Doubly busy as a University of Georgia grad student pursuing a Master in Public Administration (MPA) with a concentration in Non-Profit Administration and interning for a local non-profit called Books for Keeps (which helps combat "summer slide" by every May giving books to children at schools where over 90% of students are on free or reduced lunch), Amy needs a doubly versatile wardrobe.
A general rule that Amy (also the blogger behind Sharing Post Grad) follows: Graduate students should look a step above undergraduates. At UGA, this means: 1. No t-shirts. 2. No sneakers. 3. Look like you actually put some thought into your outfit.
Not originally from the South, Amy underwent some culture shock the first few months as she adjusted to how much more "put together" people dress. She's evolved into her own style that fits a "preppy with edge" look.
Her wardrobe staples include:
Dresses - Especially Sweater Dresses
Dresses are the easiest way to look pulled together and classy without having to take too much time.
Motorcycle Jacket
Amy's black leather motorcycle jacket is her go-to piece - and it adds a nice edginess to a preppier ensemble.
Comfortable Shoes
As a grad student usually in class or running around campus for 6-8 hours every day, Amy rarely reaches for heels. Instead, she trots across campus and to her internship in black riding boots, brown lace-up boots, or cute black flats.
Versatile Skinny Jeans
At her internship, Amy spends time at the office with just herself and her boss, in a meeting at a local coffee shop, or in the warehouse where the non-profit stores all their books. Black, gray, and blue skinny jeans easily translate from campus to all of these situations.
Casual Blouses
While t-shirts are a little too casual, dressy tees and nice blouses are essentials for Amy. They can be dressed up with her black blazer or purple jacket, or dressed down when she's in the warehouse lifting books and getting a little dirty with sawdust.
Pops of Personality
85% of the time, you won't see Amy without her claddagh ring and elephant necklace on a long chain. Her favorite pieces of jewelry are not only simple and subtle enough to pull any outfit together, but also infuse any ensemble with a personal touch.
Thanks for sharing your "edgy, preppy" style, Amy!
To shop for the pieces I used in creating the above outfits, check out the set on Polyvore.
Need more outfit inspiration?
Whether you're interning, working full-time, or job searching, you can never get enough workplace wardrobe inspiration. Business casual doesn't equal boring. Professional doesn't mean stuffy. New on The Lovely Side, we'll be spotlighting how young professionals, college students, and interns dress for work - combining office-friendly elements, chic style, and elements of their own personality.
Check out other Working Girl Wardrobes.
Want to be featured as a Working Girl?
Email me the following information:
1. Your name (First -or- First and Last... however you want to be mentioned.) 2. Your position / job / internship. 3. What you wear to work. (The more details, the better!) 4. Your blog url. (Optional.)
Comments