[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":26},["ShallowReactive",2],{"longform-build-your-professional-wardrobe-without-breaking-the-bank":3},{"longFormData":4,"headers":24,"timeToReadInMins":25},{"dateUpdated":5,"image":10,"backgroundColor":11,"title":12,"dateCreated":13,"content":17,"tags":18,"subtitle":22,"renderList":23},["FirebaseTimestamp",6],{"type":7,"seconds":8,"nanoseconds":9},"firestore/timestamp/1.0",1771569971,201000000,"dynamicImages/proWardrobe1-min.png","orange","Build Your Professional Wardrobe Without Breaking the Bank",["FirebaseTimestamp",14],{"type":7,"seconds":15,"nanoseconds":16},1688619882,761000000,"It’s that season: summer accounting internships and professional\ndevelopment programs galore. Not only are you ready to impress your peers,\nmentors, and managers with your amazing analysis and reporting skills, but\nyou’re trying to look good while doing it. While you may be used to styling\nyour streetwear looks with ease, this may be your first foray into the world of\nprofessional clothing and thus you need to build your wardrobe from scratch.\nDon’t worry, we’ve been there, done that, and still got the slacks to prove it.\nBut we’re not going to gatekeep. We’re all about sharing the wealth!\n\nBefore we do this though, let’s talk about why dressing professionally matters\nat all. Ever heard the phrase, “dress for the job you want, not for the one you\nhave?” Odds are, you have and you rolled your eyes then just like you’re doing\nnow. Well, roll them right back, because it’s true! In a lot of managers' eyes,\nhow you dress at work speaks volumes. It conveys your view of the\nenvironment, your level of respect for the work you do, and your desire to be\nthere. By dressing your best, you show that you want to be a part of their\ncommunity. It’s right up there with managing up and completing your tasks\non time when it comes down to what managers are considering when\noffering full time accounting positions post-internship. Don’t worry though,\nthe definition of “dressing your best” has definitely changed and become\nmore relaxed to match the vibe of accountants’ day-to-day and individual\nstyles. Showing up professionally is not mutually exclusive with showing up\nas your authentic self. One of our fave accountants’, Kirsten Ortez, proves this.\n\n## What You Need: A Capsule Wardrobe\n\nPoint blank period, this saves lives. A capsule wardrobe is a collection of seven to 12 essential clothing pieces that don’t go out of fashion. For this, you might want to splurge for good quality clothes so that they get a lot of use. Sacrifice a couple of UberEats orders and Amazon hauls now, and you could get three summer internships, two research programs, and one full time job out of these clothes. If you decide to go the route of a capsule wardrobe, there’s even some ways for you to get quality clothes without breaking the bank. Stay tuned because you’re going to want to use our #accountantcertified shopping hacks.\n\nThe key pieces to invest in are: a well fitted blazer, a nice white button down\nshirt that can be worn alone or under something else, a pair of slacks or\npencil skirt, and a pair of neutral flats, heels, or loafers. In general, stick to solid neutrals: black, navy, tan, cream, and gray. This makes it easy to mix  and match. Lastly, try to stay with more classic shapes and styles.\n\nThis is just to get you started. Since most accounting internships are paid,\nyou’ll be able to add to your professional wardrobe collection over the weeks\nonce you understand the company culture and dress code better.\n\n## Where to Shop: Your Closet\n\nIt’s crazy, but true. A lot of casual clothes can be repurposed for work. For\nexample, your sweaters, button downs, and shoes can easily become office\nchic with the right combination of blazers or slacks. If you’ve kept any of your\nold special occasion outfits from graduation or family celebrations, it’s time to\ndust them off and throw them in the queue.\n\n![](https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/caq-limitless.appspot.com/o/manualUploads%2FproWardrobe2-min.png?alt=media&token=fb567fd7-b486-44c6-83cf-9460fc06c17c)\n\n## Where to Shop: Where the Sales & Discounts Reside\n\nNow is the time to enlist the true GOATS of finding sales: your mom,\ngrandma, or aunt. As a starter list, we suggest hitting up department stores\n(their clearance racks have great quality clothes for the low) or wholesale\nstores like TJ Maxx. Also, consider shopping around holidays (Memorial Day,\nJuly 4th, etc.). As a student, you should also look into student discounts.\nSearch for websites and platforms that share which stores have student\ndiscounts and provide access codes.\n\n## Where to Shop: Thrift Stores\n\nWhere are our sustainability shorties?! 😎If you’re trying to help in the fight\nagainst climate change, [accounting ](https://www.joinaccountingplus.com/longform/earth-day)and thrifting should be two things that\nare definitely on your to-do list. Remember: just because there is a “dress\ncode,” doesn’t mean you can’t show your own personality and have fun with\nit. Once you’ve established a solid capsule wardrobe, [bold colors, interesting\npatterns, and cool accessories are welcome additions to your clothing\nrotation.](https://www.joinaccountingplus.com/accounting-fashion)\n\nThis is also a great option if you’re someone who constantly likes to reinvent\nyour style. Find some current, trendy pieces on the low, that won’t make you\nfeel guilty if you decide they're “out” in three months.\n\n![](https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/caq-limitless.appspot.com/o/manualUploads%2FproWardrobe3-min.png?alt=media&token=c56664a5-c36f-4ee0-92e5-3c9ee450ae52)\n\nNow you have everything you need to build a stylish professional wardrobe\nthat doesn’t require a resuscitation to your wallet. Get ready to walk into your\nnew accounting internship ready to take on the world (and Excel) with ease!\nWhat’s even better is that these clothes will serve you for months or even\nyears to come, whether you want to go to a NABA or ALFHA conference, have another interview, or are ready to start your first full time job, you’ll be ready to present your best self!\n\n\n",[19,20,21],"tips","lifestyle","careerPrep","",[17],[],4,1793219373568]