How to Dress for Success


By Karissa Gilstrap
Feb. 10, 2011

There were no judges, no video cameras, and no Heidi Klum in tow when Project Runway, Season 2, contestant Nick Verreos shared his tips on how to dress for success after college and what to wear to an interview on January 27th at Colorado State University.

According to Verreos how to dress depends on four major things. First, the industry in which one works will play an important role. Next, the job title within the industry will provide tips on how to dress. Third, the geographic area in which you live. Last, college students need to be mindful of what clients and superiors expect to see. Echoing Verreos is recent business graduate Kate Waldens, who was in attendance, says that after going on several interviews she learned “It’s all about how you want to be perceived because employers pick up on that so easily.”

Just how do college students pull together that perfect outfit? The designer stressed that sad as it is, “looking like you have money when you don’t is key.” With fast fashion stores, like Forever 21 and H&M, cropping up everywhere looking like a million bucks on the cheap is easier
than ever. Amanda Temby, a senior Journalism and Technical Communications major says, “I never would have thought to go to Forever 21 for interview clothes.”

Once inside the store, Verreos says that men in creative fields, like marketing and IT, should look for shirts and ties in different colors and patterns. For men that find themselves in more corporate positions, Verreos says to keep it classic in solid colors and ties with minimal patterns. He suggests that pants should be dark colors only and tailored because any slouch in the office is inappropriate. Junior Fashion and Design Merchandise major, Adrian Holmes says, “I didn’t know what to wear… I would have made the mistake of showing up in jeans.”

For women, Verreos says that more creative fields offer more outfit selections. Women in this category should also look for unique patterns and colors, but advises that patterns should be kept to one item, like a blouse or bag, at a time. These ladies are encouraged to try out new trends and are allowed to wear high heels. Those in corporate professions should look for pant or dress suits in solids and deep, rich colors like eggplant and forest green. High heels and loud, flashy accessories are too jarring for the boardroom so keep jewelry neutral and heels below three inches. The most important tip Verreos can give all women, is to always get clothes tailored!

The designer, who owns an eponymous line called Nikolaki, discussed that “After four years of wearing Abercrombie sweatshirts, cargo shorts, and flip-flops college students need a new mindset.” According Verreos, “Employers have seen an unfortunate shift in the way college graduates dress and how they present themselves when interviewing for that first job.” Verreos is on a mission to change that by educating college students on how to dress appropriately when trying to land that first job.