Dressing professional without losing you

One of my biggest struggles after graduation from college was integrating into the professional world. In college I was free spirited, rebellious and totally unafraid. I didn't want to lose those pieces of me just because I got a job. I just didn't want to grow up. I struggled to let pieces of my old life go, piercings for example, I felt totally justified and indignant because we should not be judged based on our appearance. My soap box didn't last long though because the reality is that we are judged daily based on our appearance and mine at that time was not speaking loudly about my ability to counsel. I still think it's wrong to decide someone with piercings is not capable of succeeding in a job but it's also the reality of interviewing. My mother, who is quite the fashionista, gave me a piece of advice that to this day has been the most helpful in my career. Wear one piece that is "me" so I still represent those pieces of my personality while fitting into the image that companies are looking for.

I added one piece of "flare" to my outfit and felt like I had this secret act of rebellion, I wasn't a sell out yet. I felt more comfortable and found that by toning down my look I actually received many more compliments on my flare because people could notice them, I was so funky and/or eccentric before that no one noticed nice pieces.

The best part is it's fun! Add a giant ring, feather earrings, a cool scarf or whatever represents your signature style. Make sure it's just an accent to your outfit or you will go from professional and classy to crazy flashy lady.

Good luck finding some flare for your outfit and most of all don't lose you, many applicants have your qualifications but they don't have YOU so show it off be amazing don't be afraid to shine!

"Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine" ~Marianne Williamson

Check out Forever21 for some cool pieces like these amazing earrings or check Paisley Road for this stunning cheetah scarf.

Looking for new ways to tie your signature scarf? Be sure to check out our video tutorials for a how to: scarf tying.



[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="187" caption="note the blond stripes and the lip piercing."][/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="205" caption="one piece of flare totally changed this outfit, yet still looked professional"][/caption]