By Emily Creighton

I was always, and still am, the girl my friends go to for fashion advice. The fashion industry and the collections that come from it continue to inspire me. I originally came to the UP to write fashion articles and keep my personal lifestyle blog up and running.

On top of that, I’ve been through the interview process when going out for internships. For example, I was interviewed for BP Nordstrom’s Fashion Board — a fashion marketing and advertising internship for Nordstrom’s junior’s department — which I was a part of for two years.

I understand that dressing for success is much easier said than done. From hair and makeup to blouses and shoes – it’s a trying process. You just want to make sure you’re putting your best foot forward while keeping calm and looking polished. Take these tips into consideration when planning your ultimate Boss Lady ensemble:

• The makeup: Remember that this is not your senior prom or a night out with the girls. Keep the makeup fresh, light and clean. Also, your nails should be trimmed and clean, if not freshly polished.

• The accessories: Don’t take the focus off of yourself, but do add some personality with small jewelry.

• The blouse: Whites and lighter colors are best and can be complemented perfectly with a blazer. Be sure to steer clear of plunging necklines – that’s not what you want to be selling.

• The hemline: A good rule of thumb is to keep the hem of a skirt or dress no shorter than two inches above the knee. Pantyhose or tights should also be worn when a little leg is being shown.

• The pants: If a skirt or dress is not for you, go for a nice pair of slacks. Make sure they fit properly and have a nice crease. If you need to splurge a little, this should be the item. I promise you’ll get a lot of wear from them.

• The shoes: Practicality is key and employers will take note. Some jobs or internships require being up on your feet or running around. If you go for a heel or wedge, keep it under three inches and closed-toe.

Now, you should be ready to take on the workforce. Take a deep breath and stand up straight. You’ll be sure to make a great impression on your potential employers.

By Ryan Murphy

I used to never give any thought to what clothes to put on. I was a t-shirt and cargos kind of guy. But when I began graduate school, I realized I needed to start dressing a little more maturely. First impressions are important, and whether you like it or not, appearance has a lot to do with how you are perceived.

So, I did what many guys in my position do. I flipped through a couple books, found some online forums, followed some websites and wasted a lot of money in the process. Now that I’m nearing the end of grad school, I’ve dressed up for presentations and interviews, and I now have an idea of what men should be wearing in a professional environment.

Putting on a suit and tie might not be something you look forward to, but when trying to land a job or internship, it’s important to make the best impression with the employer. Dressing appropriately shows that you’ve put some effort in.

Here are some guidelines for nailing the professional dress code of the Career and Technical Fair:

• The shirt: White or blue long-sleeve dress shirt with minimal patterns. Avoid retina-blasting oranges and visible-from-space fuschias. Your face shouldn’t compete with the shirt for attention.
• The tie: Yeah, you gotta wear a tie. Ties that are darker than your shirt color look best. Avoid wearing your Dilbert tie or any other wild patterns. It should also end near the middle of your belt buckle.
• The suit: Like the other pieces, the suit shouldn’t be the center of attention. You’re going to a Career and Technical Fair, not the Annual Player Haters’ Ball. Navy, charcoal and gray are your friend. Black works too if that’s all you have.

Remember the rule: sometimes, always, never. For a three button jacket you sometimes button the top button, always button the middle and never button the bottom. On a two button jacket you only button the top.

• The shoes: Leather dress shoes. Black, brown or burgundy. While it doesn’t have to be exactly the same, your belt should match the color of your shoes.

• Don’t Forget: Make sure you shave or maintain your facial hair. And keep your fingernails clean – you’re going to be shaking a lot of potential employers’ hands.

While it’s tempting to put on the tangerine shirt you got from Express or the gilded tie from the Donald Trump Collection, your most striking aspect should be you and your resume.