If you’re like most young professionals (or soon-to-be graduates), chances are you’re not exactly rolling in the benjamins. In spite of your limited cash flow, there are three essentials that are worthwhile investments, especially if you’re still in the throes of the job hunt. The emphasis here is that these are investments, and as such, might set you back more than you had originally anticipated.
We’ve all been made fully aware that “first impressions matter.” While the following will likely help you make a favorable first impression, I’m not really concerned about the reactions of other people. What I am concerned about is you, and that which will imbue you with a sense of self-confidence and poise to set you apart from the masses. When you’re comfortable in your own skin and proud of your appearance, other people take notice. You walk with your chin held high, shoulders back, unafraid to make eye contact with others and flash a smile because you look (and feel) great. The term “power suit” wasn’t coined for nothing.
1. A tailored blazer/suit jacket.
Women: I detested the boxy and constricting blazers I wore during my first internship…until I realized that this is one article of clothing for which quality of construction is crucial. I’m appalled by the ill-fitting “suiting” jackets of stores like Express and The Limited; for the money, the fit, material, and overall appearance of their garments is laughable. Before my senior year, I purchased my first Theory tailored jacket. Not cheap, but I can honestly say that whenever I pull it on, I feel polished and incredibly confident. Some of their pieces are trendier than others, but if you’re looking to make a significant investment in something that is both youthful and professional at the same time, Theory is a safe bet. I’m also consistently impressed by the blazers designed by Elizabeth and James and Rag and Bone. If you’re still not convinced that you need such a spendy piece of clothing, consider this: research has shown that women experience improved cognitive performance and self-esteem when wearing fashionable clothes.
Men: I’m no expert when it comes to men’s suiting, but thankfully, the brilliant team over at the Art of Manliness is. They’ve written a plethora of posts devoted to dressing correctly for your body type and curating a wardrobe. Both A Tailored Suit and Esquire do an excellent job breaking down the various styles of men’s suits and how to properly fit them.
If you’re in need of sartorial inspiration, or still feel clueless about dressing like an adult, check out Put This On, The Sartorialist, Street Etiquette (men only) and Garance Dore (female only).
2. A timeless pair of shoes.
Women: Now’s not the time to splurge on the killer pink heels you’ve been lusting after for months. You want a pair of heels of reasonable height (I wouldn’t go with anything more than 3″) that are black, stylish, and most importantly, comfortable. If you’re teetering like you’ve had one too many gimlets or are likely to roll an ankle while cruising the office corridors, save the shoes for a Saturday night and go with something slightly more practical.
Men: Leave the scuffed pair of dress shoes you’ve had since high school behind. End. Of. Story.
Cole Haan designs gorgeous, classic shoes for both men and women. Women should note that many of their their pumps incorporate Nike Air technology, making them the most comfortable pair of heels I’ve ever worn. Simply put, they’re worth every penny.
3. A great haircut.
Whether you’re going in for an interview or starting your first day of work, an unkempt, unruly head of hair, or one with a skunk stripe where your roots have grown out won’t do you any favors. While the $10 haircuts offered at many franchises seem like a good deal, there’s something to be said for developing a relationship with a stylist/barber who will give you a great haircut every time. I feel slightly silly admitting that my current hair genius is one of the reasons I’m excited to be staying in Madison for my new job. Having seen way too many women sporting wanna-be Beckham bobs in the past few years, I appreciate having someone who will honestly tell me if a haircut won’t be flattering.
If you’re in the market for a hair stylist, don’t shy away from asking someone with a great haircut where they get it done.
I doubt that women will need much convincing on this point, but men should give these pieces (both from the Art of Manliness) a read – they present a convincing case for picking and sticking with a barber.
I realize that you can find cheaper alternatives to any of these, but in my experience, you get what you pay for. It makes more sense to spend more money on something that will give you years of use than to skimp on spending and find yourself repurchasing the same thing in a year or two.
Have you made any of these investments, or would you? Do you think there are any other items of note that I’ve overlooked?
