In today’s competitive marketplace it is important to look as polished and professional as possible. Potential employers want to know that a new employee will be a positive extension of their brand. For recent college graduates, building a professional wardrobe can be extremely challenging after spending four years accumulating a closet full of sweat shirts, jeans and flip flops. Here are some tips to creating a professional, polished image on a budget for recent college grads.

“Most college graduates think about a professional wardrobe once they begin to interview,” says Tonya Evans, President of Style Strategist Inc., a Miami Based image consulting firm. “Their look is ultra-casual and their closets reflect that.”

A graduate of the London Image Institute, Evans specializes in working with entrepreneurs and business professionals to help them create an image that will improve their presence. Founded in 2008, the company also provides training programs that address workplace image guides based on various corporate culture dress requirements.

Students realize that life after graduation will require a more professional look but they have budget concerns and are not sure how to build a working wardrobe from scratch. Evans says that by using the concept of capsule dressing they can create a budget concept wardrobe that is both polished and flexible.

“Capsule dressing allows you to purchase a few key pieces and mix-and-match them to create several different looks,” says Evans.

Here are Style Strategist Inc.’s keys to creating a polished professional wardrobe on a budget:

1. Begin with a black suit. This applies to both men and women. This can be used for interviewing, worn without the jacket for casual Fridays; and dressed up for cocktail networking events.

2. Purchase shirts in a variety of colors. This is a great way to expand the life of your suit by creating new looks. You can wear different shirt and tie combinations and if you get a position in a less formal work environment you can remove the jacket to create an updated look. Women can mix it up with button down shirts and blouses to extend the suits life as well.

3. Go accessories crazy. Accessories are the most effective way to extend your wardrobe and your BUDGET. For the guys this means ties, belts, shoes, watches even computer bags. Another way that men can add visual interest is to wear different types of tie-knots which can really change the look of a suit. For women, there are tons of options including belts, handbags, shoes, scarves, necklaces and bracelets. The more accessories you have the more different looks you can create.

4. Stick with neutral colors. As you build your wardrobe with separates it will be easier to pair neutrals with both your existing pieces and newly purchased items.

Tips for a winning professional look: (sidebar)
1. Wear a suit. Whether you are interviewing for a more creative role or a more conservative environment, a suit is always appropriate. You can always dress down after you get the job.

2. Don’t forget grooming. Nails should be nicely done. No super bright nail polishes that can be very distracting; facial hair should be well groomed; and your purse or computer bag should be well-organized.

3. The devil is in the details. Don’t forget the details like shining your shoes and organizing your computer or handbag so that you don’t look disheveled. Make sure that your clothes don’t have any missing buttons, tears or stains.

Evans adds, “Your image is really the message you send to the world every time you enter a room – from the moment you step into that building for that interview. It’s a personal billboard that communicates who you are and what others can expect from you. It conveys professionalism, credibility and work style.”