The Right At-Work Looks for New Grads

When you're fresh out of school, some outfits work better than others.

ByABC News
August 4, 2008, 3:55 PM

August 5, 2008— -- Alyson Suter Alber, assistant dean of admissions at Case Western Reserve University School of Law, knows how to dress in a professional environment. But many of her students, who depart for some of the nation's top law firms after three years of jeans, khakis and tank tops, often do not.

To help guide them, Alber has called in professional clothiers from Tom James, a Franklin, Tenn.-based suiting company with outposts worldwide, to outline the basics of dressing in a professional environment. The Tom James representatives host a PowerPoint presentation that highlights appropriate looks for interviews, those first weeks in the office and meeting with clients. These include solid suits in navy and charcoal and printed ensembles in birdseye and glen plaid.

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"They're able to give them a visual so the students get some idea of what is really professional," says Alber. "Many believe they can only wear a dark suit and a white shirt. This gives them some options."

Tom James holds similar seminars at other universities--and even professional offices--countrywide, free of charge for the organizations. Christian Boehm, merchandising director and vice president of marketing at Tom James, says it helps the clothier get its name out to potential clients.

"There's no selling, but it does introduce the name to the youngest generation," says Boehm of the undergrads and graduates who get the presentation. "We like to get their attention while they're young."

The first matter discussed is interviewing. Even before you land the job, you've got to look the part, and Boehm and his colleagues believe a navy suit is appropriate for both men and women. The color evokes power and is ideal for a first meeting. Ralph Lauren's two-button men's suit creates a lean silhouette with a narrow lapel and is made of extra-fine worsted wool. Black lace-up shoes for men and black medium-heel pumps for women work well with this look. Also invest in a calf-leather briefcase after you've acquired a suit and shoes.