Women in Technology at ASU East wanted to show students fashion do's and don'ts for the professional world.
"Dress for Success" was the theme for the second annual interview and job fashion show put on by the student group.
Dress Barn of Chandler provided the clothing and fashion expertise.
The club's officers -- President Elizabeth Reeves, Vice President Joy Muir and Treasurer Vicky Crowley -- all graphics information technology students, were the models for "what to wear and what not to wear" in an interview and in the workplace.
About 30 students and faculty attended the lunch event.
Among other things, they learned how vital it is to own one quality dark-colored suit and the importance of always wearing neutral-colored (not black) pantyhose with skirts to an interview.
Susan Koss, the presenter from Dress Barn, said, "It's amazing what you can do with one suit. The point is to draw attention to what you have to say, not to what you are wearing."
When a woman wears open-toed shoes, strong perfume, noisy or big jewelry, low necklines and short skirts, the interviewer will probably remember those things, instead of what you said and your portfolio, Koss said.
Skirt length should be below the knee and heels should be between 1 and 1-1/2 inches. Hair should be pulled up in a bun or back, she added.
"You want to look like to take care of yourself," Koss said.
Other tips from Dress Barn:
uDon't wear red or fuchsia to an interview because studies show these colors are agitating to the eye.
uAvoid pastels, bold or bright colors
uWear neutral colors like navy, gray, charcoal, black, taupe, or pewter
Jon Duff, a technology professor, said the show reinforced one of his basic fashion rules: "You can't go wrong with buff." Duff was one of about four men that attended the fashion show.
Reeves said the fashion show's turnout was almost double last year's.
"Men and women are not equal in the corporate world," she added. "We want to give [women] an edge up."
Brenda Newhouse, a digital media senior, said the show was informative.
"It was a good variety of choices," she added. "I like that they showed what not to do."
Women in Technology was formed three years ago to promote professional and academic advancement of the goals and values of women in technology.
Reach the reporter at erika.camardella@asu.edu.
