As much as we’d all love for summer to be all about fun in the sun and a vacation from doing schoolwork, we all eventually have to buck up and find the dreaded summer job. Summer jobs, although they take away from precious tanning time, are totally necessary. We don’t like to admit it, but sometimes summer can seem to drag on when it’s hot and there’s nothing to do. Going to work gives you a purpose each day, earns valuable experience and most importantly, you make money! How else are you going to fund your fabulous wardrobe? This lucky Quinnipiac student/Fashionista works in a retail clothing store, so getting dressed for work is super fun. That’s another great thing about working; you have somewhere to wear all your great clothes where people will see you! If you really dread going to work, make getting dressed up your motivation!
Name: Melissa Reda
Major: Occupational Therapy
Year: Junior
CollegeFashionista: What do you normally wear to work?
Melissa Reda: It ranges. Sometimes I do dark jeans with a cute top and heels, and other days I wear skirts and dresses. Normally I wear skirts and dresses, especially during the summer to stay cool.
CF: What are your favorite stores to shop at?
MR: Ann Taylor LOFT, Charlotte Russe and Gap.
CF: What is your go-to summer outfit?
MR: Jeans shorts and a loose T-shirt or tank top.
CF: What inspires your day-to-day style this summer?
MR: I’m inspired by the hipster fashion. Tied shirts, high-waisted bottoms; really bohemian-looking things.
CF: What is your favorite item in your closet?
MR: Comfortable, nude heels.
How to: If you work in a store, restaurant or office of any kind, the dress code probably bans shorts, even if it’s 95 degrees outside. Hopefully, your job is air-conditioned, and you can rock some cool slacks to work. These olive cargo pants from J.Crew work for summer, but will also take you into the fall. Also, take a note from this Fashionista’s outfit and incorporate a scarf, if it won’t get in the way of your work. They’re a great way to express your personal style within the confines of a work dress code. A hot pink print is unexpected with dark green, but you’ll be surprised how well it pops against the darker bottom. If you’re on your feet all day, comfortable shoes that don’t compromise your style are a must. Lately, I’m obsessed with these compact ballet flats by Tieks. They’re sort of a splurge, but totally worth it. You can fold them up and take them with you just in case, and they come in every color imaginable. Just think of them as an business investment for all your hard work!