UNT at Frisco and JCPenney Partner up for Suit-Up Event at The Stonebriar Mall
By Aliyaha Jones
UNT student Lydia Pluscht wearing a traditional business professional outfit.
Alright, so let’s get down to business!
Resumes, portfolios and business cards aren’t the only things employers are looking at. Knowing the difference between business professional and business casual can make a significant impact on your interview.
Pose for Professionalism: What is Business Professional Attire?
Business professional attire usually consists of a nice pair of slacks or a knee-length skirt paired with a blazer. Button-up shirts and blouses are the usual go-tos to wear underneath the blazer. There are a few limits when it comes to styling your outfit. Neutral tones like gray, black, white and blue are preferred over bright colors and heels and loafers are the go-to shoes to finish off with a polished look.
UNT student Kiana Lane wearing a stylish business casual outfit.
Creatively Casual: What is Business Casual Attire?
Business casual is a little more relaxed and gives room for personal expression. According to Indeed.com, dress slacks, knee-length skirts, button-down shirts with no tie, sweaters, flats, and heels are acceptable. Business casual is also a safe place for creativity. Bright colors and unique patterns can spice up your look while remaining professional.
Does my appearance really matter at a job interview? YES!
Your appearance and how you’re dressed is the first thing that employers look at when walking into an interview. It’s always important to make sure you’re looking your best because first impressions do matter. Employers will notice how you’re dressed, and they will keep it in mind when making hiring decisions.
Here are some tips to follow when deciding what to wear for an interview:
- Research the company’s work environment - This will help with deciding whether to wear business casual or business professional at your interview.
- Pick out and iron your outfit the night before- This ensures that you thoughtfully put together your outfit and took the time to look sharp!
- Make sure you’re comfortable- You want to look nice but also feel comfortable in what you’re wearing. You don’t want to distract the interviewer by constantly adjusting your clothes. Try to go for something else that will fit better and make you feel confident!
UNT student Cameron Combs wearing a combination of patterns in his business casual outfit.
Balling on a Budget?
We all know that business clothes can get pretty expensive and there are many programs available that help students find them, right in our neighborhood! UNT at Frisco is partnering up with JCPenney, which is located inside of the Stonebriar Mall, during their Suit-Up event. A 60 percent discount plus an extra 30 percent discount with your student ID, will be available on men’s and women’s clothing, handbags, shoes, and jewelry to make sure that you are looking your best for your next interview.
The Sephora inside JCPenney will be offering free make-up consultations or a free mini makeover. To make things even better, the hair salon located inside of the store will also be offering free hair consultations and you can get a professional headshot for only $29.99.
This event will be on Sunday, Feb. 16, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 2607 Preston Road, Frisco, Texas 75034 at JCPenney located inside of the Stonebriar Mall.
For more information on this event please contact the Student Services Coordinator, Megan Namayi at Megan.namayi@unt.edu or at 972-668-8116.
Aliyaha Jones is a senior journalism major with a concentration in public relations and a minor in anthropology at the University of North Texas. She has experience in social media marketing and event planning and plans to pursue a career as a publicist.