Oakland University students learned how to navigate professional settings during the Etiquette Mixer and Dress for Success Fashion Show, hosted on Thursday, March 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. by the Career and Life Design Center in collaboration with the Office for Student Involvement.
The evening combined an etiquette presentation, employer networking opportunities and a student-led fashion show, all aimed at helping students understand workplace expectations.
Attendees learned about professionalism, appropriate attire and effective communication through both instruction and interactive experiences, making the event a practical guide to navigating professional life.
According to Madilyn Best, a marketing and social media intern with the Career and Life Design Center, the event was created to prepare students for life after graduation as well as for professional experiences during college.
“Our main goal of the event is to showcase what etiquette means,” Best said. “Whether that’s business professional attire, dining etiquette or networking, we want students to understand how to present themselves in formal and professional situations.”
The evening began with an etiquette presentation led by the organizers, which provided students with key tips for professional behavior in a variety of situations, including interviews, networking events and formal gatherings.
This was followed by a mixer where students had the opportunity to practice these skills while networking with employers, gaining first-hand experience in professional communication and relationship-building.
A central feature of the event was a student‑led fashion show, which showcased a variety of professional attire, including business professional, business casual, interview outfits, conference wear and examples of what not to wear in professional settings. Students modeled outfits they selected and styled themselves, allowing them to express personal style while demonstrating appropriate workplace dress.
“Because students choose their categories, style their looks and present them during the show, their participation and creativity make the event student‑led,” Best said.
Several attendees noted that the visual aspect of the fashion show helped make professional expectations feel clearer and more approachable.
Amira Kezi, a human resources development major, said seeing professional attire modeled in person was especially helpful given changing norms around workplace dress.
“I think it’s really important because it helps people have a tangible way of interacting with clothes,” Kezi said. “After COVID, things are so questionable as to what is considered professional, so seeing it visually helps people get a more concrete idea of what that looks like.”
Student models also emphasized that professionalism does not require sacrificing individuality.
Caitlin Butler, an Oakland University alumna who modeled business-casual attire during the show, said she hopes students leave feeling confident about expressing themselves in professional environments.
“I hope they know that they don’t have to wear a dull outfit,” Butler said. “It doesn’t have to be black and gray. It can be colorful, it can be you.”
Best said the goal of the fashion show was to help students better understand how clothing affects professionalism and to encourage confidence.
“We hope students walk away with a better understanding of clothing etiquette and feel more confident about how to dress in professional settings,” Best said. “The event shows that it’s possible to express yourself while still presenting a polished and professional image.”