This evening, UMD AMA is excited to welcome our corporate sponsor, Anytime Alterations, for a special and creative event focused on the art of “Dressing for Success” in both business casual and professional settings.
Anytime Alterations has proudly served the DMV since 2007, and its owner, Maria Luz, brings over 30 years of industry expertise. From everyday jeans and blouses to bridal gowns and military uniforms, Maria has seen it all. Her work has been featured in prominent publications like The Knot, WeddingWire, The Washington Post, and Washingtonian Magazine. Tonight, Luz shared valuable advice on business formal and casual attire, the alteration process, and even highlighted a unique internship opportunity. If anyone is qualified to talk about clothes, it’s her!
Anytime Alterations
Luz expertly tailors suits, pants, shirts, dresses, monogramming, and more! Anytime Alterations covers everything from leather work, suits for both men and women, jackets, jeans, and basic repairs, to hems and waist adjustments.
Specializing in wedding gown design, alterations, and restoration, the team continuously earns praise from customers for their skill and attention to detail. Luz emphasizes the joy she feels when clients wear outfits she has perfected to their exact preferences, noting that a proper fit is essential for comfort and confidence.
Luz kicked off the event by displaying a series of humorous images featuring individuals in questionable attire, prompting members to identify what was off about each outfit. It didn’t take long for members to point out that the clothes immediately stood out for the wrong reasons, clearly not suitable for a business setting. This interactive start set the stage for a deeper dive into professional dressing etiquette.
Business Formal: The highest standard of professional dress, typically required for important meetings, presentations, or events. The overall look is polished, qualified, and businesslike.
Business Formal for Men
Matching suit
Collared shirt
Tie
Dress shoes
Business Formal for Women
Pantsuit or dress
Collared shirt or blouse
Closed-toe heels or flats
Business Casual: A dress code that blends professional attire with a more relaxed style. The overall goal is to maintain a polished appearance while allowing for more personal expression and comfort compared to traditional business formal attire.
Business Casual for Men
Collared or polo shirt
Slacks or jeans
Suit jacket or sport coat
Dress shoes or basic sneakers
Business Casual for Women
Slacks or jeans
Collared shirt or blouse
Closed-toe heels or flats
Alterations
After exploring the different outfit options for business formal and casual attire, Luz engaged the members with another series of images, once again encouraging us to identify what was wrong with each one. Members raised their hands to share their insights, pointing out that the man’s suit was excessively baggy and oversized, while the woman’s dress was too long and dragging on the ground. This exercise illustrated the significant impact of clothing fit on appearance. It’s essential to wear tailored garments that fit well and make you feel confident and comfortable. Comfort in your clothing is one of the most important factors, as feeling good in what you wear radiates positivity and confidence.
The Benefits of Alterations
Your clothes fit better
You save money by not having to buy new clothes
You can buy that one thing you’ve been eyeing even though it may not be in the right size
Most importantly, you look great
Internship Opportunity
Anytime Alterations is hiring a Social Media and PR Intern! This part-time, paid position is based in Kensington, MD. The intern will manage social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, collaborating with Luz to create engaging content and respond to comments and reviews. If you’re passionate about this field and eager to learn more, feel free to reach out!
This engaging and creative event led by Maria Luz offered valuable insights into the significance of style and fashion in a professional setting. Choosing the right attire not only demonstrates that you care about your appearance but also reflects your desire for the job and your ability to present yourself effectively in the workplace. Most importantly, the best accessory you can wear is a smile, as it truly goes a long way in making a positive impression!
-Skyler Klein
Comentarios