Source: Joshua Williams IV / Courtesy of Dillard University
Leaving college behind this month? Look the part by transitioning your gear from campus cool kid to working professional. Sounds daunting? Don’t worry, we got you. A carefully curated lineup of interchangeable essentials will take you from job interviews to that office life with ease. Here’s everything you’ll need for just $500.
1. Crewneck Sweater
Go for a lightweight knit to wear under a blazer or alone.
Source: Courtesy of Joe Fresh / Courtesy of Joe Fresh
Joe Fresh crewneck sweater ($29; joefresh.com)
2. Striped Tie
Opt for a classic print with pops of color.
Source: Courtesy of Tie Mart / Courtesy of Tie Mart
Tie Mart striped necktie ($3.98; tiemart.com)
3. Printed Button-Down
The timeless check pairs well with suiting or structured denim.
Source: Courtesy of H&M / Courtesy of H&M
H&M plaid shirt ($19.99; hm.com)
4. Tailored Chinos
Rock with a streamlined turtleneck and laceups for effortless swag.
Source: Courtesy of Old Navy / Courtesy of Old Navy
Old Navy chinos ($35; oldnavy.com)
5. Navy Suit
A navy suit is seasonless and dresses up or down with ease. Rock the pieces together or separately.
Source: Courtesy of H&M / Courtesy of H&M
H&M navy blazer and pants ($69.99 and 34.99; hm.com)
7. Leather Dress Shoes
Classic wingtips with luxe details will show your co-workers that you mean business.
Source: Courtesy of JC Penney / Courtesy of JC Penney
Claiborne Roger wingtip oxfords ($44.99; jcpenney.com)
8. Leather Belt
Sleek hardware and burnished leather will upgrade your fit.
Source: Courtesy of Target / Courtesy of Target
Target belt ($19.99; target.com)
9. Streamlined Sneakers
Great for casual Fridays, pair with a blazer and dark denim to transition into the weekend.
Source: Courtesy of Target / Courtesy of Target
Target sneakers ($29.99; target.com)
10. Solid Button-Down
Opt for blue as a modern alternative to the classic white dress shirt.
Source: Courtesy of Kohl’s / Courtesy of Kohl’s
Croft & Barrow button-down shirt ($8.80; kohls.com)
11. Black Suit
No closet is complete without one— mix and match the blazer and trousers.
Source: Courtesy of Burlington / Courtesy of Burlington
Billy London slim fit two-piece black suit ($99.99 for jacket and pants; burlington.com)
12. Dark Denim Jeans
Save distressed styles for the weekend. Opt for a tailored, clean wash in a heavier weight M-F.
Source: Courtesy of Joe Fresh / Courtesy of Joe Fresh
Joe Fresh straight leg jeans ($34.00; joefresh.com)
13. Turtleneck Sweater
The turtleneck makes any guy look effortlessly cool. Try lightweight, seasonless camel.
Source: Courtesy of Camuto Group / Courtesy of Camuto Group
Vince Camuto turtleneck ($69.99; vincecamuto.com)
14. Classic White Tee
Rock a cotton V-neck with a blazer and trousers for a modern take on office dressing.
Uniqlo V-neck t-shirt ($5.90; uniqlo.com)
Source: Courtesy of Uniqlo / Courtesy of Uniqlo
