Its never too early

As I walked into the Career Closet I was amazed with the selection of garments available for both men and women. Pitt State students should be aware of and take advantage of the opportunity to choose three pieces per semester to add to their professional wardrobe. It is never too early to build a professional wardrobe.

Christina Cook, professor of fashion merchandising, styles her own look of the week from clothes found in the Career Closet located on the second floor of Horace Mann.

My fashion merchandising students and I have been working with Career Services this semester to get the word out. As many of my students have enjoyed this opportunity, I wanted to experience it for myself.
I chose a blue-green matching pantsuit made of 100 percent polyester. This means that it will launder easily and will not wrinkle. This is a good quality for a business outfit, especially if you will be traveling for an interview. To add a little flair, I choose a cream blouse with a patterned neckline. As with many suit sets, this one also came with a knee-length pencil skirt. This gives the wearer choices depending on the situation and the weather. The color is what stood out the most to me as I was making my selection. I wanted to stray away from the traditional black suit.
I have always enjoyed putting outfits together, whether it is on a mannequin in a store, for a customer or even a friend. I would encourage everyone to take a peek at what the Career Closet has to offer. Even if you are unable to find something on your first visit, go back again. The merchandise is always changing because of continuous donations from the community. You can also go and just browse through the garments to see what is considered appropriate business attire for your own shopping ideas. I would also suggest bringing a friend who will give you some honest feedback on possible outfit choices.
Each of the looks featured in this article are available in the Career Clothes Closet, located on the second floor of Horace Mann.  All clothing in the Career Clothes Closet is free to all students.  The look of the week is brought to you by the partnership between the Office of Career Services, the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences fashion merchandising program, and the Collegio.   

Christina Cook is a fashion merchandising instructor