According to studies by Afterpay, a digital payment platform, many young professionals starting their first office jobs are bringing their own style and flare with them.
Gen Z, the term used to describe those who range in age from 9 to 24 years old, includes college students and recent graduates who not only want to be comfortable, but also want to look and feel like themselves while doing their jobs.
Christian Garcia, associate dean and executive director of the Toppel Career Center at the University of Miami, is in support of students dressing for success—in whatever way that looks like for them.
More and more industries, including technology, public relations, and engineering, no longer look for their employees to wear a suit and tie. Garcia theorizes that this is because many workplace cultures understand that the way you dress does not determine your success, and that employees work best when they are comfortable.
“Anyone that works in tech will tell you, that if a student goes into an interview in a suit, it's actually going to work against them because the culture is more relaxed and people are expected to work on a computer for hours,” said Garcia. “At the same time, it is expected for you to wear a suit if you work in accounting—you have to do your research.”
While Garcia and his team want to ensure students feel empowered to dress for the industry they are entering, he still maintains that first impressions do matter. To help those interested in accessing professional attire, Toppel recently relaunched Sebastian’s Closet, a program which lends complete business outfits to students for interviews, internships, and networking opportunities. The program began in 2015 and shuttered in 2021 during the pandemic.
Carly Smith, director of career education at Toppel, said Toppel has re-branded Sebastian’s Closet with its partnership with Hyde, a fashion and tech company. “The collaboration marks a step in the right direction for eco-conscious and equitable opportunities by offering low-cost rentals of professional attire for all students.”
Through the collaboration, students can select six male-presenting, female-presenting, or gender inclusive items online with the help of a virtual stylist for just $50. The box of items is delivered to the student and after 30 days, students can either purchase the items at discount or send them back.
“We are thrilled to be the first University to partner with Hyde,” said Garcia. “This collaboration not only provides students with access to more affordable, sustainable clothing options but also aligns with the Toppel Career Center’s commitment to fostering opportunities for more equitable and inclusive offerings on campus.”
Visit the Toppel Career Center for additional career resources.
