Ask Angie: Young Professionals in their 20s

Dear Angie,
I'm a recent, but avid reader of your blog. I'm a 24 year young and energetic lady about to enter law school this fall. In the last two years, I've started taking an interest in fashion as a form of self expression (that I'm a serious but pulled together young female) and a way to express my femininity.
I'm at the point where I want to know more about fashion in the way someone going to fashion school would learn. Unfortunately, fashion school is not in my future but I still have so many questions about fabrics, how the fashion season cycle works, what to look for, how to save on dry cleaning, what fabrics are best for withstanding wrinkles, the elements of fashion, structure, what completes an ensemble, how to appraise one's wardrobe, how to balance an outfit, etc. I guess I want to know more about the SCIENCE of fashion so that I can shop smart, use my money wisely, and convey a consistent, serious image at an age where I need to do so the most. I'm keenly aware that women can make fashion mistakes that sabotage their image (rightly or wrongly) at critical points in their career. I hope to bypass that. I also want to maintain my femininity (yes, even in a suit!), and find a way to add small bits of colour that set me apart from the masses of blue and black suits. I also want to achieve a relaxed business casual look whilst I'm a student. Wearing a suit to class is not on....but I figure it's time to start looking a little smarter even whilst studying.
If someone wanted to be a more serious "student" of fashion but is unable to go to fashion school, what resources (besides your fantastic blog) might you point me to? Any great books or web resources? Perhaps a short online course?

Cheers!

15 years ago

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Hi AMatthews! It's admirable that you want to become a student of fashion. Love your attitude! If you keep reading YLF, you will find an unsurpassed amount of information and knowledge here, and you do have four years' worth of blog posts to catch up on! Use yourself as a way to learn by posting outfits. That's the best way to start.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Thanks Laura, and welcome to the forum, AMatthews!

I was going to suggest what Laura suggested. I have been in the international rag trade for almost 18 years and am still deeply entrenched in it. My thoughts, guidelines and opinions are documented on the blog site - 4 years worth and still going strong. Pick a category and work your way through the archives. Its a great hands on way to start.

Furthermore, the comments and feedback on the blog posts and on the forum threads are just as educational. You'll have many aha moments.

Kristine

I agree, YLF is a great place to learn!

I check out fashion books from the library sometimes. I like Tim Gunn: A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style. The What Not to Wear books are helpful too. You can't go wrong with checking out books or watching movies on influential designers like Chanel or Yves St. Laurent either. I just saw a movie on Chanel called Coco before Chanel and I would recommend it.

Frances

Active Member

AMatthews, I just wanted to add another welcome. Angie's blog archives are wonderful to sift through and the YLF Forum is an excellent sounding board for advice on work-appropriate attire. I also wanted to suggest one additional resource in case you haven't already stumbled across it: a blog called Corporette. It's geared toward women business and legal professionals and has excellent discussions and commentary on office-appropriate attire, as well as other issues that arise for legal professionals in particular. It seems to be a particular favorite of young female law students who are seeking advice about the propriety of this, that and the other thing in their summer intern or clerking positions. Hope you find something helpful over there if you visit.

mgshakes

Hi AMatthews! I was so glad to read your post since I'm the same age and in the same boat as you...(except in academia instead of law...a field with less uniformity style-wise, but maybe lower standards...?)

Have you checked out the iTunes U FIDM videocasts? To be honest, I have not, but they've been on my to-watch list for a while. For more historical info you could check out the Victoria & Albert podcasts (also on iTunes U), but I'm not sure if you're interested in that angle.

But really, posting any questions on the YLF forum might be the most instructive thing you could do!!

Category