A job interview you are sure to get

If you're an upperclassmen like me, you've probably begun the daunting task of attending career fairs and job interviews. As if this new and unfamiliar stage in your life isn't intimidating enough, you also have to deal with the burden of picking out the perfect outfit.

An outfit for a job interview is arguably one of the most stressful because you want to make a great first impression for your possible future employer. (what? are we really that old?) Presentation is everything when it comes to a good job interview, and what's the first thing your interviewer will see when they lay eyes on you? Sorry ladies, the answer is not your 4.0 GPA, it's your outfit.

What you're wearing is crucial in this type of encounter because it can play a big role in your interviewer's first impression of you. If you're reading this and think I'm shallow or simply don't believe me, think about this: companies interview a countless number of college students each year, with only a short amount of time to get to know each one and decide whether or not they are what the company is looking for. So, anything you can do to boost your image and make yourself stand out will only work to your advantage.

For example, if you show up to a job interview in jeans and a t-shirt, you probably won't be taken seriously. On the other hand, if you show up in a fancy business suit, you could be viewed as trying to hard. So what is the answer? Let me tell you what I think.

College can be a strange limbo because you're on the verge of adulthood, but not quite there yet. Let that show in your outfit choice! You're still in college and your interviewer knows that. So don't try to blow them away with some fancy pantsuit that makes you look like you're 20 years older than you actually are. (Trust me, you will have the rest of your life to wear those things once you actually get the job.) Instead, try to incorporate business-like clothing into an outfit that you would enjoy wearing as a college student.

For example, try a pair of high wasted dress pants that you can tuck a nice button-down blouse into. The pant-blouse combo is business appropriate yet still emits a young flare. If you want, you can even wear a pair of pants that have a fun but subtle print on them. Next, choose a sleek and flattering blazer to go over your blouse to add the professional look. Lastly, a good pair of heels and a nice bag will polish off the outfit and complete the package.

"I love this outfit," said Julia Duke, junior communications major at the University of Texas at Austin, "It makes me feel confident and professional but I also still feel like a 20-year-old girl."

And there you have it! Chose an outfit like this one and your interviewer will take immediate notice of your sophisticated, put together look. Then all you'll have to do is show off that 4.0 GPA and the job is yours!

Photos:
top left: photo of Julia Duke dressed for a job interview by Kimberly Sebastian
top center:  photo of Julia Duke dressed for a job interview by Kimberly Sebastian
top right:  photo of Julia Duke dressed for a job interview by Kimberly Sebastian 

Comfortable for class

Now that the weather is beginning to change, a practical outfit for class starts to become more complicated. The easy go-to outfit of a comfy cotton shirt and your favorite pair of worn jean shorts, is less of a possibility because of the changing climate.

Since I was born and raised in Connecticut, how to dress for cold weather is a no-brainer. However, since moving to Texas, I've realized that once the weather drops below 60 degrees, people tend to become extremely wardrobe challenged. Walking to class turns into entertainment when I spot a girl dressed in jeans, a heavy peacoat, gloves and hat, followed by a girl dressed in a t-shirt, nike shorts and uggs.

While even this yankee can admit that it can be tricky to pick out a practical outfit for class in a cold weather climate, it is definitely possible.

When picking out an outfit for class the first things I think about are comfort and practicality. If you're like me and you leave you're apartment at 9 a.m. and don't return until around 5 o'clock, it's imperative to dress in something that you can stand wearing for eight hours.


One of my all time favorite pieces of clothing to wear to class are my spandex. They're stretchy, comfortable, and easy to throw on. They're also warm, so they're perfect for chilly weather.

Now, cold weather in Austin can tend to be a little strange. You can leave your apartment in the morning when it's 50 degrees, but come 2 p.m. it can sometimes get to be in the mid to high 70's. This is why I strongly suggest layering.

I like throwing on a comfortable cotton t-shit, a light jacket, and a cute scarf. That way, you're covered for the cooler early morning, but also have the ability to take off your jacket during mid day when it tends to be the warmest.

This is also practical for class because the buildings tend to be heated when the weather gets cooler. With this outfit you can always take off your jacket during class, but still have your scarf on to keep your neck warm.

The last and most important decision is your shoes. If you're like me and live in west campus, you know that your day will consist of a lot of walking, so it's important to wear comfortable and practical shoes that won't hurt your feet. In cold weather, I love wearing my moccasin boots. They are extremely comfortable and always keep my feet nice and warm.

So there you have it. Hopefully I've provided a better class outfit alternative to shorts and uggs. (what is with that by the way?)

P.S. Don't forget a fun pair of shades!

Photos:
top right: photo of Kimberly Sebastian dressed for class by Taylor Green
bottom right: photo of Kimberly Sebastian dressed for class by Taylor Green

A night downtown with the girls

An outfit for downtown really depends on who you are and what you're trying to accomplish that night. If you're the type of girl who goes downtown with the intention of getting as many guys as possible to hit on you, this post is not for you. However, if you enjoy a fun night on the town with your girlfriends, you're in the right place. (And hey, there's no harm if a few guys look your way).

In my opinion, an outfit for downtown should be comfortable, cool, and confident. As I'm sure you know 6th St., also known as "dirty six,"  requires a good amount of walking, so make sure you have on some bearable shoes. I suggest heeled boots because they support your ankles, which will be a life saver when you're stumbling to 7th and Trinity to find a cab at the end of the night.

In addition, I like to go for a pair of cool skinny pants, especially in the winter, that are flexible enough to allow you to drop it low on the dance floor with your girlfriends. Pair those with one of your favorite tops that makes you feel sexy and confident. As I always say ladies: the better you feel on the inside, the better you look on the outside.

To complete the outfit, put on a cool leather jacket to add some edge, and some awesome jewelry for just the right amount of a girly touch. And there you
have it! The perfect outfit for a night downtown. And not that it matters because you're with your girls, but strut your stuff at any bar wearing this awesome outfit and a personality full of confidence, and you'll definitely have looks coming your way.

Which will make it that much better when you recite the classic line: "sorry boys, it's girls night!"

Photos:
top right: photo of Stephanie Collinge dressed for a night downtown by Kimberly Sebastian
bottom right: photo of Stephanie Collinge dressed for a night downtown by Kimberly Sebastian