College Wardrobe Essentials: WMU & Kalamazoo Students

What to Look For

• + Modern slim or classic fit (not baggy)
• + Wool or wool-blend fabric
• + Two-button, single-breasted
• + Notch lapels

Works For

• + Internship interviews
• + Career fairs
• + Graduate school interviews
• + Formal presentations
• + Weddings and formal events

Essential Colors

• + White (2 shirts—you'll wear these most)
• + Light blue (universally flattering)
• + Light pink or subtle pattern (optional)

Fit Tips

• + Collar should fit two fingers
• + Sleeves hit at wrist bone
• + No pulling at buttons
• + Trim or tailored fit for modern look

Essential Ties

• + Navy solid or subtle pattern
• + Burgundy or maroon
• + Subtle stripe or small geometric
• + Optional: seasonal pattern

Tie Width

• + Standard width (2.75"-3.25") is safest
• + Should match lapel width roughly
• + Avoid skinny or overly wide ties

First Pair: Black or Brown?

For maximum versatility with a navy suit, brown leather (medium to dark brown) is actually more useful than black. Black is more formal but less versatile.

• + Oxford or derby style
• + Leather sole preferred
• + Matching leather belt required

Budget Options

• + Allen Edmonds Factory Seconds
• + Johnston & Murphy
• + Cole Haan on sale
• + Ask us about student budget options

Start with the Suit

Invest here first. A properly fitted navy suit handles 90% of professional situations you'll encounter in college. Everything else is secondary.

Buy Quality Basics

Two quality white shirts beat five cheap ones. They'll look better, last longer, and actually save money over time.

Prioritize Fit Over Brand

A well-fitted mid-range suit looks more expensive than an ill-fitting designer label. Our complimentary alterations help maximize your investment.

Ask About Student Discounts

Bring your WMU, K-College, or KVCC student ID. We offer student pricing on essential pieces because we believe every student deserves to look their best.

Best Times

• August/September: Before fall career fairs
• January: Before spring semester recruiting
• Before interviews: Allow 1-2 weeks for alterations

WMU Career Fair Dates

• Fall Career Fair: Usually September
• Spring Career Fair: Usually February
• Industry-specific fairs: Throughout year

For WMU career fairs at the Bernhard Center, wear a full suit if you're in business, finance, or accounting (Haworth College). Engineering and tech students can often go with dress pants and a blazer. All students should dress more formally than they think necessary—you can't be overdressed at a career fair. A navy suit with a white shirt and conservative tie is always appropriate.

A well-fitted suit in the $350-$500 range is the sweet spot for college students. You'll find quality construction and fabrics at this price point, and with proper care, it will last through graduation and into your first job. Spend less and you sacrifice quality; spend more and you're paying for brand names you don't need yet. The most important investment is proper fit—that's why we include complimentary basic alterations.

Navy. A navy suit is more versatile than black for college students. Black suits are very formal—traditionally reserved for funerals, evening events, and the most conservative industries. Navy works for interviews, career fairs, presentations, weddings, and even separates casually. If you can only own one suit through college, make it navy.

KCT Menswear has two locations near WMU campus—downtown Kalamazoo on the mall and in Portage on Westnedge. We offer student pricing with valid ID and include complimentary basic alterations. Our team has helped thousands of WMU students prepare for career fairs, interviews, and their first jobs. Schedule a fitting appointment or stop in during store hours.

For career fairs and first-round interviews, yes—wear a suit. Tech and engineering culture may be more casual once you're hired, but interviews are still formal. You can always remove the jacket and tie, but you can't dress up jeans. For final round interviews at some tech companies, business casual may be appropriate—but when in doubt, wear the suit.