Dressing the part

BY KHOSSY ZONDO

After securing a place for attachment the next worry for some students is what they are going to wear for the workplace that they are going to be in. Maybe you wore a fabulous outfit for your interview to impress, got the job and now your main worry is how you will impress every other day of work. When picking out outfits for attachment/internship/placement keep in mind that no one can look glamorous every day. Before you start panicking and bothering your parents for money for a shopping spree you have to first understand the type of workplace that you will be in. Some companies provide uniforms for daily use while some may give details on the companies’ dress code in the contract. However, some companies simply assume that a university student will dress ‘appropriately’ for their new position.

Remember that no matter where you are attached you do not have to spend hundreds of dollars to look formal and you do not have to wear different clothing throughout the year, you are a student and everyone knows and understands that. There is no need for designer clothes; you can shop even from affordable shops or from a thrift shop. The dress code for many companies is usually divided into three categories: formal, casual and business casual. Business casual wear can be a bit tricky as it is somewhere in the middle of formal and casual wear. Formal clothing tends to include strict office wear. For women, most companies prefer skirts and dresses that aren’t too short, slacks that aren’t too tight as you would also feel uncomfortable and necklines aren’t too low. For men formal means always tucking in your formal shirt and having a tie and a belt.

Dressing up for work on a daily basis is really different from dressing up for campus. This does not only mean outfits but accessories such as hair and makeup. If the office is a little less formal and more casual, you can ensure that your casual wear still looks smart and presentable. A more casual office does not mean you should pull up in crop tops, shorts or roughly ripped jeans (please do not embarrass your university).  Remember that people will judge you from what you are wearing before you start speaking. It is important to blend in with what everyone else in your work place is wearing. Most importantly, remember that you’re still a student and your main goal is to learn, looking the part is a secondary goal!