Dear Jacquelyn,

I recently graduated from grad school and have accepted a position that will require me to wear business attire. I would like some tips on how to update my college wardrobe.

Dear Reader,

Congratulations on your new job! Trading in your jeans and T-shirts for professional clothes can be a daunting task. And for recent graduates without much money to spare, the process may seem expensive and overwhelming. To get started, search for bargains. Shopping at outlets can save you a ton of money. And pay close attention to special sales.

Pace yourself. You don’t need to buy a new wardrobe all in one day. Start with a few color-coordinated pieces that you can mix and match. Build your professional closet slowly, adding classic pieces as you can afford them. Updating your image and putting your best shoe forward will send a positive message to your clients and boss. Don’t underestimate the power of your appearance.

Think about a policeman’s uniform, and a doctor’s white jacket. These garments assure us that the person we are dealing with is an authority in their field. Your attire speaks volumes about you. Attire is a critical tool in business that is often overlooked. We make decisions about people within the first three seconds of meeting them. We then spend the next 90 seconds trying to confirm our first impressions.

This means that before you even open your mouth, you’ve been sized up. Knowing this, a professional should dress professionally and appropriately. The fact is, you never know who you are going to meet. At anytime, you may run into a potential client or a future employer. And like it or not, they are going to form their initial impression of you based off of how you look.

Here is a quick checklist of items you should consider investing in.

Suits: For women and men, Navy blue is a fail-safe choice for suit color. Charcoal and black are considered traditional suit colors.

Quality shoe: For women, the best choice is the classic pump. For men, a presidential laced style shoe; with or without the cap toe, in black. Buy the best pair of shoes you can afford.

Shirt color: The most professional shirts for men and women are white and light blue.

In a competitive world, it pays to understand the importance of your clothing. Investing in your personal presentation will multiply your ability to succeed.

Respectfully Yours, Jacquelyn

Have a question? Email: jacquelyn@ptd.net. Jacquelyn Youst is owner of Jacquelyn Youst Etiquette Consulting, specializing in protocol training. She works with the National Civility Foundation. All Rights Reserved &Copy; 2018 Jacquelyn Youst