What’s in Our Shopping Cart For a New Job
Written by Lila Mabanta
As the academic semester is coming to an end, and summer is finally peaking through, it’s safe to say that a lot of us will be facing changes. I will be graduating college, and starting my first corporate, full-time job–which is both so exciting and relieving, but also scary and intimidating. And when beginning to think about all its prep details, I realized–I needed to buy a lot of things. No more crop tops, no more short shorts. I needed to look professional.
If you’re in the same boat, I compiled a list of items I’ve bought, and want to buy, to transform myself into my new young-adult, post-graduate, professional era. Every job is different–my old seasonal part-time job’s daily attire was a band tee and jorts–so take this, and adapt it to your situation!
Work Bag
I’ve been a backpack girly my whole life. My backpack throughout my last two years of college, and in-person internships, has been the Pacsafe CX Anti-Theft Backpack (I originally bought it for study abroad, but loved it so much it overtook my previous backpack). However, because of that, with the backpack, I feel like I’m stuck looking like a college student, rather than a full-time employee.
Thus, I wanted to enter into the world of work totes–which I realized is much more complicated than expected. My search through many websites and articles led to forming a list of criteria I wanted in a bag: structured rather than slouchy, a laptop slip, many compartments, spacious, cleanable, flat straps rather than rounded to dig into my shoulders less, and fully closable by zipper. That led me to the Pond Los Angeles Transform Tote. Although, a little apprehensively, the bag is a little bigger than I had anticipated, it has everything and more: padded laptop slip, so many compartments including side pockets for your water bottle, water, and scratch resistance, a key leash, and an option to transform it into a crossbody or backpack. Another similar option is the Beis Work Tote.
Clothing
Starting work in the summer, I needed to be dressed for the office, not the pool. While going through my closet, I realized most of my spring and summer shirts, besides band tees, are cropped! So, I’ve been grabbing these Brandy Melville Hallie Basic Tops in every color–simple, flattering, work-appropriate length, and fairly priced. I also grabbed Abercombie’s Soft Matte Seamless Slash Top for a more conservative-style tank top, in white. Luckily, I “thrift”, aka went through my grandma and mom’s closets for light, airy button-ups.
For pants, I wanted some linen. Abercrombie, again, came through. I got their A&F Sloane Tailored Linen-Blend Pant in purple and tan stripes, which are very flattering and lightweight. For the thicker materials, I bought their classic, TikTok viral A&F Sloane Tailored Pant in black, navy, and light taupe. They are worth the hype. If shorts are more of the vibe, they have the A&F Sloane Tailored Short version as well, however, I’m waiting to figure out the office’s air conditioning situation before buying.
As well, I plan on buying some work dresses–all my dresses are great for going out, or Sunday brunch, but not necessarily the office. Uniqlo has some great options that don’t look too short or tight–I have my eyes on their Ultra Stretch AIRism Sleeveless Dress, Ultra Stretch AIRism Sleeveless Mini Dress, and their Linen Cotton Gather Skirt.
Shoes
For shoes, I think we live in an age where sneakers are the norm–I forever live in my white Stan Smiths. However, I wanted some nice, comfortable but more dressed-up shoes as well. I got the DV by Dolce Vita Meredith Metallic Ballet Flat in black, which can be worn so universally, and was at a great price. If you’re more into loafers, the Lawrence Black Leather loafers seem like a great option.
If you have more recommendations you’ve bought that you feel are essential for work, comment below. If you’re in a similar boat as me, good luck! You can do it, and look fashionable too!
Be well,
Lila
