Help: I just started graduate school and I want to look good and dress appropriate.?

Question

I am a first year student in a master's program. I don't want to resort to collared shirts and black pants for the next two years. I just graduate from College, I'm 22, and like to wear bright colors, florals, and layers. All of a sudden Abercrombie and American Eagle seem inappropriate! Also, most of the people in my program wear a t-shirt and jeans, or a collared shirt and pants. It is a laid back feeling and sometimes my outfits seem a little over-done. But they are also a bit childish. I own a lot of tank tops, spaghetti straps, shrugs, jumpers, long tops that go with jeans, babydolls, etc.

How to I look classy and mature without compromising my love of the fashionable look, flowers, designs, cute tops, and color?

Do you have a suggestion for a outfit?

What essentials should I have in my closet?

What accessories can I use to go with my clothes?

The last thing I want to do is dress boring. But I get the pressure to conform to a monotone outfit with no designs of any sort because that is what everyone wears! And I do want to look my age.

Thank you.

Answer 1

If you like jeans, go for a wide leg trouser jean, which looks like a pant, but is much more casual (and comfortable): http://www.luckybrandjeans.com/Product.a...

You could wear any of your tanks and spaghetti strap tops underneath a floral chiffon blouse, like:

http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?cat...

http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?cat...

http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?cat...

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/cat...

etc.

Then, trade in your flip flops for some comfy ballet or peep toe flats.

Also, skinny jeans/pants with tunics, bangles, and hoop earrings can actually look somewhat sophisticated and chic, as long as you're not showing of your b***s, etc. It's not the typical outfit you'd see a middle schooler wearing, right?

Good luck!