Now that there’s only a few days until graduation, it’s unfortunately time to set down your Solo cup of beer and swap your college party clothes for something more professional. Scary, huh?

Work attire is a tricky subject. While some items are always considered inappropriate for work — i.e. tube tops or sweats — it all depends on the kind of office in which you’re working.

The first type of office, and the most difficult to figure out, is an office with no dress code. This typically includes small companies and startups. In this case, use your judgment, but always aim for overdressed rather than underdressed.

Last summer, I worked in a collaborative workspace that housed several startups. Most of the tech-based startups consisted of three or four scruffy guys wearing sandals, cargo shorts and graphic T-shirts.

That attire might be OK for a web designer, but if you’re going to a business meeting with investors, you certainly want to dress more professionally.

Next up is the always-ambiguous “business casual.” It’s the middle ground between formal business wear and street wear. It’s a broader spectrum than the absolute “business professional” attire.

There’s a wide range of options for business casual, but don’t think that just because something is “dressy” means it’s appropriate for a business casual workplace.

If you would wear it to a club, you shouldn’t wear it to work. Avoid anything neon or shiny, avoid denim and even during the summer, please never wear flip-flops.

If you’re in the Martin J. Whitman School of Management, you’re most likely going to be working in a business professional setting that is ultra-conservative. Conservative doesn’t have to mean boring, though.

The conservative office staple is the always-dependable blazer. Try one in a neutral color: black, navy, tan or cream. If you’re in a less conservative office, try a bright color like red, green or cobalt.

For some great fashion-forward blazers, try Zara. The store has a variety of colors, prints, cuts and textures for any office setting.

Another fashionable trick for office settings is to cinch a dress or blouse-and-skirt combo with a skinny belt. J.Crew has a great assortment.

When shopping for your new work wardrobe, make sure you get a nice, white button-down shirt, black pants, flats, pumps and a work tote bag. Every professional girl should have these items that they can personalize with understated accessories.

Your hair and makeup should be simple, clean and groomed. A simple ballerina bun is a great go-to hairstyle. And for makeup: Foundation, mascara and a swipe of lip-gloss are all you need.

A big problem I find in the fashion workplace is people who take too much liberty with the word “creative.” If you work in a creative office, don’t wear ripped jeans, fedoras or anything remotely “hipster.” You want your work to speak for itself. Never let your outfit outshine your work.

The key is to dress for success.

Wearing the wrong clothes to work not only makes you look unprofessional, but it can also hinder your work relationships. If people see that you don’t make an effort with your appearance, why should they expect you to make an effort with your work?

And with this advice, I’m signing off as the fashion columnist for The Daily Orange. I had a great time talking fashion with you, and truly appreciated all of the emails and comments I received about my columns — positive or negative. I really hope I inspired you all to dress and be your best.

And remember: If what you’re wearing in public could be mistaken for pajamas, just say no.

Allison Mariotti is a senior magazine journalism major. She has too many shoes to count, but could always use another pair. She can be reached at [email protected].

Published on May 9, 2013 at 10:45 am