Looking like a pro

YSU: What Not to Wear

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YSU: What Not to Wear- a fashion show for prospective employees to see what they should, and shouldn't, wear to interviews.

How you dress

matters at work

The employer panel gave tips on what is acceptable workplace attire.

Staff Report

YOUNGSTOWN — When they go looking for a job, men might want to go iron their shirts, and women might want to leave those tight-fitting skirts at home.

Youngstown State University swapped places with Hollywood for about an hour Monday as several students took place in a fashion show to demonstrate what you should — and shouldn’t — wear to job interviews.

The YSU Career and Counseling Services sponsored the third annual event in the Ohio Room of Kilcawley Center.

The show, called “Your Guide to Dressing for Success,” was open to the student body and gave them a glimpse of what is appropriate dress for the professional world.

Several volunteers from the YSU Fashion and Interiors student organization strutted their stuff down a makeshift runway to the sounds of Journey’s “Any Way You Want It” and gave students a chance to see the wardrobes donated by Dillard’s in the Eastwood Mall, Niles.

A panel of five guest judges representing various employers — an accounting firm, counseling services, and Pennsylvania State Police — carefully scrutinized the models.After each student displayed his or her attire, the judges would give their critiques, advice and opinions about whether the outfit would be deemed acceptable in the business world.

The event touched on the differences in dress for the initial interview, the average workday, and business casual attire.

Not everything was sharp and snazzy, however.

Students also were given a visual of what is never appropriate for a business setting. Students came out wearing facial jewelry, mussed hair — including a Mohawk — tacky clothing and gaudy accessories in an attempt to illustrate what won’t cut it in the real world.

“It’s important for students to know this,” said Diane Hritz, coordinator of the Career and Counseling Services. “I deal with employers on an everyday basis who comment on the lack of knowledge that some people have as to what fits at work.”

With a wide variety of body sizes and shapes from the models, students were able to feel more of a personal touch to this year’s show.

“Body types are new this year,” Hritz said. “They are garnered toward the individual so that it feels more personal.”

Students were given some helpful hints on what to keep in mind for the job hunt. Although some tips were meant for either sex, gender-specific tidbits were presented to ensure a great first — and most important — impression.

Men are encouraged to make sure their hair is neat and combed, their facial hair is trimmed — although it is a good idea not to have any at all, the panelists said — and not to overwhelm employers with pungent aftershave or cologne.

Dress should also be on the conservative side.

Most panelists suggested a black or navy blue suit, white shirt and plain tie with dress socks and clean shoes.

Women were reminded not to be too flashy or provocative. Jewelry and accessories, as well as showing skin, should be kept to a minimum. A navy blue or black pant or skirt suit with a conservative blouse is best. Shoes shouldn’t be too high and should be a natural or subtle color, and hair should be well-maintained.

The panel also stressed just using plain common sense when dressing for success. As one panelist put it, “If I remember you because of the outfit that you had on, it’s probably not a good thing.”