This past weekend, I had the absolute privilege of attending and serving as Purdue’s Student Ambassador at the National Retail Federation’s 2018 BIG Show in New York City. NRF brings together college students from all over the nation and leaders of the industry such as Karen Katz, Neiman Marcus CEO, new-age thinkers like Neil Blumenthal of Warby Parker, and young entrepreneurs like &pizza’s Michael Lastoria.
Opportunities to learn from business moguls and meet peers who are just as excited about a career in fashion as I am, all while in the inspired Big Apple, had an infectious sense of energy. The amount of palpable creativity and passion made me proud to even be in the room.
The amount of palpable creativity and passion made me proud to even be in the room.
As any professional conference goes, first impressions are imperative. To anti-up, adding the element of a retail focus, means wardrobe selection was beyond crucial. I chose two looks that were both anti-black-two-piece-suit and which gave me confidence while exuding my style.
Day One: Neutral Glamour
The saying goes, don’t dress for the job you have, dress for the job you want, and while it would be a bit comical to arrive dressed as a bar-back, I went with the ladder.
I knew I wanted my first look to represent me, while also hitting some trends on the way, so when I came across this blush pleated midi from H&M it was the perfect fit! In keeping with a neutral palette and luxe fabric selection, my ivory off-the-shoulder sweater provided the perfect amount of appropriate revealed skin.
With a good amount of walking ahead of me, I came prepared with an arsenal of ankle straps and chunky heels thanks to these to-die-for snakeskin sandals from Francesca’s.
As an ode to speaker, Neil ‘Mr. Warby Parker’ Blumenthal, I brought along my very own Percy frames and to add just a tinge more glamour, I accentuated with statement Anthropologie drop earrings, artisan cuff, and assorted rings.
All I know is that if my future job entails midi skirts and snakeskin heels, I will be one lucky girl.
Day Two: Go Figure
In an effort to stand out in a sea of inevitable black tailoring, I opted for this Michael Kors raspberry scuba dress.
Many overthink what it means to dress ‘business-y’ and from what I’ve come to learn, three main tips usually help me along.
- Combat the common myth that fashion requires one to feel uncomfortable in some way. In a professional setting, you want your work at the forefront and your intelligence and initiatives to shine. Your wardrobe should supplement that and even give positive nods to your personality, rather than serve as a distraction. You never want to be worried about walking correctly in the higher heels or over-adjusting a short skirt.
- Second, know your audience. Gauging the level of formality will aid in making decisions on what is appropriate and what is not. For example, you’re not going to accessorize with statement earrings and a blingy watch if you’re headed to a volunteering event rather than a board meeting.
- Be yourself. Keynote speaker and industry disruptor, Daymond John, said it best when he affirmed that, ‘when you go into business with someone, you’re going into business with their ideas, with their style, and with their personality. You have to ask yourself if you can stand that person”. Your clothing is the easiest way to represent yourself, so don’t stray from adding your red lip, bold pump, or signature hairstyle if it personifies qualities and cultural values you hold and hold proudly.
With a more formal tone to my second look, I toned down my jewelry with complementary rose gold earrings from Lela Boutique and matching Michael Kors watch.
I couldn’t have asked for a better weekend filled with all the adventure, connectivity, ingenuity, and genuine curiosity that lets me know I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. Thank you NRF for such an unforgettable conference and as always, thank you my beloved New York.
