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A Preview of Life After College

After years in college, the final term has finally arrived! I am now partially experiencing the world of work through the OJT program. Most of the companies require their interns to wear corporate attire and the question is . . . is your closet prepared? Fortunately, my company does not require it. It does not mean though, that I should take advantage of this freedom. I still have to dress appropriately, especially now that I am dealing mostly with professionals.

Wearing smart casual clothes is the safest attire to look professional but not too formal. I usually wear a cardigan or blazer over a plain top with dark-colored pants. The attire creates an easygoing mood but not too casual. I matched the outfit with a red bag to break the monotony of black and white.

There are times that we are asked to go to a particular store branch then observe the market and its surroundings. This task requires a lot of walking so I make sure that I wear comfortable shoes or sandals. I also bring my sunglasses to protect my eyes whenever we walk under the heat of the sun.

The real world is much complicated than I thought but if we love what we are doing, surely we can do it! Just face it with a lot of cheerfulness and positivity! A smile completes the whole look :)

BOOK LOOK: Sense and Sensibility

One great thing about summer is the chance to read up on good books. I was not into classic novels . . . until I read Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. I liked her style and the way she would describe and put the characters into play, particularly Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. After reading that, I found myself craving for more classics. This eventually led me to another Jane Austen novel, Sense and Sensibility.

THE BOOK: Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

Unfairly deprived of their family inheritance by the grasping Mrs. John Dashwood and her husband, Elinor and Marianne Dashwood and their mother find then themselves in greatly reduced circumstances.

Compelled to leave Norland in Sussex for Barton Cottage in Devonshire, the two sisters are soon accepted into their new society. Marianne, whose sweet radiance and open nature charm the roguish John Willoughby, is soon deeply in love. Elinor, whose disposition is more cautious and considered, who carefully conceals her emotions, is suffering the loss of Edward Ferrars whom she left behind.

Despite their very different personalities, both sisters experience great sorrows in the affairs of the heart. Marianne, demonstrably wretched and Elinor allowing no one to see her private heartache. It is however, the qualities common to the both – discernment, constancy and integrity in the face of the fecklessness of others – that allow them entry into a new life of peace and contentment.

THE LOOK: Simple & Feminine

The contrasting personalities of the two sisters can serve as an inspiration for dressing up. I attempted two distinct looks by using different colored accessories on the same white blouse and white skirt. I made sure that it’s simple and feminine, to keep it Jane Austen-ish.

Elinor personifies sense and I imagine that she would choose a professional or formal style of clothing, such as the safe black and white combination. Marianne on the other hand, reminds me of someone who is outgoing and youthful. Bright colors never fail to create a vibrant aura and I think the blue green accessories and strappy sandals fit her personality.

It’s nice how accessories can serve as a wardrobe extender and let you use the same basic outfit for different occasions. You can take your cue from Elinor for your OJT attire or from Marianne for family celebrations.

DRESS CODE: Heat-proof Casual

Dressing up for hot weather can be a challenge. Usual alternatives would be sleeveless shirts and shorts. But we think there are other ways to keep cool and stylish during summer.

The blouse is made of a light and cottony material, making it perfect for summer wear. I find it comfortable and, I like the way it flows when the wind blows. Plus, the bright colors and print patterns add a refreshing and lively look. As for the pants, I think capri is better than jeans now that the weather is humid and hot. I can choose to wear it with sandals or doll shoes. This attire is flexible enough whether I will be going out with family and friends or going to school for summer classes. :)

Summer is made happier with a lot bright colors! A nice shirt and a comfortable pair of jeans are like my security blanket- I’m confident that I can never go wrong with them. Besides, the light fabric helps me keep cool. I keep things simple most of the time because what I enjoy the most is accessorizing! For me, the accessories set the whole look and set the specific “theme” and mood one might have for the day. I balance bright colors with safe neutrals like this belt and these pair of shoes. Finally, I get a pair of shades to protect my eyes from the sun... or simply just to complete my summer look.

Getting Started

QUESTION: Is it possible to dress up well without being revealing?

ANSWER: Yes and No.

Yes, we think it is possible to dress up well without showing too much skin.

No, we think it is not possible to dress up well without revealing even just a bit of who you are as a person and what you believe in.

But don't just take our word for it, join us as we put this to the test and go off on an adventure in personal style and self-expression.

ABOUT US

Hi, I’m Danê and I am an incoming second year student of Medicine proper. Apart from the highly demanding requirements of college life, I resort to many unrelated things to chill out and detoxify. I love trying a lot of things: from arts, to sports, to geeky stuff. We can play outdoors, talk about a book, or do domestic stuff like crochet. I’d most probably enjoy it. But most of all, I love love love music and singing on top of it all. I do a lot of things because I believe that life, being the only one we have, has a lot to offer and so it has always been my dream to grow in all its aspects- physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I love dressing up too! Although I am not your stereotypical shopaholic fashionista, I make it a point to step outside the house with an extra ounce of confidence all thanks to a perfectly looking outfit.

Hello! I'm Den and I’m taking up Marketing Management. I like the way college keeps me busy with a mix of academics and extra-curricular activities both in the campus and outside school. I think this helps me maintain a balanced lifestyle. I wouldn't want to just study all the time or to just relax and do nothing. I choose activities which I find meaningful and helpful, and also fun and enjoyable. People often see me as a laidback girly-girl, which makes it a bit surprising for some to discover that I like sports and actually love playing volleyball. This is why when it comes to dressing-up, my style can go from very feminine to very sporty, while always making sure that it's practical and right for the occasion.