By Jennifer Davis

By Jennifer Davis

It’s that time of year: interview season, the most nerve-wracking time of year, besides maybe finals. So much goes into prepping for an interview, from what to say and most importantly what to wear. Like everyone always says, you never get a second chance to make a first impression, and the first thing your possible future employer sees is what you’re wearing.

Choosing what to wear is a difficult task. There is a fine line between age appropriate and professional. The outfit needs to be youthful, yet showing too much skin or dressing too casually are big no nos.

Many people associate dressing professionally with wearing suits. For guys, I would say it is a must to wear suits. While it depends on the particular job one is being interviewed for, a suit really is the most appropriate choice if interviewing for a job in a professional environment. Every guy should invest in a nice, well fitting suit. Even though there are subtle trend changes to the suit from season to season, a classic suit never goes out of style. For girls, I would say that even though the pantsuit has made a comeback, it strips away the ability to express personal style. Menswear is in this season, so to make an outfit look more professional try a well-cut blazer and pair it with either a cute dress or skirt.

Don’t be afraid of color when dressing for an interview. Being serious and professional does not mean you need to stick with black, gray, navy or brown. Especially in spring, adding a pop of color is appropriate. For guys, adding a colorful or patterned tie is the easiest way to make a conservative outfit more youthful. Girls should try a colorful bag or earrings. If you decide to wear a neutral blazer, wear it with a colorful top or dress.

And remember having confidence is the best accessory of all.

photo credit: http://www.thesartorialist.com/photos/22110OliviaP_8515Web.jpg, http://www.thesartorialist.com/photos/21510Luigi7220Web.jpg

By: Jordan Bagel

Galen O’Brien Blumenthal, 19, is a sophomore at UT Austin with a Plan II Honors and Political Science major.  As this past weekend was Austin City Limits music festival, students all across campus were dressing to represent their favorite bands that would be featured at ACL.  Galen is a super music junkie obsessed with Dave Matthews Band.  He says that music is a part of him, and he expressed it through fashion.  Here, he is wearing a Banana Republic blazer, a vintage concert t-shirt, and J.Crew jeans and belt.  He admits that he isn’t so much into following the latest trends or wearing designer labels, but that he enjoys “simply looking stylish.”  Ultimately, Galen dresses to express, not to impress, and for that he is admired.  

By: Kelly McLendon

Hana Al-Hawash is a sophomore at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne.  She’s also the resident style guru for the weekly newspaper office she works in. When she is not making style recommendations to others, she is out shopping.

“I don’t really have a style influence other than myself. My inspiration store is Forever 21. They always have the newest crazy articles of clothing that you don’t find elsewhere until a few months later. Other than that, I wear what I like; and it just so happens that what I like is fashionable.” she said.

In the future, she hopes to work for a fashion magazine and cites Vogue as a possibility.

But fashion isn’t always so complicated, she says.

“A good outfit is one that is simple and put together. If you take simple basics, add something crazy or colorful, plus some nice accessories, you are set. Sometimes, less is more.”

Al-Hawash also says wearing too many accessories can be a bad thing. “If you buy the newest skinny pants with high-tops because they are said to be “in,” but you are a flip-flops and flowing skirts kind of person, you will not feel comfortable. You might even look awkward, which makes your outfit look bad, no matter how new.” she said.

She takes a loving approach to the definition of style.

“Style means showing who you are on the outside at every moment. Sure you can paint and make music, but not everyone sees that. People look at you and see who you are by what you are wearing and your attitude. If you look and feel put together, people will see this.” she said.