Working for the betterment of our student body can be tough work, but Auburn University’s executive officers keep their cool while looking their best. The Plainsman sat down with President Jacqueline Keck and Vice President Justin Smith to figure out their way of making fashion statements while making legislation. Here's how our leaders get their executive look:
Q. Why is dressing professionally important to you, for your position and in general?
Keck: Dressing professionally is important because it often is the first impression people make, and it is a respectful gesture to dress to the caliber of the meeting or event one is attending.
Smith: I think appropriate dress is the unspoken minimum criteria in any given professional setting. I’m also of the opinion that the person who looks the best is always regarded the most favorably – all things being equal.
Q. What's your go-to fall outfit for professional settings?
Keck: A navy skirt with a nude top and a white jacket.
Smith: If the occasion calls for business professional, you can’t go wrong with a well-fitting dark suit and strong necktie. If I’m doing something more casual, I usually go with dark chino pants, a button-down shirt and a light blazer.
Q. How do you decide what to wear?
Keck: The first thing I do is look at the weather and then ask myself if I can make it through the day in heels - ha!
Smith: More often than not, my dress is determined by whatever in my closet is still clean and not wrinkled.
Q. Where do you get your clothes?
Keck: Poshmark! It is an app that people can resale their clothes on and is full of bargains. Can’t lose with it.
Smith: I know it’s not the most popular, but I think there are some really good finds in our local Auburn Mall.
Q. How would you define your style?
Keck: Classic and Jacqueline Kennedy inspired.
Smith: I’d say it’s the modern pro look, just a bit more muted in color and without the outrageous price tag of some of today’s professional fits.
Q. Do you have any tips for those trying to dress better?
Keck: Dressing up is super fun and doesn’t have to be expensive or uncomfortable. It is all about finding the right fit and right outfit.
Smith: I’d say find the styles that work best for you and your personality, and that comes with trial and error. Just as important to what you wear is how you wear it and if you feel confident in it.
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