In Transition - YouLookFab Forum

I was reading the thread on shopping a season ahead. Definitely sound advice on shopping early. I myself have made the mistake of waiting too long to pick up winter items this year, and now I just have to keep pushing through with my existing wardrobe for at least another 2-and-a-half months. I often miss spring altogether because we don't have appropriate weather until May if not later.

Anyway, I am struggling a bit with my decision making on when/what to purchase this year. I have only bought a handful of clothing items in the past two years and my wardrobe is really down on its luck! I am graduating at the end of April and will have an internship to finish up during may and june. After that I will be looking for employment. Unfortunately, I don't yet know what I will be doing for my internship and the options are very diverse. Chances are I could end up camping in the high desert (in which case I need to buy new hiking shoes, but not much else) or working as a public representative of a local museum or with clients in a residential situation.

Then, as that wraps up I will be applying for jobs once again in July, with a greater chance of needing professional dress.

In the meantime my casual wardrobe that I wear everyday to classes, ect. could use some sprucing, but it really still is winter here. I also don't want to overdo it as this year is going to be spendy for me clothing wise having to eventually invest in more business or smart casual pieces. Our campus culture and my department is extremely casual, and dressed down "business" pieces still run the chance of sticking out like a sore thumb. I am also concerned because I am currently and am likely to experience more fluctuations in weight because of my cardiologist adjusting a medication that can cause weight gain and loss and fluid retention.

On the other hand, I like to shop ahead because I live in a rural area and am hard to fit. Even if I don't need professional clothing until July, that still leaves me with three months of hot (85-95) weather.

I have the presentation of my thesis and my graduation in April I will need clothes for.

What is a girl to do?

15 years ago

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

May I suggest shopping right now for one dressier outfit? It can see you through your thesis defence, graduation and your first few job interviews. Not sure if you prefer dresses or skirt + top combos, but I think a really killer outfit like this is in order considering the milestones you're about to encounter!
So, what is your favourite colour palette? What silhouette do you feel most comfortable in? These are things you can give some thought to. You'll be at an advantage by shopping early for this, or really any, spring wardrobe item...you'll have the best possible selection to choose from!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I love Michelle's suggestion. Add a few casual pieces to keep you going and wait till you know your work dress code after July.

Elly

Thank you both for the good advice. It was probably an easy question. I just haven't had to deal with interview/professional wear in many years. My last few jobs were either landscaping/construction or were positions with the college. I don't know the first think about what would be best for me. I was always a dress trouser kind of girl, but I think a skirt or dress might be more flattering. I never used to tuck with my trousers, but it takes a very special kind of shirt/blouse to make the untucked look as professional as tucked. I am also concerned with fit and tailoring because of my proportions and long arms and legs. I prefer dark neutrals for suiting pieces or dresses-- black, navy, and dark brown are better for me than greys.

celia

Michelle went straight to the point. You already have good advice.
If you love them, and I guess with your fit they are not easy to find a nice pair of navy trouser that you can dress up or down might be a good piece to actively seach along with the suit.
Good luck!

Jenava

I would also suggest looking for items that can be layered and un-layered for maximum versatility (boyfriend cardis, interesting tanks or camis that you can layer over a base layer and under a top layer)

Ok. My first suggestion would be to acquire a sheath in either navy or black, whichever one you think will be more versatile for your wardrobe. You can then acquire just a handful of other pieces to make it appropriate for various settings. You can dress it down with a cardy or layer it over a t-shirt, pop on a jacket (maybe in a colour) for interviews, thesis defence etc, find some glamorous accessories (sparkly scarf, jewel-tone heels, something like that) for graduation...but the sheath would be your staple. It doesn't have to be super-form-fitting...mine isn't, it just has to be reasonably streamlined.
How does that sound, just for starters?
All the other advice you've received is great, too.
And if you're upping your casualwear game, perhaps invest in one really super pair of jeans in a silhouette of your choice?

Thanks for reposting Michelle! I think that your suggestion sounds like a good plan. I have been looking at sheath dresses since you made the suggestion and having problems finding something that I like/I think will flatter, but I am going to keep searching.

I could definitely see the right sheath working in all those situations with a blazer or cardi (belted) and plainer pumps for interviews and the defense and with a leopard print belt and red shoes or something fun for graduation.

I probably do need to buy a new pair of jeans, but I think I could really use a couple of button downs and blouses to add variety to my t-shirts and probably a light jacket once my parka isn't needed anymore.

Great Ideas! Thank you so much for your suggestions and patience with me--

Celia and Jenava also had good ideas, navy trousers do sound appealing!

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