What not to wear

By Vinessa Russell

Bogan High School

Photos by Vinessa Russell

A lot of teenagers seem to be lost when it comes to the world of fashion, especially when they’re job hunting. So, in an effort to help them find their way, we spoke with Roger Peden, director of career and employer services at Jobs for Youth in Chicago.

Although he runs a huge service organization, Peden still focuses on the details — and appearances do count. And with so many teens using their dress to make bold personal style statements, we asked him what they should wear on job interviews?

Peden, who says he “just spoke with a couple of girls on this topic the other day,” replies with a mix of concern and authority... : “Well for my guys, they should wear college shirts, no more than two (coordinating) colors like dark blue or dark olive ...dark colors really,” he says. “A suit would be fine, but no bright colors.”

Peden also noted that tattoos are not appropriate for a workplace, so if you do have them don’t make them known. To finish it all off, dress shoes.

Style tips for teen job seekers:

* Check out the place you’ll be interviewing at in advance and observe what those who work there already are wearing and mimic them.
* Guys: No visible tattoos.
* Guys: If you can’t tie a tie, purchase a nice clip-on tie.
* Guys: Pull your pants up to the waistline.
* Girls: Hair should be neat and tidy.
* Girls: Nails should be well groomed — not chipped or bitten.
* Girls: Clothes should not be tight or revealing.

“Girls,” Peden says, “should wear a (nice) shirt (with slacks or skirt) or a nice pants suit.” Colors that they wear should be simple, dark, or not too bright.

And, bad news for Nicki Minaj wannabes, Peden advises: “(Girls’) hair should not have bright colors in it; it should be human hair — with human color spectrum.”

And when it comes to shoes and accessories? “Heels should be no higher than two inches to three inches, or flats are acceptable,” Peden notes. “Earrings should be no larger than a quarter ... not too long.

Neutrals seem to be the word when it comes to primping. Peden says nails should be painted with clear or neutral polish. “And makeup should be consisted of natural tones,” he adds.

How does the average teen measure up when it comes to the standards Peden has outlined? The Jobs for Youth director pauses, then replies, “Eeeghh...there are several different averages among teens. Some dress more average than others, some dress more professional than adults!”

Whether you’re a girl or guy on the hunt for a job, according to Peden, you can’t go wrong with a nice suit.

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