One word of warning: some readers found some of CollegeCandy’s ads and content to be NSFW – thought we’d let you know beforehand to avoid any surprises!

If I can speak for most undergrads, we dread graduation day more than the apocalypse itself. It means leaving college and entering the real world, where it won’t be acceptable to sleep until noon on a Wednesday or blow off all your responsibilities to watch an entire season of The Office in bed.

Although the whole “graduating” thing sucks in theory, there’s always a lot of excitement surrounding the commencement speaker (or controversy, if you remember the whole Obama at Notre Dame debacle). A good speaker can trick you into thinking this isn’t the worst day of your life, and inspire you to look ahead to the future and all the possibilities that lay ahead. (If they’re a huge success, why can’t you be!?) And a bad speaker will allow you a good 45-minute power nap.

So who will be inspired come graduation day and who will be snoozing in their caps and gowns? Here is a list of some serious commencement speaker heavy hitters and the lucky seniors who get to listen to ‘em:

1. University of Michigan – BARACK OBAMA!
Imagine how proud you’d be of your college experience when the freakin’ PRESIDENT of the United States comes to speak at your graduation ceremony!? Everyone knows the man’s got charisma and can work a crowd, and the class of 2010 will definitely remember this for the rest of their lives!

2. NYU – Alec Baldwin
Three words: hot. older. man. Everyone and their mother (literally) will be drooling over him, and if they can pay attention to what he has to say at the same time, I’m sure it will be both hilarious (hello, did you not see him on the Oscars last night?) and inspirational. This funny guy is the perfect choice for a commencement speaker. I knew I shoulda gone to NYU…

3. Vassar College – Lisa Kudrow
Could you get a cooler commencement speaker than Phoebe from Friends? I think not. The Emmy winner actually graduated from Vassar in 1985 with a Biology degree and will return to deliver the 2010 commencement address. I’m sure she’ll be delivering inspirational advice in between cracking jokes, and will have the audience doubled over in laughter. I just hope she whips out a guitar and performs a little “Smelly Cat.”

Read the rest at CollegeCandy!

Spring is slowly approaching in DC. After two record-breaking snowfalls that brought the city to the standstill, temperatures are warming and melting the residual snow and ice. Likewise, at Georgetown, students are melting away the layers, trading in their winter coats for stylish blazers and jackets. I ran into one of these chic “Hoyas” lounging in between classes. Meet Melissa, a trendy junior making a very fashionable start to Spring.

Who I Spotted:

Name: Melissa

Hometown: New Haven, Connecticut

Major: Double Major in Government and Japanese

Year in College: Junior

Hobbies and Interests: “Anything government related. I love being involved with community issues. And I’m also Co-President of Georgetown University Women of Color.”

Describe your style in 3 words: “Classic. Loud, color-wise: I love bright colors. And simple. I would say I’m a simple dresser.”

Who or what inspires your style: “I read a lot of ‘Glamour’ Magazine. I have a monthly subscription so pretty much anything they recommend.”

Where do you like to shop? “Forever 21, of course; I love Urban Outfitters; and A-Sauce, a European website with a lot of European styles. British fashion is the bomb!”

Why did you choose this particular outfit? “Yellow is my favorite color, so that explains the shirt. As for the jacket, it’s really light and I like the way it floats from my body. It gives the illusion that I’m bigger since I’m really tiny. The boots? I love boots. I’m from Connecticut and it gets pretty cold out there so boots are kind of the go-to thing.”

Elements of Melissa’s Outfit

1. Strong Shoulder Top

I LOVE Melissa’s Jacket. The shoulder detail is amazing and I was really inspired by it. This look reminded me of the military-inspired look Rihanna rocked in her “Hard” video. Melissa’s jacket mixes the hard and masculine military elements with feminine and romantic details for a completely unique look.

2. Riding Boots

The diva came on horseback! Riding boots are a staple this season. Even if you aren’t an equestrian, riding boots bring a more regal and classic aesthetic to a rather simple outfit.

Looks Inspired By Melissa

This look focuses on the detail in Melissa’s outfit and mixes the strong shoulder aspect with a vibrant color scheme.

Product Information: Blouse- Anthropologie, Earrings- Piperlime, Boots- ShopRuche,  Yellow Jacket- Net-a-Porter, Jeans- Bunny Hug

This is another variation of Melissa’s outfit, focused more on her style of boot. I also wanted to focus on her accessories, her glasses and headband in particular.

Product Information: Jacket- Jules B, Glasses- TopShop, Jeans- Net-a-Porter, Boots- Forever 21, Yellow Top- Forever 21, Bag- Yes Style, Headband- Forever 21

What do you think?

Do you admire Melissa’s attention to detail as much as we do? How do you add edge to a more classic look? Post a comment and tell us what you think.

Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland brought in 116 million dollars in the United States alone on its opening weekend. In addition to its box office success, Alice in Wonderland was extremely successful in the fashion department.

While watching this movie (all three times I saw it), I could not take my eyes off the incredible and inspirational clothes worn by the various characters. If you want to channel a little Alice in your daily life, here is some fashion inspiration from Wonderland:

1. Alice

Alice, as most of you know, is the main character of the movie. Her style is feminine, but not overly feminine, and she is always wearing a beautiful shade of sky blue. Alice has a very effortless look that’s never rigid, because she tends to partake in adventures that require comfy clothes. In addition, most of her dresses have a vintage feel, so a thrift shop would likely be a great place to find Alice-inspired clothes.

Necklace- Swarovski, Boots- Urban Outfitters, Dress- Delia’s, “Drink Me” Necklace- Disney Couture, Earrings- Disney Couture, Nail Polish- OPI, Blue Tank Top- Forever 21, Bow Belt- Forever 21, Lace Skirt- Wet Seal, Mary Jane Pumps- Bordello

2. The Red Queen

The Red Queen is an evil queen with an abnormally large head. As her name implies, she adores the color red, perhaps because it rhymes with her favorite saying, “Off with their head!” In addition to the color red, the Red Queen also adores the colors black and gold. Her favorite symbol is the heart, and she tends to wear structured clothing with an almost gothic look.

Blazer- Forever 21, Skirt- Forever 21, Necklace- Swarovski, Dress- Forever 21, Heart Sunglasses- Urban Outfitters, Boots- Forever 21, Earrings- Disney Couture, Tights- Plasticland, Nail Polish- OPI, Corset Top- Arden B

3. The White Queen

The Red Queen’s sister, the White Queen, is a beautiful, good queen who adorns herself in all white. The only color on her entire body is her deep shade of burgundy lipstick. Her style is ultra-feminine, with lots of pearls and lacy details.

Earrings- ASOS, Lipstick- Nars Cosmetics, Dress- Wet Seal, Necklace- Modcloth, Pumps- Miss Selfridge, Nail Polish- OPI

4. Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum

The adorably funny twin brothers, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, keep the audience giggling throughout the movie. Not only are the brothers humorous, but their fashion sense is also pretty interesting and easy to imitate. The twins always wear stripes, shorts and suspenders. Add a pop of color, and you’ve got their style!

Top- John Lewis, Shorts- Forever 21, Socks- Absolute Socks, Shoes- BCBG, Suspenders- Beatdrop’s Closet

5. The Mad Hatter

Ah, the Mad Hatter, my favorite character in the movie. The Mad Hatter is a crazy, eclectic hat maker with bright orange hair and lime green eyes. He always looks colorful, even though his basic coat and pants are neutral. He achieves this by wearing bright eye makeup, a brightly colored scarf, and of course, his hat. If you’re looking for a standout hat, discount stores like Stein Mart, T.J. Maxx, and Marshall’s always have a great selection of really expensive and beautiful hats for dirt cheap.

Scarf- Oasis, Booties- Urban Outfitters, Necklace- Swarovski, Nail Polish- OPI, Blazer- Piperlime, Top- Forever 21, Hat- Village Hat Shop, Shorts- Modcloth

Thoughts?

Have you seen Alice in Wonderland? Did you think that the movie was inspirational? Which character’s fashion inspired you the most? Leave comments below! I hope you enjoyed this post.

* All photos courtesy of the Official Alice in Wonderland site.

When do I get to wear something like that?

Most of us won’t be going to the Academy Awards anytime soon, but if you have the opportunity to dress up for a formal event this semester, why not borrow some Oscar night glamour for your look? For example, consider these outfits inspired by some of the hottest looks from the Academy Awards.

1. Demi Moore: Romantic and Sexy

Dress – Lipsy, Dress – Arden B, Earrings – French Connection, Bracelet – Forever 21, Shoes – Kenneth Cole Reaction, Clutch – Carlo Fellini

The nude, ruffles, and sheer trends have taken the fashion world by storm, and Demi Moore embodied them all perfectly in her Atelier Versace gown.

I love the contrast between the body con torso and the abundant ruffled skirt, so I found two dresses that work a similar dynamic. Stay in line with the understated elegance of the dress by accessorizing with simple gold pieces and pretty bangles.

2. Carey Mulligan: Classic with Edge

Dress – Vero Moda, Dress – TFNC, Earrings – 1928, Clutch – Nicholas Millington, Shoes – BCBGeneration

There’s nothing revolutionary about a black A-line dress, but the miniature cutlery adorning Carey Mulligan’s Prada dress made it one of the hottest Oscar night topics.

This look is all about infusing timeless classics with fresh details. Tailoring and texture are key, and keep in mind that a little bit of edge goes a long way — you don’t need a ton of bling to make a statement!

3. Maggie Gyllenhaal: Vividly Fresh

Dress – ASOS, Dress – Forever 21, Dress – Anne Klein, Earrings – Debenhams, Shoes – South, Bracelet – Lucky Brand

The blue on Maggie Gyllenhaal’s dress by Dries Van Noten complements her coloring perfectly, while the radiant watercolor print is right on-trend for spring.

If you want to try out this look, look for a print in a color that makes your skin glow. A simple silhouette is key, and dainty accessories with whimsical, girly details will add to the dress without being too distracting.

What do you think?

What were your favorite looks from Oscar night, and how would you rework them in your own life? What did you think of my interpretations? Do you have any formal events that you get to dress up for this semester? (My sorority has a formal every spring, so I need to start scoping out dresses ASAP.) Let us know what you think!

CF has partnered up with ELLE to bring you five of their hottest articles every Friday! Check back next Friday for your weekly dose, and be sure to visit ELLE.com for plenty of access to fashion editorials, beauty product reviews, and profiles of emerging designers.

• Top 10 Beauty Faux Pas Made Popular – These hair and makeup don’ts were dos on the spring 2010 runways.
• 2010 Oscars Best Actress Beauty Face-Off – Who had the better look?
• Taylor Swift Cover Shoot – ELLE’s April cover girl on media scrutiny, her fears, and those revealing lyrics.
• Fall 2010 Marchesa Gown Collection – So many fabulous pieces. Love, love, love.
• 2010 Oscars: Red Carpet Couples – Check out photos of the chicest Hollywood duos, from SJP and Matthew Broderick to Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony.

This sponsored content is brought to you by Style Coalition.

I absolutely love Halloween. Copious amounts of candy + the opportunity to experiment like crazy with my style = my dream holiday. In fact, the only thing I don’t like about Halloween is that it only takes place once a year (and usually ridiculously close to midterms)!

That’s why I was overjoyed when I came to college and realized I would have plenty of chances to dress up during the other 364 days of the year. From frat/sorority parties to club events and school-sponsored events, themed parties are always happening on college campuses and around them, with local businesses often getting in on the fun by hosting events of their own.

While getting all dressed up for a themed event is fun, it can also be pretty stressful! After all, most of us do not have closets full of costume attire ready to go, so it can be tough to come up with something that works. And the idea of buying a whole new look for just one night can make a college girl on a budget want to skip the event altogether!

Since I began this column, I have received tons of requests for articles on what to wear to specific themed events. I have been reluctant to answer these, as I try to choose topics that will help the largest number of people. However, having attended everything from a “Mad Hatter” themed event to a “Great Gatsby” ball in the past couple months, I have now picked up some general tips to help you decide what to wear for any and every themed event you may find.

Themed Event Essentials

If you are attending a themed event and don’t want to purchase a new outfit but are at a loss for what you could create from your own pieces, check for these basics first:

The best way to create a look without spending any money is to experiment with your hair and makeup! A can of hairspray can take you far, creating looks ranging from 80’s Madonna to fauxhawked punk rocker with a few quick sprays. Hair pins are also essential to crafting unique hairstyles, especially if you are going for a period look that involves an updo.

Makeup basics like lipstick or eyeliner are great for dramatic looks as well, as they can easily take you from classic siren (red lips, winged liner) to futuristic cyber babe (hot pink, purple, or black lipstick/liner) to gothic vamp (lots of dark eyeliner and maybe some black lipstick).

Accessories also go a long way in transforming you into a whole new person. A simple ribbon, for example, is a great thing to have lying around your dorm room, since you can use it as a headband (think “Alice” from “Alice in Wonderland” or Blair from “Gossip Girl”), a bowtie (if you’re dressing up as a boy), or as a belt to cinch in a tunic or dress.

Necklaces are another example of an easy way to create a themed look. A long, gold chain necklace can be great as “bling” for a “white trash” party or can also add some sparkle to a period look. Of course, pearls are an absolute must as well – they’re great for flapper costumes, 80’s looks, dressing up as a business woman, and so much more. Knee socks are also great to have on hand for a sports-themed party.

As for clothes, they can be a bit tricky depending on your exact theme. A LBD goes a long way for most themed parties, as it is an easy piece to accessorize. Super cheap Hanes tanks or tees are also awesome, as you can easily cut them up or write on them to fit your theme. Blazers can also go a long way in transforming you into a business woman, a “man,” or even (as I recently found) the “Mad Hatter” from Alice in Wonderland!

Ask Your Friends!

If you read the above suggestions and are still at a loss for what to wear, my next suggestion is to check with your friends. This is especially helpful if you are dressing up as a male character, for example, as obviously guys would have the best male wardrobes! You and your friends may find it helpful to pool some of your clothes together before the event in order to create totally original looks from your combined closets.

Just be sure that if you do choose to borrow clothes or accessories from your friends that you take special care to ensure they are safely returned. (This is super important if you are going to an event like a frat party where beer is probably going to be spilled on you.)

The “One Accessory” Trick

Sometimes, after you’ve tried all your friends and searched through your closet, you may have no choice but to make a purchase in order to create a look. This does not mean you have to buy an entirely new outfit, though! The best trick I have picked up is to purchase a single piece that you can use to define your look. For example, if you were going to a “High School Stereotypes” themed event, you could buy a pair of oversize glasses to be a “nerd” or a jersey to be a “jock.”

In the picture above, some friends and I were able to transform ourselves into “Great Gatsby”-worthy fashionistas with simple accessories such as pearls, feathers, and even cigarette holders (without actual cigarettes in them, of course!) found at a vintage store that we just added on top of dresses we already had. A simple hat, mask, or wig can also do the trick for a last-minute costume!

Themed Event/Party Ideas

So you read this article but don’t have a themed event or party coming up? I recommend you throw one of your own! Don’t have a specific occasion in mind? I have found that throwing themed parties is a great way to raise money for a charity, just in case you needed an excuse.

Here are some themes that I have found fun in the past, whether for a larger group fundraiser or simply for a fun party with you and some friends:

• Masquerade Ball: This is a super easy theme to pull off, as all anyone needs to do is buy a mask and throw on their favorite party dress!
• Period Theme: I have referenced this theme a few times in the article, as it is one of my favorites. Pick your favorite decade as the theme, or allow all the guests to pick their own decade and come decked-out in retro looks. So much fun!
• Favorite Character Theme: Have people come dressed as their favorite book, TV, or movie character–the fun is in guessing who’s who!
• Color Theme: This is a great theme for a simple fundraising party. Many causes are associated with colors (for example, Breast Cancer is associated with the color pink), so have guests wear this color and be sure to decorate and serve food in your specific color as well.
• High School Stereotypes: Poke fun at your high school self by dressing up as an exaggerated “stereotypical” high school student, such as a nerd, jock, cheerleader, etc.
• Met Gala: If you have friends who are as interested in fashion as you are, try holding your own “Met Costume Institute Gala.” Held every year to celebrate the opening of a new exhibit, the Gala is always attended by the absolute A-list of fashion, being recently hosted by style royalty like Kate Moss. This year’s Gala will be held on May 3 with the theme “American Women,” so why not have one of your own and later compare your looks to those of fashion’s elite?

What do you think?

Have you ever attended a themed party or event? Do you have any suggestions on how to craft costumes for them without spending a lot? Are there any other party themes you have particularly enjoyed? Let us know in the comments!

And if you have a “What Do I Wear There?” question, let us know below. Yours may be featured in the next column!

You only have a few days left to enter our Urban Outfitters gift card giveaway! We pick the winners on Monday, so take two seconds and enter right now – it’s incredibly simple and you have a good chance of winning!

We love Second City Style’s New York Fall Fashion Week Review – it’s a list of the trends we saw on the fall/winter runways and what you should buy right now to wear through fall.

Apparently, in Thailand, fake bags are museum-worthy.

Need to get rid of some old jeans? Donate your vintage denim to any Gap store in the US and get 30% off your next jeans purchase until March 14th.

You’ve probably already seen the new Alice in Wonderland film, but I bet you haven’t seen the original Alice movie, a 9-minute silent film from the 1930s! So cool.

Christian Siriano’s talon heels have arrived at Payless, and Racked NY took them for a test run…

How adorable is Nicole Richie, seriously?

The South by Southwest music festival is giving away a (totally legal) 3.5gb of music by artists performing at the festival. Download it here!

The latest celebrity clothing collaboration – Madonna for Macy’s.

Sororities are bad for body image, and can promote eating disorders, a new study suggests. Not sure if I believe this, but it’s certainly an interesting discussion topic.

There are so many hot trends for spring, but here’s a new one we’re kinda in love with: ribbons!

We covered this year’s best Oscar fashion earlier this week, so to balance it out, you must check out the worst Oscar fashion of all time. OF ALL TIME! So bad.

Why Balenciaga Blacklisted French Vogue! Scandalous.

In case you haven’t seen them yet, you must check out the photos of Alexander McQueen’s final collection. The man will truly be missed.

On a similar note? What made Alexander McQueen shows so different from the rest?

Zooey Deschanel is the newest face of Rimmel London. I have to say, that’s a girl who could totally sell me some cosmetics.

Opening Ceremony’s founders are SO cool. Watch this video and tell us you don’t kinda want to be friends with them.

Mmm, 50 classic bags, illustrated, courtesy of the LA Times. Can I own them all?

Refinery 29 offers tips on how to wear a sheer shirt.

Spring is finally arriving, so get inspired with Burberry’s Art of the Trench website – there’s TONS of street style eye candy plus great music!

The Gap… turned upside down.

This is so weird: there’s now an online “service” where some dude will dump your boyfriend for you. Yeah. I don’t know how they come up with this stuff either.

So cool: Viktor & Rolf Dressed Their Models on the Runway!

Glamour’s list of the 10 most glam wardrobe items ever is great reading and includes so many classic must-haves.

The first issue of Vogue Turkey takes fashion back to basics with an actual model on its cover and no taglines! What do you think of this basic cover in comparison to the ones we typically see in the US?

We know that pastel hair is a hot trend among celebs like Kelly Osbourne, but now pastel eyebrows?

Ripped, torn, and otherwise distressed denim is once again in style this spring. This season’s incarnation of the trend, however, is a bit different from how it looked in previous decades. Instead of giving off a rebellious or grungy vibe, spring 2010 ripped denim is all about looking sultry and seductive with a little bit of edge. If you’re dying for a trendy new pair of jeans, pick up some ripped ones, and follow our tips to rock them right.

General Tips on Wearing Ripped Denim

Pick a style. Ripped denim isn’t just for jeans this season! You can find distressed details on a variety of denim styles this season, from shorts to mini skirts to jackets. Pick your favorite piece and go from there.

Consider the occasion. Though some denim pieces (namely dark wash jeans) are usually socially acceptable for wear in dressier situations, distressed denim is very casual and relaxed, and NOT appropriate for a dressy occasion. While torn styles are great for hanging out or running errands, they’re not great going-out options. Also, if your style leans towards prim and proper, you probably won’t find ripped jeans appropriate for classroom wear.

Choose how much you want to show. As a general rule, the smaller the piece, the less distressing it should have. A pair of frayed denim shorts, for example, should be less destroyed than a pair of jeans simply because the cut of the shorts is more revealing. Slashed skinny jeans have been a celebrity favorite, but avoid wearing a slashed mini skirt in an attempt to emulate their look. If you’re ever feeling overexposed, layer! Try a funky pair of tights or leggings under whatever you’re wearing for extra coverage and style.

Spend wisely. You’re buying denim that’s already destroyed, so spend accordingly! Though ripped denim is adorable and gives your style a relaxed Cali-girl vibe, this is a trend that you’re probably not going to want to drop hundreds of dollars on. Feeling creative? It’s easy (and cheap!) to distress some old jeans you already own! Check out a great DIY tutorial here.

Keep an eye on placement. Notice where holes and distressed areas hit on your body. You probably already realize that a gigantic rip near your back pockets isn’t ideal, but also watch out for holes in or near the knees of your jeans. If you plan on bending down or being active, little holes in these areas can become BIG ones very quickly. Also, be careful when putting on ripped jeans! I’ve definitely accidentally stuck my toe into a hole and further ripped it on more than one occasion.

Outfit Inspiration

Distressed

Product Information: Splendid Oversized Jersey Tee, ShopBop. Unlock My Heart Necklace, Forever 21. Painted Denim Shorts, American Eagle. Pastel Studded Hoop Earrings, Fantasy Jewelry Box. Laredo Leather Western Boot, Delias. BKE Ribbed Tank, The Buckle.

Torn

Product Information: Central Park West Tristan Ruffle Top, Piperlime. Ciao Bella Cutout Leather Flats, Bluefly. Always Skinny Destructed Jeans, Gap. Cameo Sequin Headband, Miss Selfridge. I Love You Pendant Necklace, Monsoon.

Destroyed

Product Information: Full Tilt Boyfriend Tee, Tilly’s. BKE Jewled Cuff Bracelet, The Buckle. Teardrop Cocktail Ring, Zappos. Siwy Hannah Slim Jeans, Shopbop. Lucky Brand Havana Mosaic Scarf, Piperlime. Multi Stud Gladiator Sandals, Wet Seal.

Tell me what you think!

Are you excited to see ripped denim emerge again this season? Do you already own any ripped, destroyed, or distressed denim pieces? If you do, what are your tips for wearing them? Let everyone know with your comment!

While we may all love fashion on the runways, it seems like many college girls stick to the basics day-to-day in fear of looking out of place on campus. Sometimes I can’t help but feel like certain items just aren’t acceptable on a college campus (especially here, in the Midwest), which makes me sad. Of course, some of you fearless ladies wear what you want to class anyway, but on my campus, this seems like the exception instead of the rule.

So for all of you who, like me, wish that there was a more reasonable way to wear high fashion items on campus, I’ve created this Fashion Challenge feature. Each week I’ll pick a different item, (I’m open to suggestions from you in the comments!) something that is a little more challenging to style, and give you pictures of others wearing the item, resources for finding it, tips, and outfit ideas, so you can fearlessly wear it on campus (and maybe start a new trend) yourself. Today, the challenging item is slouchy pants.

You are probably seeing them everywhere: usually silk or satin, pleated, and tapered, slouchy pants are the new skinny jean. Wearing a pair of silk pants in daylight on campus may seem intimidating, but if you style them right, they make a statement–in a good way!

Tips and Tricks:

• Slouchy pants come in a variety of styles from harem-style to structured and cropped. They also run the spectrum in fabrics: from silk to satin, and even khaki. So don’t be afraid to try a few on before you find what works for you!
• Remember that if you choose silk or satin, they aren’t as forgiving as some other fabrics and can cling in strange places. Choose your undergarments accordingly.
• Slouchy pants can be dressed up, as Ms. Missoni proves above, but it can also be casual campus wear. Karla, in picture one, dresses down her silk trousers with a classic denim jacket. Looking for more silky inspiration? Check out Karla’s website: She wears silk pants on a regular basis!
• These trousers have a masculine feel, so don’t be afraid to add girly touches like Ms. Alba:

Photo Credit

• Slouchy pants are great for every body type. While they are narrow in the legs, they are very forgiving in the hips. Just be sure to pick a fabric that flatters your body.

Get The Look:

Product Information: Slouchy pants – New York and Co., White tee – Pacsun, Blazer – Forever 21, Heels – Piperlime, Nautical studs – Urban Outfitters, Gold belt – ASOS

Sticking to basics with a few eye-catching accessories is a great way to try something new while remaining in your comfort zone. Girly cut-out heels and nautical stud earrings give feminine touches to an otherwise menswear inspired look (above). Looking for something a little more bold? Try a silk jumpsuit with the same pleated and tapered features.

So, what do you think?

Are you going to try slouchy pants? Do you like the new silhouette? Are you reluctant to try new trends or are you more of a “go big or go home” kinda girl? Any suggestions for future fashion challenge items? I’d love to hear from you!

This is the last installment of our series on getting the internship of your dreams! If you’ve missed out on the other steps, read up on how to clean up your internet identity, how to prepare an incredible resume and cover letter, where to find fashion-related internships, and our interview tips, then come back to this post.

In this installment, we’re going to give you fashionable options to wear on interviews and to the workplace. These tips will focus on jobs and internships in fashion. Although many internships and jobs have more strict dress codes that require more conservative outfits, working in the fashion world means expressing your style and reflecting trends each and every day. A simple pantsuit doesn’t always cut it!

If you are looking for more typical interview and job outfit choices, read How To Dress for a Job Interview, Must-Haves for Interviews and Work and Outfits for Under $100: Business Casual on a Budget. For fashion-related jobs, however, read on!

Working in fashion presents a tricky dressing situation – although there are many funky trends to wear, you must always keep in mind that you are still in a work environment, so it is important to keep everything appropriate and looking put-together. Need help? Check out these outfits for inspiration!

Outfit 1: Trendy in Trousers

Trousers – Topshop, Tank Top – Old Navy, Necklace – Forever21, Blazer – Forever21, Shoes – Forever21

High-waisted trousers with a blazer are an instant way to be trendy yet still have a structured, put-together look. This outfit includes several trends, such as button detailing on the trousers, a tribal necklace, and a menswear-inspired blazer. The bright red shoes add a pop of color, which is perfect for spring. There is a lot of detail to this outfit, from the slitted shoes to the buttons on the trousers, which is important when dressing for a job or interview in fashion. Remember: your colleagues are fashionistas too! They’re going to be checking out your outfit!

Outfit 2: Neutral Tribes

Tights – Modcloth, Dress – Net-a-Porter, Bag – Piperlime, Jacket – Maruione, Booties – Forever21, Earrings – Asos

This outfit is a great interview outfit for spring. It includes a few trends like neutral colors and tribal prints, which shows that you are up to date on the latest looks. However, it is not overly done since each piece, with the exception of the bag and shoes, is also a basic.

Although the dress may seem a little too revealing for work, with tights, booties and a leather jacket, it is instantly transformed into a stylish interview outfit. You can even throw a sweater on as well for extra layering. Since this outfit is extremely trend-oriented, it should be worn in a more casual work place. For example, I interned over the summer at a marketing firm in NYC and the dress code included jeans, leggings and sundresses. This would have been the perfect outfit to wear!

Outfit 3: Pretty in Tweed

Linen Blazer – Forever21, Body Suit – Forever21, Necklace – White House Black Market, Tweed Pants – Forever21, Shoes – Dorothy Perkins

Glamour.com called tweed one of Spring 2010’s most wearable trends, and this trend is the perfect one to bring into the office. Combined with a form fitting body suit and an oversized light pink blazer, you immediately look professional while incorporating trends from this season. The Mary Jane-style shoes add a girly effect to the outfit, while the statement necklace makes everything pop without being too daring or overwhelming.

Outfit 4: Chambray Prep

Button-up – Evanity, Scarf – Topshop, Skirt – Alloy, Shoes – Kays

This outfit is also perfect for a less conservative, fashion-forward work place. It incorporates the nude and chambray trends seen on runways for spring 2010, as well as ever-popular leopard print, which always adds fierceness to an outfit. The button-up shirt keeps this outfit basic and conservative without looking matronly. I’d tuck in the shirt for a more polished look. This outfit could not be more perfect for working on a spring day in NYC or LA!

Tips For Dressing For an Interview (Not Just in Fashion)

- Dress for the job you want, not the job you’re interviewing for or already have. This is a life rule in my opinion. Dressing up makes you feel good, which therefore motivates you to be the best you can be. Plus, from the outside, it looks like you are taking control of your destiny and would be a fitting candidate for a higher position than you already have.

- Don’t go overboard with makeup, hair and perfume. Don’t use an interview to experiment with a new look, scent or ‘do. Stick to what works for you already.

- Keep your things wrinkle free! Ironing always works, but there are also great products out there right now (such as Downy’s wrinkle release spray, which my friends and I swear by) that only require a quick spraying, smoothing and a few minutes to dry.

- Make sure your shoes aren’t scuffed and your clothes are stain free. These are basic things to remember, but sometimes, in the anxiety before an interview, you can be a little frazzled! Try on and lay out your outfit the night before, and make sure to inspect yourself from all angles to make sure you look the best you can!

- Take out any piercings that may be a little too much. If you are interviewing somewhere where piercings are acceptable, then keep them in and show your true style! However, many work places may be turned off by piercings and tattoos, so use your judgment and go more conservative when in doubt.

What do you think?

Would you wear any of these outfits to an interview for a fashion-related job? If you don’t want to work in fashion, can you find inspiration in these outfits to help spice up your more conservative work-wardrobe? Do you have any more interview attire tips? Let us know in a comment!

Thank you all for reading this series! I’ve gotten such fabulous feedback from you guys and I know that it is internship application season, so I hope these tips have helped you all out! Good luck on finding and landing the internship of your dreams!