As a recent New College of Florida graduate with a B.S. in international studies and economics, Elizabeth Sockol plans to travel the world to make her mark in international business. After four years of wearing casual college attire (except for her internship with the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County), Elizabeth is searching for a business fashion style on a tight budget. Here she trades in her combat boots and sweatshirt and emerges as a confident woman ready to begin a career.

ELIZABETH’S GOAL “I want to expand my knowledge of what can be sophisticated in a professional business setting.”

JACKIE’S GOAL “Finding clothes that are easy to coordinate with other pieces is key as Elizabeth builds her wardrobe. To create a balanced, sleek silhouette, I started with a classic pencil skirt. This updated version from H&M has a beautiful textured fabric, piping along the front seams, a zipper detail in the back and some stretch, which allows it to hug her figure beautifully. (Tip: Always include foundation pieces that mix and match with jackets and tops; a pencil skirt is a go-to piece.) I selected the knit top for its simple cut and shape; its little ruffle detail at the bottom is playful yet sophisticated. The length of the skirt to the top is proportionate and balanced, creating a beautiful, lean look. The neckline provides the perfect backdrop for bold jewelry. I selected a multi-strand necklace of silver mesh and gold to keep the look polished. This long silhouette needed sky-high heels to keep the balance and proportion in line, and these snakeskin embossed peep-toe shoes were an absolute hit with Elizabeth.”

ELIZABETH’S TAKE “I felt like a real adult. It is weird to be a college student one day and the next to see yourself looking like the women you’ve been trying to emulate. I was pleasantly surprised to try on something I had never thought about before and having it look so good.” ■

WHERE TO BUY Skirt, $24.99 and top, $21.99, both from H&M. Gianni Bini shoes, $75 from Dillard’s, brushed gold ring, $19.99 from TJ Maxx, and necklace, $30 from PGC Vintage.

HAIR AND MAKE-UP BY Erika Lynn from FRESH SALON. SPA. STYLE