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Best Menswear Gifts for a Recent College Grad

Gifts for college grad by Jos A Bank
 

With another academic year in the books, many of us have friends or family members who are celebrating (or possibly mourning) the end of their college careers. Graduating is the culmination of years of hard work, and we should reward our newly-minted adults for their accomplishment. While they may not be fully prepared to enter the "real world", we can at least ensure that they look good while they're trying to figure it all out.

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. So, as another class of college graduates prepare to enter the job market, it's time to help them trade in that t-shirt and those gym shorts, and pick out some more professional attire.

  • A well-tailored, slim-fit suit. This is the most important article of clothing for a young professional because it can be tweaked to fit a multitude of scenarios. You can change the look by adding a tie or other accessories, or simply wear different colored shirts to give your ensemble a bit of variety.
     
  • A dark-colored blazer is one of the most versatile articles of menswear. It can be manipulated to adhere to nearly any dress code. For formal occasions it can be paired with khaki pants and dress shoes, but also goes well with a nice pair of jeans and boat shoes for more casual events.
     
  • Accessories are a great way to make a statement with formal wear. Colorful neck ties or bowties are a perfect way to liven up any traditional suit. You could also opt for a nice set of monogrammed cufflinks, with either the graduate's initials, or the crest of their respective university for a more sentimental addition.
     
  • Finally, a few fitted dress shirts are a vital part of a tasteful wardrobe and can be worn year-round to achieve a fashionable, yet sophisticated look. In the summer, pair them with some khaki shorts and roll up the sleeves, and as the temperature begins to drop, wear them with some jeans and a vest to be stylish and warm.
 

You might not be able to help them get a job or act like an adult, but you can do your best to make sure they at least look the part.