Post-Grad Fashion: Staying Stylish After College
Many of my friends are graduating today and I couldn’t be happier for them! They’ve all worked incredibly hard to be where they are. (We all have!) Whether you’re at the beginning of this crazy academic journey or nearing the end, you know college is an amazing experience. It’s a time for learning, growth and experimentation both for yourself and your wardrobe.
After four fantastic years, almost everyone finds their niche, a trusty circle of friends, and a personal style that we begin to think of as a second skin. So the thought of leaving all of that behind in exchange for a diploma and a stack of resumes doesn’t exactly sound pleasant.
But for all of you who are graduating this spring or in the near future, fret not! The real world is not as scary and drab as it sounds. I personally graduated in 2008, took a year off to do social work, and now I’m back at law school. The post-grad life is as much of a rollercoaster as undergrad. You will find you way while no doubt looking fab!
So here are some styles inspired by a few of my friends and the amazing journeys they’re about to begin post-college.
The Big City Dreamer
My friend Laura has lived in Tucson for as long as I can remember, but she’s always been a big city girl at heart. She has interned for a huge fashion mag, sings and dances, and is OBSESSED with musicals. How could she live anywhere else but in a big city?
Well, this summer, she’s following her dream and moving to THE city — New York City! She’s entering the world of fashion journalism. Her post-grad life means she is going to be surrounded by a city full of culture and style, not to mention lots of well-dressed bosses and co-workers.
For a fashionable office look, pair a feminine top with an edgy geometric skirt and powerful nude pumps. Throw a blazer on to pull the stylish, yet professional look all together and accessorize with a flirty ring and bracelet. Store your Blackberry, notebook, pens and other career gear in a modern, knotted tote.
Shop: Top, Blazer, Skirt, Shoes, Flower Ring, Bag, Bracelet
The Future Lawyer
Just like me, my friend Gabby just could not get enough of school … and reading, writing, and homework (I should stop before I scare her away), so she’s going to law school! Graduate and professional schools are a great way to go if you’re looking to go into a specific profession or if your academic appetite just has yet to be satiated.
Unfortunately, wearing your trusty sweats and Uggs is not going to fly as a grad student (except maybe during finals…). As fun as grad school can be, it’s also important to look your best in front of future internship/employment opportunities, professors, and fellow students (who will someday be your colleagues!).
The white top and dark denim combo always gives a polished, yet casual look, while a floral cardigan will definitely freshen up the classroom. Top it off with a mix of leather and metal bracelets and bright flats. And make sure you stash your books in a sturdy satchel, because – surprise, surprise – they actually require you to read in grad school.
Shop: Tank, Jeans, Cardigan, Bracelets, Bag, Flats
The Opportunistic Grad
So you may not have already snagged your dream job and you may not be on your way back for a second helping of academia. But that’s okay! Taking time off to enjoy yourself, figure out your future, or find a dream job of your own is just as important.
If you don’t have any concrete plans for post-grad life, that just means your future will be open to incredible opportunities that may come your way. Our economy is not at its best, but that doesn’t mean you can’t look yours.
Find a dress that is as flexible as your future. You never know where you’re going to end up – a job interview, a relaxing post-grad vacation, or taking the time to celebrate with your friends and fam. Start off with a classy, yet versatile dress and work your way into an incredible opportunity with accessories galore.
Shop: Dress, Jeweled Necklace, Black Bag, Purple Pump, Sandal, Red Pump, Clutch, Chained Necklace
What are your thoughts?
Are you graduating this year? What are your plans for the future and will you be adapting your wardrobe to your post-grad plans? If you’ve been out of undergrad life for some time now, share your stories with us! We’re dying to know what the real world is like … Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment!
Posted on on May 15, 2010 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: Business, Business Casual, Career, Featured, Grad School, Graduation, Jobs, Life, Outfits, Post-grad
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Tammi
This is such a cute post. I love the outfits and how you incorporated your friends and their general personalities through the clothes! Too cute.
Ally
Totally agree with Tammi!
Love every single outfit! Real inspiration!
Layla
I love this all but i would never wear the skirt it big city dreams i would probably wear jeans
Alison
Ahh love this post! I just went to H&M and snagged a really cute pair of linen trousers to wear to my summer internship! They’re really light so I won’t be all sweaty when I’m working and commuting to and from campus all summer.
Charlotte
the dress int he 3rd outfit isn’t on the website =(
Breanna
And so “the future lawyer” bag :( I’ve seen it at Betty’s blog and I absolutely love it, but I can’t find it anywhere anymore.
Laura
I really love all three of the outfits. The future lawyer outfit is my favorite, although would probably swap the jeans for chinos or cords. Nice work!
Julie
I graduate in Decemeber (my degree is 4.5 years) and I’m terrified style wise. I haven’t been stocking on corporate clothing or formal looking shoes. My wardrobe is still full of jeans and t-shirts or too fashion forward clothes for an office.
As for job wise, I think that if I don’t land my dream job then I’m going to go all out and start my freelance web development business. That is what I really want to do.
sara ladybug
These are all seriously cute! But i particularly enjoy the last 1 esp. paired w the red heels!
kelsey @ runawayinla
I LOVE the first & last outfit! =)
It’s gorgeous!
AHH, new york city, my dream home…..
xoooxox
Ashley
This is awesome! I just graduated today. In fact, that picture is from my college, UAlbany. It’s always good to have an after college plan.
Melissa
That Karen Millen skirt in the first outfit is to die for. Great post!
lo
All three of these outfits are really cute… I’d definitely wear all of them. But with that last one, I feel like it’s kinda inappropriate for a job interview without a cardigan or jacket on top. Definitely not the time or place to show off curves haha!
Annie
Love it. I’m graduating and your ideas were right on time.
Tara
I loved this post, especially the first outfit!
Although in some law schools (like the one I will be attending) jeans are forbidden and you must be in “business attire” at all times.
Karissa
Great article! Good job!
Stel
I’m graduating next weekend and I’m currently work for a wee while as I decide what direction I want to go in. Working def requires a different style to Uni. I really like the big city dreamer post!
JJ
I love the dress in the third outfit, but I can’t find it on Forever 21′s website! Do you have the link for it??
Holly
I graduated a while back, and trust me… fashion priorities change DRASTICALLY once you hit the “real world” (unless you happen to WORK in the fashion industry). It’s not all bad though. You can start building a wardrobe with practical and versatile basics and focusing on dressing in what looks GOOD on you… instead of the trend overload that most people tend to fall victim to prior to age 24 or so.
Cara
I’m with Melissa…that first skirt is wearable paradise. When I become an Arts Exec, I want it.
Jessica
The opportunistic grad is my type of outfit!