I normally wouldn’t associate a post-apocalyptic fight-to-the-death match with fashion.But as I stayed up all night reading ‘The Hunger Games,’ one scene stood out.

The Hunger Games contestants are done up in fancy clothes and introduced on television. At one point, the main character, Katniss, dons a magnificent beaded gown that resembles flames. Katniss discovers that her appearance before the games gains her some popularity, which helps her later on.

It instantly reminded me of the power that clothing can have in making an impression and the dog-eat-dog professional world we college students will soon step into. Competing for a job or internship may not be a death match like the Hunger Games, but it can feel like your life depends on it.

When entering the professional world, dressing well can be a small but important factor in scoring a job or internship. First off, knowing you look your best can put you in a positive and confident mindset that will make interviews a breeze. The 2011-12 Career Guide by Syracuse University Career Services even recommends dressing up for phone interviews.

We all know not to wear jeans or booty shorts to an interview, but dressing professionally can still be difficult. The challenge is to avoid looking old and uncomfortable. People who are new to dressing up often look like kids wearing dad’s big suit or mom’s old heels. Another pitfall of dress-up newbies is being intimidated by prices and buying inexpensive, cheap-looking items. Make choices that fit your budget, but consider buying higher quality pieces in smaller quantities. You may have to graduate from Old Navy to Banana Republic before graduating from college.

For guys, keep khakis and a dress shirt looking young by investing in straight-leg or tapered dress pants and shirts with flair. Don’t be afraid to include textures like small-checkered patterns or subtle stripes. This will give potential employers a taste of your personality, which is what interviews are all about.But it is also important to be comfortable. I’ve even chosen not to wear a tie to some interviews because I always feel like I’m choking with one on.

Also consider the culture of the workplace you are looking to enter. While it is usually smart to be slightly overdressed, a full suit and tie can look silly in a casual, creative or relaxed work setting.

When a suit jacket is more appropriate, fit is important. Without the proper tailoring, boxy jackets can turn your torso into a giant square. A trip to the tailor to get the perfect fit for a versatile wardrobe staple, such as a blazer, is totally worth it. Tailoring clothes can be pricy, so add dressy clothes to your wish list. Family members will be happy to help you on the path to professional success.

Girls have more freedom than guys when they dress for the work world. While men are often confined to a suit, ladies can look professional in a dress, a skirt or even a pantsuit.

Just like for guys, a good fit is extremely important for a pantsuit. Hillary Clinton, famously fond of the pantsuit, tends to look manly in her governmental get-up. Avoid Clinton’s mistake by finding a waist-defining jacket.

As for shoes, flats are a reliable choice for interviews, but heels give a girl a certain confidence. Just keep in mind that if they’re too high, it can imply you want a job on a pole, not in an office.

Looking good may not be of life-or-death importance like in ‘The Hunger Games,’ but it’s an advantage on the job market. Taking extra time to look your best will make you feel great, and even greater when you snag that first career opportunity.

Ian Simon-Curry is a sophomore public relations major. His column appears occasionally. He tries not to look a mess, but he is not above wearing sweatpants to the dining hall. Follow him on Twitter at @incrediblyian. He can be reached at [email protected].

Published on April 1, 2012 at 12:00 pm

Contact Ian: [email protected]