I am writing this while wearing my new suit, and let me just tell you: I am rocking it. And that is an especially good feeling considering the adventure that went into getting it. I am horrible at being a girl. I don’t like dressing up that much and have no idea what colors complement nicely or how to accessorize. So a week ago I went to the mall with my brave face on, ready to wander around in the career section trying to figure out how to buy a suit without the help of my mom.
I think this is a sign that I’m a true Millennial. Even at age 24 I wished my mom was there to be in the store telling me to turn around and making me stand with my arms out and pushing down the tops of my shoes and asked if they pinched my toes. So I found the most mom-like worker I could and asked her for help.
I think I made this woman’s dream come true.
She had a wonderful time dragging me around the store, grabbing ruffled tops and silk shells and all sorts of coats and things that would have taken me six hours to find by myself. She shoved me in a dressing room with two armloads full of hangers and said “Ooohh, I just can’t wait to see them on you!” About ten minutes later she came back with some more pieces, one being a single strap, bright red, sequined monstrosity that I would not wear in a million years.
After two hours spent in the dressing room spinning around for her I finally gave in to four different pieces she had picked out, knowing I would be returning them the next time I had a spare Saturday. I just can’t have someone else tell me to wear this and this and this. I’ve really got to feel comfortable in it.
This past weekend I went back to the mall and returned the crazily expensive items that had been picked out for me last week. $50 for a cream-colored t-shirt? No, thank you. I then spent a good couple hours walking around a completely different store, trying things on together, and dancing in the mirror. I think the true sign that you really feel good about a piece of clothing is if you’re able to dance like a goof in it. Everything I got is pretty basic (no stripes or patterns or oversize ruffles), but I think it all goes together nicely. And I made sure my blacks match, thanks to advice from my grandma.
Now I’m feeling even more confident about doing interviews. Things are really coming together. I guess they have to be – OPE is only four days away!
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Shannon, this is a good post. I remember when I bought my first interview attire I ended up spending a small fortune… and it took me forever to find stuff I liked. And yes, I was able to (and still do) dance in my suits, especially when I'm wearing my silk suspenders (which my wife doesn't like).