CollegeCandy » New York & Company

Fashion Porn: Work Wear Basics

Leah - Ryerson University — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 20:00:13 +0000

It’s that time of year again – the time to start hunting for summer jobs or internships (if you haven’t already), or start hunting for job or internship wardrobes (if you’ve already secured the gig). If you’re working in an office or a professional environment chances are you’re going to need to pick up a few pieces. Contrary to what some people think, Uggs and flip flops are not acceptable at most office jobs.

But don’t worry – you don’t have to pre-spend all that money you’re about to earn on a new work wardrobe. There are a few basics that can help make getting dressed for interviews or a work day simple. Just mix-and-match these with your everyday stuff and you’ll have plenty of options all summer long.

Well-fitted basics are the groundwork for a put together, streamlined outfit. Dressing these up with accessories, or fun extras – tops, cardigans, or shoes – add personality to simple pieces and keep you lookin’ like you (and not some dowdy old lady). If you want to hold onto these pieces for the future, it’s always good to spend a bit more and invest in pieces that fit well and are good quality. However, if you have a limited budget, many discount stores offer cheaper alternatives that will get you through your summer gig.

Shopping Your Closet: 3 Ways To Wear A Black T-Shirt

Anna R - Northeastern University — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 18:00:36 +0000

[I used to show you how to pull off runway trends in the series "Rock the Look." In this new series, I'll be taking a different item you probably already have in your closet each week and showing you three new ways to wear it. After all, the best shopping tip anyone will give you is to only buy pieces that work with something you already own.]

A t-shirt is probably something you wear to the gym, or to class with a pair of sweatpants and a hoodie. However, that plain, boring black tee has a lot of fashion potential.

Here, I used this black t-shirt from American Eagle Outfitters to create three cute outfits that anyone could pull off. Here are three new ways to rock a plain t-shirt:

1) Wear a bib necklace to instantly make any plain top stylish. This works best with crew neck t-shirts. For a cute daytime look, throw on a pair of jeans and wear a brightly-colored bib necklace with a few other colorful accessories.

2) For a night time look, glam up a plain tee with dark jeans paired with metallic heels and accessories (like the gold chain belt below).

3) You can even wear a t-shirt to work! Tuck it into a full, pleated skirt and add heels with a few sophisticated accessories, such as a matching leather purse. The key to this look is the t-shirt being tucked in, because wearing it out sends a more casual vibe.

For more fashion tips, follow me on Twitter or read my blog, Style4Me!

Night Styler: It’s an Urban Jungle Out There

Jess T. - Columbia University — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 20:39:36 +0000

[In early adulthood there is an activity that plays a large role in most of our lives; nights out on the town. And with those nights out always comes the question: “What am I gonna wear?!?”

Each week I’ll be putting together a cute and affordable “going out” ensemble guide (that you can tweak to your own personal style and body type, of course) so that maybe that age-old question can be answered a little quicker than usual. And your friends aren’t waiting - for hours - for you to emerge from your room. Just consider me your own (free) personal Rachel Zoe.]

Many of you are getting ready to graduate and start your “grown-up” jobs, or are doing your spring semester internships, which means that business/biz casual style is on the style menu. But then, what do you do for those after-work drinkies, or a weekday evening date? There are ways to look work-appropriate, while still being fashionable enough for a night on the town. Here’s an idea for a fun and easy day-to-evening (or work to workin’ it) ensemble.

Going with a cute cardigan, especially in a fun animal print is completely appropriate for the office, but adds a little “rowr” to your outfit.

This particular cardigan is from New York & Company, which has really cute officewear for very reasonable prices. Bonus: right now if you buy one item, you get 50% off another one on select styles. Target also has a couple cute animal print cardigans (I’m personally a fan of this one in zebra print) that are perfect for this look.

A great way to add some extra oomph is to go with a brightly colored shirt, such a teal, blue or yellow. If you go with the NY&Co cardigan with the yellow accents, I would recommend going with a contrasting color, like a bright blue. (You don’t want to look too matchy matchy for the office or the the evening affair.) And if you really want some sex appeal later in the evening, you can always take off the cardigan.

A nice pair of flared trousers are a must in any working girl’s closet. They are comfortable, chic and versatile enough to be worn to work or rocked out on the town. And if you get them in the right fit, they make your booty look good.

Add a little pop to the outfit with a fun pair of brightly colored shoes. I am loving both of these yellow pairs from Tarjay; they’re both on clearance and the low heels will make them more comfy for an all day (and possibly night) affair.

When it comes to jewelry, subtlety is key. No need for large (and loud) bangles in a quiet office environment. Classic pearls are a great option, or you can up the fabulous factor and go for black pearls. Best news I’ve heard all week? They are available at Target!

With all of these little pieces in place, you’re all ready to kick some butt at the office and break some hearts at the bar. Good luck out there, ladies.