For the second year in a row, on Tuesday, Sept. 22, Fairfield University is partnering with the LOFT of downtown Fairfield to co-sponsor an event called Dress for Success. About 40-45 female students attended the event last year in promise of a greater understanding of corporate dress code.

This year, members of the Career Planning Center have prepared presentations and live demonstrations of appropriate business casual and business professional dress. The event will feature model outfits that can be purchased afterwards in the LOFT at a discounted rate. Their hope is that students will be able to take the skills they learn to internships and future business opportunities.

From 7-9 p.m., the LOFT is closing its doors specifically for Fairfield students and offering a 20 percent discount on top of any store promotions for all who attend. After the presentations and demonstrations, students are welcome to shop with the help of the Career Planning Center’s insight.

One of the program coordinators and Associate Director of the CPC,Stephanie Gallo expressed the changing nature of corporate America and trend of casual dress to hedge out professional dress in certain settings. Thus, the goal for the evening was for “students [to] leave with an understanding of what is an appropriate business casual and business professional outfit, and not only what it looks like, but when it is appropriate to wear them.”

“First impressions are always so important,” said Jennie Chieco ‘17. “And the discount really helps. As college students it can be hard to afford the clothing we need to dress for the job we want.”

The discount is not all that students are excited about. Junior Mary Osgood would attend solely for the “quality interview clothes and helpful prep.”

Because the LOFT is a women’s clothing boutique, this event is currently limited toward women. The Career Planning Center recognizes that both genders would benefit from better business dress education and it is for that reason that they plan to partner with more stores in the future.

Among these potential stores includes the LOFT neighbor, Jos. A Bank. They hope to reach an even broader audience and incentivize both men and women to learn more about the ways they can dress for success in the years to come. Professional clothing style tips for students is a StagBus ride away.