to building a basic wardrobe for fall:
1. Check your inventory
Ladies, do you have a decent pair of pumps, a dress, a dress shirt, slacks, a cardigan, and a pair of unripped jeans? Men, do you have a suit, dress shirt, tie, dress socks, chinos, belt, and a pair of unripped jeans? If not, get them.
2. Organize your closet
Figure out what you have, purge what you do not need and list the things you will need. Here’s a quick way to start. First, purge the oversize sweatshirts, excessively ripped jeans, and the 30 or more ill fitting free t-shirts. Next, purchase some wooden or Velcro hangers. To make items easier to find, separate your clothing according to lifestyle. Then hang pieces by color. Store summer clothes away. Send items to dry cleaner for extended wear.
3. Add color
Is your budget too tight to build a new wardrobe? Add color to what you already have. A statement necklace, scarf, patterned tights, or a tie with splashes of color can brighten up any outfit.
4. Hit up vintage or secondhand stores
Since its season has passed, you end up with a designer original. Visit places like ebay.com or thethriftshopper.com.
5. Shop the closet of an experienced professional.
After years in corporate, you may find someone who is willing to give it away just to clear up space.
6. Buy quality clothing you can afford to keep up.
Many of the quality pieces out there require dry cleaning. Check the label. Though dry cleaning bills can add up you can also wear these items more than once!
7. Get what you need.
Go shopping with your list of needs. Don’t let Labor Day or one day sales suck you in! Kindly, turn down freebies from the experienced professional if you do not need them.
There’s so much more I can say but the truth is you already know most of this. Whatever you do just remember… people judge your brand by what you wear. Getting ahead requires more than hard work. Building a work wardrobe with the right pieces is just a start. You should always ask yourself, “What else can I do to strengthen my brand?”
Elethia Deal is an image consultant and professional speaker for Alexander Q Image Group. She regularly holds workshops on personal branding, color analysis, financial management… to name a few. She is also a speaker for the Making It Count Programs of Monster Worldwide where she speaks to over 2,000 students each year about managing money, finding a career and personal branding.
