From clicking through slides of that randomly assigned group project you spent far too long putting off, to unveiling a semester’s worth of research at an end-of-year senior showcase, there comes a time in every student’s life to give a college presentation. It may be a thesis months in the making, a business pitch to potential employers, or an informal introduction to a freshman seminar you nearly skipped over on syllabus day. No matter the case, however, the way you present yourself is often as important as the presentation itself.
For first-time presenters, navigating elevated classroom attire is a daunting beast to tame. Even the most oratorically inclined may question where to begin the clothing search, how to afford and style quality garments, and the list goes on. And while it’s tempting to rely on the classic 8:00 am cozy sweats and worn-out sneakers uniform, dressing professionally does not have to be a scary undertaking. Below, we’ve compiled words of advice and outfit ideas perfect for presenting your next big project.
Fuse Professionalism and Personal Style
If you’re stumped on what to wear, reflecting on your ideal professional identity is a useful place to start. “When you walk into a room, what’s the impression you want to leave?,” asks incoming Cornell University law student Avalon Fenster, known across social media as Internship Girl.
“Don’t completely scrub the things you would wear every day, but wear something you can feel confident in [that] suits what you want to project into the world,” said Kirsty Ward, designer and professor of fashion at Savannah College of Art and Design. Far too often, she observes young people going to great lengths to avoid being perceived as amateurish, to the point of “ending up in suits with no personality at all.” But to both Ward and Fenster, dressing professionally simply means showing up as an elevated version of oneself, without sacrificing personal taste.
It’s often those individual touches to an ensemble that make it all the more memorable, reinforcing the impact of a college presentation. Got a lucky best friend bracelet and necklace that’s been in your family for decades? Or a pair of conversation-starting shoes? Lean into these novel pieces that add flair to a more understated outfit.
Work With What You Have
It’s quite easy to feel as though you’ve got to purchase an entirely new set of clothes to be lecture-ready, but some of the best pieces are likely already in your closet. “Before you shop for anything, before you add to your wardrobe, look for what you can repurpose,” said Fenster.
Resist the urge to buy everything you think you may need all at once by swapping items with friends, doing thrift-flips, and styling hand-me-downs from older siblings and relatives. Frequenting thrift stores and estate sales remains a budget-friendly alternative to spending on new items and can offer one-of-a-kind, affordable substitutes.
“It's way better to get fewer things that are higher quality than lots of things that are just falling apart. The last thing you want is to be at a meeting and [have] threads start coming out of your pants,” said Fenster.
Comfort is Key
You want to be able to command the space you’re presenting in and not be preoccupied with two-sizes-too-long dress pants and pumps that leave ankles sore for days. When it comes to closet staples, Fenster and Ward both stress the importance of comfort. “Whether it’s a great [pair] of cigarette pants or good flats you can walk in,” as per Ward, feeling and looking put together go hand-in-hand.
Ditch the no-support high heels for a clean pair of sneakers; opt for soft, lightweight fabrics such as cotton; and layer for extra warmth when you know a classroom will be chilly. “Dress for focus,” says Fester, “so that you can not only look fantastic, but [also] be present in the task at hand.”
Mix and Match Classics
Consider assembling a capsule wardrobe of versatile basics that can be easily thrown on for any college presentation. “I would definitely recommend having good button-down shirts, ones that you can either [wear] as they are or style in a fun way. If they’re oversized, play around with the proportions,” said Ward. She recommends Uniqlo for affordable apparel, especially noting its recent collaborations with JW Anderson and Marimekko.
To Fenster, the ideal professional closet for a college student includes two pairs of pants, two blazers, several shirts, a bodysuit, and a functional bag. Aritzia is her go-to for businesswear, and she swears by its front-knife pleated Effortless Pant and cropped Babaton Arbus Blazer. She embraces trends but advises starting out with timeless silhouettes.
The Bottom Line
College is prime for style experimentation and pushing beyond your comfort zone, both through the ensembles you wear and the academic opportunities you pursue. “Don’t pressure yourself to have it all sorted out, [as] you’re just at the start of your learning and career,” said Ward. The outfits won’t always work, though perhaps therein lies the excitement. With time, you’ll learn what compliments you, so long as you make a continued effort to push out of your comfort zone.
“If you’re someone who’s still navigating how to dress professionally, the best thing you can do is put yourself in as many situations as possible to dress up,” said Fenster. “Go to those conferences, go to those networking meetings, make coffee chats with upperclassmen, put yourself in classes where [presentations] are part of the syllabus.”
Shop several uni presentation-approved pieces below:
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