The Seahawk

Issue date: 3/26/09 Section: Lifestyles

Media Credit: Courtesy of Communications Studies Department A student from last year's Dress for Success Fashion Show models business appropriate attire.

With the economy taking a plunge, many young graduates find themselves competing with more people for fewer jobs. One way to stand out is to look your best when interviewing and working in the business world. The Dress for Success Fashion Show will offer examples and advice on how to "one up" the competition with sleek and appropriate work and interview attire. Clothing can speak volumes about attitude and ultimately lead to success.

The 7th annual Dress for Success Fashion Show is themed "Fashion to the Rescue" based off of the ABC television show "Grey's Anatomy." Students will be modeling clothes provided by Banana Republic for both men and women; this is the second year Banana Republic has provided the clothing.

"Numerous outfit styles will be modeled throughout the show," said senior and Co-coordinator Amanda Frasca. "We will show the various types of suits men and women can wear as well as the many options one can wear for business casual."

Balancing professional and personal style can often be tricky, but personality does not have to be sacrificed completely for business attire.

"My personality tends to come out in what I choose to wear through jewelry and color," communication studies professor Kelly Dixon said. "I wear a lot of basic pieces (black pants, dark cardigans) but I try to spice things up with a punch of color in my tops or shoes."

Hosted by UNCW Communication Studies Society (CSS), the fashion show will be held on Friday, March 27 at 12:15 p.m. in the Warwick Center Ballroom. Also, style tips will be provided to help students make a positive first impression in the business world.

"Our mission is to help students become more familiar with communication studies fields and to provide networking opportunities," Frasca said. "Teaching students the dos and don'ts of appropriate business attire and the importance of having a portfolio will help the students excel in both of these areas."

For women, Banana Republic online has separate suit pieces which range from $59, like a Sleek A-line skirt, to $275, such as the BR Monogram one-button slouchy blazer and BR Monogram ruffled suit jacket. For men, Banana Republic online has separate suit pieces from $130, such as the Chino suit pant, to $425 like the BR Monogram essential black single-button suit blazer among others.

If you're low on cash, don't worry. There are many alternatives to looking good without name brands. JCPenney offers suit pieces such as the J Ferrar Black Stripe Suit Separates that range from $55 to $180. Target offers suit separates that start as low as $14.99 for women and $19.99 for men.

"What you wear tells people a lot about you," Dixon said. "Especially in an interview-you want to make a strong first impression and your attire is certainly one element of this impression. I think most important is that you are projecting an image of yourself as a confident, competent and professional individual."

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools