By: Valentina Toro
Managing Editor
Students explored how professional attire, first impressions and personal branding can influence career opportunities during the “Business Fashion Forum” on Oct. 13.
Hosted by the National Association of Black Accountants and Fashion, Attitude, Creativity, Elegance, the event featured Eileen Adao, founder of Elephant Advisory, and Richard Dorval, senior national business outreach manager at Men’s Wearhouse.
“Practice every single detail when you’re making that first impression, because you don’t get to make it back,” Dorval said.
Dorval engaged the audience by asking students to describe their first impressions of him. Students called him professional, sophisticated, successful and intimidating.
He used their responses to explain how appearance can influence perceptions before a conversation begins.
He encouraged students to practice handshakes, maintain eye contact and prepare for interviews, emphasizing the importance of presenting themselves confidently.
He demonstrated how looking toward someone’s forehead can help maintain the appearance of eye contact when speaking to an audience.
“Think of yourself as your own personal brand moving forward,” Dorval said.
Adao shared an experience from her early career at Ernst & Young, when she attended an overnight inventory assignment wearing jeans and a T-shirt after being told to dress casually. During the assignment, a store manager questioned her age and whether she belonged there.
The experience changed how she approached professional attire, particularly as a young woman working in accounting.
“I’d rather be overdressed than underdressed, and throughout my whole career, I’ve always had to prove myself,” Adao said.
The discussion shifted to building professional wardrobes on a college budget.
Adao recommended purchasing versatile clothing that could be combined into different outfits and shopping at thrift stores for affordable options.
“It’s about how polished you looked. Did you iron your shirt? Did you put something good together?” Adao said.
Dorval encouraged students to invest in essential pieces, including dress shirts, pants, blazers and shoes. He emphasized that properly fitted clothing can make affordable outfits appear professional without relying on expensive brands.
The event also featured a demonstration by F.A.C.E., showcasing different types of professional attire and providing students with examples of how to dress for workplace settings.
The presentation connected the clothing advice discussed during the panel with examples students could consider when preparing for internships or job interviews.
Dorval invited several students to stand and display their outfits, highlighting details such as ties, layered clothing, accessories and coordinated colors.
He explained how small additions can express personality while maintaining professionalism.
“Get the job first,” Dorval said.
The panelists also discussed common mistakes young professionals make, particularly confusing business casual with everyday casual clothing.
Dorval encouraged students to research company expectations before attending interviews and gradually incorporating their personal style.
Beyond clothing, both speakers emphasized the importance of maintaining a professional social media presence and developing relationships with mentors throughout their careers.
Adao described how seeing a colleague’s online posts changed her opinion of that person, underscoring the lasting impact of personal digital impressions on social media platforms today.
As the discussion concluded, Dorval encouraged students to learn from their mistakes, while Adao emphasized the importance of finding mentors who can offer guidance throughout their careers.
“Finding mentors along the way as you continue to grow, I think is important,” Adao said.
