"Fashion Fades but Style Is Forever"

Have you seen the new show "Suits"? It’s a great story of Mike Ross, a young genius working as a junior associate at a prestigious New York City law firm, without a law degree. It airs on USA Thursdays at 10 p.m. Harvey Specter, the senior partner of the firm, saw something in Ross and decided to take a chance on him.

Specter said something in the premiere that caught my attention. He wasn’t too keen on the suit Ross was wearing before heading out to meet a client. He told the new associate, “People respond to the clothes you wear.”

This statement really stuck with me because it isn’t the first time I heard someone say it. As young people breaking into the workforce, we often times don’t get the respect we deserve. Don’t get me wrong, we are just putting our first foot down on the corporate ladder, but hey at least we’re all on the same ladder. Often we are underestimated, but a great way to earn respect is through your dress.

One of my mentors told me: As a young professional always dress professional even if others in your work environment do not. It’s a way for others to take you more seriously. Thanks for that advice Mark!

As young people, our disposable incomes likely won’t fund extensive designer wardrobes, so just invest in a few nice pieces. My grandmother says good clothes never go out of style! Stay in one night, watch a Netflix and use your “going out” money to buy a nice pair of slacks. Trust me, you will immediately notice the difference.

Check out a few pieces I’m saving up for:

Stuart Weitzman  “Bowright” Platform Pumps
Lauren by Ralph Lauren “Lovell” Tissue Linen Shirt Dress
Diane von Furstenberg Alexandria Knit Dress 

Another thing to consider is the appropriateness of the attire. I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard upper level management complain about the way younger people dress at work. My rule of thumb is if you think something is “iffy” you probably shouldn’t wear it to work.

How do you determine what’s appropriate at work, and what stores give you the best finds? I can't get enough of Bloomingdales, but would love to hear from you!