Earlier this fall at a “Dress for Success” fashion show at Towson University, I gave the students a challenge. I offered to do a job interview style session with the first person to write me on the blog.
I heard from Jennifer Eguzoro right away. At the time, she didn’t know that she would receive a $50 Shop Etc. Mall Gift Card on the day of our shopping trip.

Meet Jennifer
I still remember my first interview outfit. It felt like I was playing dress up. I’m sure I’m dating myself by telling you that the suit jacket was a good half a foot longer than any jacket I would wear today. It definitely had a little padding at the shoulders. The oversized jacket must have looked comical with the fitted pencil skirt.
There are so many more options now for getting dressed for an interview. Jennifer is a junior and has her eyes on a range of career fields including financial advising, public health and sales.
I showed her separates that she could wear to an interview but also get mileage out of for other occasions as well. Whether you are going to enter the work force for the first time or jumping back into a career, I believe two will take you far — a black pencil skirt and a simple dress. Both can be paired with a range of cardigans and jackets.
At The Limited (Level 2), Jennifer tried on this standout burgundy dress. I know what you may be thinking. It’s sleeveless. The cutout by the neck isn’t professional. Keep reading. This dress takes on a completely different look when paired with a jacket. Jennifer can also wear a look like this one for an evening event.

GURU Tip: Go for pieces that can pull double duty
Take a look at how the dress looks when styled with a blazer. I can see also adding a thin belt for a different look.

A blazer gives the dress a different look.
The same blazer also plays well with this patterned dress. Just like Jennifer can wear the dresses on their own, the blazer is also a trendy topper to skinny jeans, a tee and boots. Or, a dress like this one can be worn casually with tights and booties.

Two more looks
We also hit Macy’s. This LBD was made for Jennifer. I’m a big believer in trying on many little black dresses until you find the one that hits you just right. It doesn’t pay to settle. Amazingly, this is the first one she tried on at Macy’s. It came with the scarf.

The scarf comes with the dress.
Again, I would save the sleeveless look for other occasions. You can make a dress like this one look entirely different by swapping out different cardigans or blazers.

A dress like this provides a blank canvas for endless options.
While Jennifer didn’t take home any of the outfits she tried on, she says she left with helpful information.
Best of luck to you, Jennifer!
If you’re facing a fashion challenge, please leave me a comment. I just may take you on a future style session.
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Tags: blazer, career, College, college student, fashion challenge, GURU, GURU Blog, interview attire, little black dress, Macy's, style session, The Limited, Towson Town Center, Towson Town Center Shopping GURU, Towson University, trends