Alice Vol. 3 No. 3
Published by UA Student Media in Summer 2018.
Published by UA Student Media in Summer 2018.
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SUMMER 2018<br />
LOOKBOOK<br />
First day, right foot<br />
How to start off your job or internship in style.<br />
Summer in the city<br />
Survival guide for empty college towns<br />
Sit back. Relax. Serve<br />
How to make service a part of your summer
Top: Lulu’s<br />
Jeans: Pause Boutique
Letter from the Editor<br />
On the web:<br />
alice.ua.edu<br />
@alicethemag<br />
pinterest.com/alicemagazinexo<br />
Contact Us:<br />
alicemagazine.editor@gmail.com<br />
Hi there. Welcome to our summer issue.<br />
Things look a little different around here, that’s for<br />
sure. Especially considering you’re checking out our<br />
~free~ digital summer issue. This digital copy marks<br />
the beginning of something new and exciting for <strong>Alice</strong>.<br />
We’ve pieced together this issue to give you a peek<br />
into what we’ve got coming up for the 2018 - 2019<br />
academic year. We’re spicing things up and doing a bit<br />
of rebranding — you may have noticed our new online<br />
logo — and soon you’ll be seeing a lot more from<br />
our online presence via alice.ua.edu and our social<br />
platforms. We’re also switching up our publishing style.<br />
Rather than splitting up our content into three issues,<br />
our team will be hand-crafting two hefty mags a year<br />
(a Fall/Winter and a Spring/Summer issue) packed<br />
from cover to cover with content that strives to inspire<br />
and empower.<br />
It’s better this way. Trust us.<br />
It is our hope that you will find reflections of<br />
yourself within these pages, as well as gain new<br />
perspectives into the world around you. This upgrade<br />
gives us an even bigger and better opportunity to<br />
provide our readers with glimpses into the heart and<br />
soul of college womanhood, in all its layered, diverse<br />
complexity. We are the same magazine with the same<br />
vision to harness the power of words and images to<br />
ignite a celebration of every woman.<br />
This little summer freebie has some of our favorite<br />
images from our trip to Sun Studio in Memphis,<br />
Tennessee (more of these to come in our Fall/Winter<br />
issue). The articles we selected for this issue cover<br />
“What <strong>No</strong>t To Wear” to your hip new job or internship<br />
as well as how to stay busy in a deserted college town.<br />
Whether you are lounging or laboring away, we tried to<br />
cover all of the bases for your varying summer plans<br />
while also keeping the online issue short and sweet.<br />
We hope you find some insight within these pages<br />
and get just as pumped as we are for the year to come.<br />
As always, dear readers, thank you for the endless<br />
support and love you show our little student-run mag.<br />
We couldn’t do any of this without each and every one<br />
of you.<br />
Editorial and Advertising offices for <strong>Alice</strong> Magazine are located at<br />
414 Campus Drive East, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487.<br />
The mailing address is P.O. Box 870170, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487.<br />
Phone: (205) 348-7257.<br />
<strong>Alice</strong> is published by the Office of Student Media<br />
at The University of Alabama.<br />
All content and design are produced by students<br />
in consultation with professional staff advisers.<br />
All material contained herein, except advertising or where<br />
indicated otherwise, is copyrighted © 2018 by <strong>Alice</strong> Magazine.<br />
Material herein may not be reprinted without the<br />
expressed, written permission of <strong>Alice</strong> Magazine.<br />
Allie Binford
Editorial<br />
Editor in Chief Allie Binford<br />
Creative Director MK Holladay<br />
Photo Editor Prestley Bramlett<br />
Managing Editor Meg Mcguire<br />
Market Editor Kristina Cusolito<br />
Beauty Editor Lawson Mohl<br />
Lifestyle Editor Rachel Wilburn<br />
Fashion Editors Abby Abston and Chloe<br />
whitney<br />
Food and Health Editor Analiese Gerald and<br />
Caroline Wells<br />
Entertainment Editor Ellen Johnson<br />
Social Media Coordinator Kristin Schulz<br />
Contributing Writers Danielle Waddell, Sara<br />
Beth Bolin, Kallen Sebastian<br />
Contributing Photographers Prestley Bramlett,<br />
Kathryn Grace Faulk, Kourtney King, Summer<br />
Mahand, Sabina Vafina, Lindsay Tatman, Sarah<br />
Davidson<br />
Models Kourtney King, Paige Burleson, Taylor<br />
Reece, Landry Starks, Chloe Henderson,<br />
Natalie Vande Linde, Abby Evans, Karina Tong,<br />
Vaishnvi Sridhar, Laura Mangan, Alex Gandara<br />
Hair and Makeup Vaishnvi Sridhar, Hailey<br />
Coleman, Natalie Vande Linde<br />
Advertising<br />
Advertising Creative Director Alexis Craft<br />
Assistant Creative Director Grace Bryant and<br />
Nataleigh Dang<br />
Sales Representatives (205) 348-7845<br />
Lizzie Mizenko, Jack Amthor, Gabbie Waller,<br />
Emma Pyne, Rayven Lane, Abigail Wolfe<br />
Advisers<br />
Editorial Mark Mayfield (msmayfield1@ua.edu)<br />
Advertising Julie Salter (julie.salter@ua.edu)<br />
Published by UA Office of Student Media<br />
Director Paul Wright
Table of<br />
Contents<br />
About the cover:<br />
Summer is the time for spontaneous<br />
road trips and sunsoaked afternoons.<br />
That’s exactly how we spent our time<br />
creating the images in this issue —<br />
from a quick trip to Sun Studio in<br />
Memphis where Elvis Prestley first<br />
recorded, to an escape to the southern<br />
oasis of Savannah, Georgia.<br />
4 SUMMER SIMPLICITY<br />
6 SIT BACK. RELAX. SERVE.<br />
8 MEMPHIS SHOOT<br />
16 EYESHADOW<br />
18 SUMMER IN THE CITY<br />
22 TERRANE CREATIONS<br />
24 FIRST DAY, RIGHT FOOT
summer<br />
simplicity<br />
4 <strong>Alice</strong> Summer 2018
<strong>Alice</strong> Summer 2018 5
Sit back.<br />
Relax.<br />
Serve.<br />
By Danielle Waddell<br />
Summer break typically means higher temperatures,<br />
slower days and fewer cares. Whether you’re<br />
staying in town for summer classes or clocking in at<br />
a new internship, summer is a chance for opportunity<br />
and growth. Either way, this season of “self” offers<br />
countless opportunities to give back by engaging<br />
with the communities around us.<br />
For Bama Year One team leader Allen Engle, these<br />
opportunities present themselves daily. He regularly<br />
serves alongside fellow college students through<br />
the Center for Service and Leadership (CSL) at The<br />
University of Alabama, watching the impact a dose<br />
passionate effort and servant-hearted willingness<br />
leaves on all involved.<br />
When asked about college students’ greatest<br />
gifts to offer in service, Engle’s answered without<br />
hesitation.<br />
“Their time and energy,” Engle said. “Unfortunately,<br />
many people don’t believe they have the ability<br />
to make a measurable change, but all it takes is an<br />
effort.”<br />
Engle said even if the project itself is small, the<br />
reward is undeniably fruitful. The benefits of community<br />
service don’t end at the grateful hands of<br />
recipients; it’s a win-win situation.<br />
“[Service] is clearly beneficial for those who are<br />
receiving help, but it’s also beneficial for those conducting<br />
the service,” Engle said. “It’s been shown<br />
that selfless behavior for the benefit of others leads<br />
to a happier life and gives a sense of purpose.”<br />
This happens, Engle said, when people find their<br />
passion and serve in that avenue. Rather than feeling<br />
confined to a preconceived idea of what service<br />
ought to look like, or forging a path toward an<br />
impassioned project, he encouraged partnering<br />
with an already-existing program. Engle said these<br />
types of partnerships allow for a more cohesive effort<br />
through use of gathered resources and manpower.<br />
Though offices like the CSL close for the summer,<br />
community needs and service opportunities remain.<br />
Engle cited organizations like Wings of Grace,<br />
the Boys and Girls Club and West Alabama Food<br />
Bank as a few who welcome volunteers at all times.<br />
Opportunities for community service aren’t only<br />
in Tuscaloosa, either. Through international organizations<br />
like Habitat for Humanity, United Way or<br />
Salvation Army, students undertaking summer internships,<br />
jobs or travels abroad can take part in<br />
community service.<br />
“A big thing any person — college student or not<br />
— can do is lend an ear just to listen,” CSL’s Bailey<br />
Duke said, “also just to be willing to be in an environment<br />
you’ve never been in with a person you<br />
have nothing in common with and to know that’s<br />
OK.”<br />
Duke, coordinator of volunteer management at<br />
the CSL, spoke of the connections people make<br />
through their time of service. Whether among a service<br />
team or with the people and families they’re<br />
serving, shared passions and experiences can build<br />
an unexpected bond.<br />
“Service is the center of all of that,” Duke said.<br />
“You really have no idea who you’ll be working with,<br />
which is such a fun aspect.”<br />
For Jan Sikes, executive director of Arts ‘n Autism,<br />
a non-profit organization located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama<br />
providing after-school and summer camp<br />
services for children-young adults with autism, fun<br />
is the essential part.<br />
“Each day we have a different after-school curriculum,”<br />
she said. “We have art, we have music, we<br />
have dance, we have yoga, we have karate, we have<br />
legos, we have photography, we have food exploration.”<br />
They’ve got it all, and in the summer it’s multiplied.<br />
Summer camps add to each of Arts ‘n Autism’s five<br />
programs, offering students and volunteers opportunities<br />
to learn new things and meet new friends.<br />
<strong>No</strong> matter the avenue, beneficial results are likely<br />
to follow service. Motivations, passions and organizations<br />
vary widely depending on personal preferences<br />
and beliefs, but Engle said the significance is<br />
lost on no one.<br />
“As a Christian, it’s important for me to show my<br />
love for God and others by my service. I use it as an<br />
opportunity to care for others like I’ve been cared<br />
for and let people know that they are appreciated<br />
and loved,” Engle said. “Whether you’re religious or<br />
not, though, you can find yourself by serving, and it’s<br />
a great way to meet new and caring people.”<br />
<strong>No</strong> matter the location, a summer of service is<br />
lined up for this season’s forecast.<br />
6 <strong>Alice</strong> Summer 2018
<strong>Alice</strong> Summer 2018 7
All clothes: Lulu’s<br />
Bellbottom Jeans: Pause boutique<br />
8 <strong>Alice</strong> Summer 2018
<strong>Alice</strong> Summer 2018 9
Outfit: SOCA<br />
Glasses and top: Lulu’s<br />
10 <strong>Alice</strong> Summer 2018
<strong>Alice</strong> Summer 2018 11
Jumpsuit: SOCA<br />
Top: Lulu’s<br />
Dress: SOCA<br />
12 <strong>Alice</strong> Summer 2018
Jeans: SOCA<br />
<strong>Alice</strong> Summer 2018 13
Editors: 15 • Photographers: 12 • Lifestyle Writers: 4 • Beauty Writers: 4 • Fashion Writers: 4 • Makeup Artists: 2 • Health and Food Writers: 3<br />
• Entertainment Writers: 5 • Models: 21
<strong>No</strong>ne of the<br />
images of<br />
<strong>No</strong>ne of the<br />
images of<br />
women in<br />
this magazin<br />
have<br />
<strong>No</strong>ne<br />
been<br />
of t<br />
retouched.<br />
images of<br />
women in<br />
this maga<br />
have bee<br />
retouched<br />
women in this<br />
magazine<br />
have been<br />
retouched.
16 <strong>Alice</strong> Summer 2018
<strong>Alice</strong> Summer 2018 17
Summer in the City:<br />
A guide for surviving empty college towns<br />
By Sara Beth Bolin<br />
As finals wind down and graduation passes, everyone<br />
has their minds on one thing: summer. Students<br />
return home, get an internship or summer<br />
job, study abroad or spend their time tanning on the<br />
beach. However, there remains just a brave few who<br />
stick around after the campus empties and the traffic<br />
becomes much more bearable.<br />
Maybe you’re taking classes, working or trying to<br />
save money after a botched attempt at subletting<br />
your apartment. Whatever the case, these boredom-busters<br />
are sure to add a little extra fun to<br />
your summer.<br />
Mix Up Your Routine<br />
In the midst of boredom, sometimes mixing it up<br />
can add that little change you’ve been searching for<br />
during a busy semester. Try a new coffee shop or<br />
bar to frequent. Been a yoga junkie for a few years?<br />
Give kickboxing a try. A simple change in diet, music,<br />
or wake up time could radically change your<br />
outlook on your college home.<br />
Explore Somewhere New…<br />
Sometimes, getting out of town for a day or two<br />
can be enough to come back refreshed and ready<br />
to go. Don’t be afraid to walk around the main<br />
square of the next town over or travel a few hours<br />
to a bigger city. Go to a nearby zoo or scout out a<br />
music festival.Marianne Martin, a senior at The University<br />
of Alabama, spent last summer taking classes<br />
and decided to take off with a friend for a week<br />
of adventure.<br />
“We drove to Wyoming from Alabama to see my<br />
roommate’s relatives,” Martin said. “And honestly, it<br />
was just good to get a change of scenery. I came<br />
back ready for the second session of summer classes!”<br />
...Or Your Own Backyard<br />
Have a restaurant you’ve always wanted to try?<br />
<strong>No</strong>w’s your chance! Since there are fewer students<br />
in town, wait times will be lower and you’ll likely get<br />
more personalized service. Check out the hiking<br />
trails or stores you’ve always eyed but never had a<br />
chance to go explore.<br />
Can’t think of anywhere new to venture? Try playing<br />
what I call “The Dice Game.” Bring a friend and<br />
some dice and roll to find your next destination.<br />
Ones and twos mean right, threes and fours are<br />
straight, and fives and sixes call for left. There’s no<br />
telling where you’ll end up!<br />
Discover an Unknown Passion<br />
If there’s something you’ve always wanted to do<br />
but never had the motivation, now’s your chance!<br />
Maybe you’re a really good chef but never had time<br />
to cook because you were too busy studying for exams.<br />
Invite your classmates or co-workers over for a<br />
girls night with a new recipe. Want to see if you’re an<br />
artist? Pick up a canvas and some paint and go for it!<br />
There are tons of hobbies like running, rock climbing,<br />
knitting, finding a passion, becoming an activist,<br />
baking-- even checking out books from your local<br />
library and becoming a bookworm counts!<br />
Find A New Crew<br />
There’s lots to do, but your friends are off on their<br />
own adventures. Who do you invite to come with<br />
you? Don’t be afraid to talk to your new coworkers<br />
and classmates; they won’t bite. Chat up the barista<br />
who makes the perfect chai, or befriend the next<br />
door neighbor you’ve never talked to. The town<br />
may be empty of college students, but that doesn’t<br />
mean no one’s there!<br />
Yes, summer in a college town is different, but that<br />
doesn’t mean it needs to be boring. There’s plenty<br />
of fun things to spice up your summer if you have a<br />
little imagination and an open mind. Maybe you’ll<br />
meet your new BFF, pick up a hobby that becomes<br />
your greatest passion, or just successfully get to the<br />
fall semester. <strong>No</strong> matter the outcome, with these<br />
tips up your sleeves, you’re ready to combat the<br />
summer blues!<br />
18 <strong>Alice</strong> Summer 2018
<strong>Alice</strong> Summer 2018 19
All clothes: Lulu’s<br />
20 <strong>Alice</strong> Summer 2018
<strong>Alice</strong> Summer 2018 21
Molly Sullivan<br />
Terrane Creations<br />
By Kallen Sebastian<br />
Background<br />
Molly is a sophomore studying journalism at Mizzou.<br />
Wares<br />
Clay Jewelry<br />
Why “Terrane Creations?”<br />
“Terrain” refers to land and the necklaces are made of<br />
clay. There is a verse in the bible about how all people<br />
are created from clay and I think that’s a great message:<br />
that we are all made from the same body and<br />
can come together and move past our differences.<br />
The name and mission of Terrane are kind of a sharing<br />
of the gospel.<br />
Let’s talk about your jewelry.<br />
Since they are made from clay, they have a very<br />
earthy feel. I tend to shift to neutral colors like pinks,<br />
army greens, granite. The girls who purchase my<br />
necklaces are into those vibes as well; more organic.<br />
My four main necklaces resemble boldness, kindness,<br />
simplicity and openness, and are named after<br />
my friends who embody those attributes. I really value<br />
my relationships. I think that community is so important.<br />
When I came to college, community was a blessing<br />
the Lord put into my life through tons of prayer. A<br />
couple really great relationships speak louder than a<br />
few surface-level ones.<br />
How does social media play a role in the success of<br />
your business?<br />
My business is run entirely through Instagram. That’s<br />
where I get the majority of my orders. Without social<br />
media, my business would be nonexistent. Instagram<br />
is a platform that is really growing for entrepreneurs<br />
and small business. I asked around to see what other<br />
small businesses were doing and found that it is the<br />
most profitable platform, even over places like Etsy.<br />
Customers DM me if they want something and I do<br />
custom orders; people can message me if they want<br />
a specific necklace or keychain.<br />
22 <strong>Alice</strong> Summer 2018
<strong>Alice</strong> Summer 2018 23
First Day, Right Foot<br />
By Kallen Sebastian<br />
It’s your first day on the job. Maybe it’s an internship.<br />
Maybe it’s a real-life, rent-paying position. Either<br />
way, you’re probably overdressed and a little<br />
sweaty.<br />
Good. You should be.<br />
Overdressed, I mean. <strong>No</strong>t sweaty. Ew.<br />
Workwear is kind of like politics: while most people<br />
think they know what’s going on, the vast majority<br />
of people are completely wrong and will never<br />
know it. Fortunately for us, correcting our wayward<br />
workwear habits is a lot less painful than becoming<br />
politically educated, and it usually involves fewer<br />
Facebook posts.<br />
The most important thing you should know, whether<br />
you are an intern, an entry-level job employee, or<br />
simply “the new girl,” is that it is always better to be<br />
overdressed than underdressed. Because you are<br />
young, people are inclined to not take you as seriously.<br />
Sharper silhouettes, cleaner lines and simple,<br />
high contrast colors can help to establish you as a<br />
professional. That being said, it’s difficult to establish<br />
a blanket “professional look” because the standard<br />
for professional attire varies across industries and<br />
positions.<br />
There are four basic levels of attire in the professional<br />
world.<br />
Smart Casual: These are your Silicon Valley geniuses.<br />
This is as casual as you will ever be and is<br />
usually only found in hip startup environments. Like<br />
your everyday clothes, but less edgy. Dark wash<br />
jeans over light wash, that kind of thing.<br />
Business Casual: This is fairly common in the artsier<br />
industries like advertising and communications.<br />
You’re not wearing a suit, but you’re not not wearing<br />
one either. This would be a nice shirt tucked into<br />
culottes or capris. Jeans usually aren’t allowed, but<br />
fabric options are typically going to be flexible. To<br />
stay in the professional zone, tighten your silhouettes<br />
when you wear more casual fabrics. You’re not<br />
confined to a pencil skirt, but skirts should still never<br />
be any higher than an inch above the knee. Fun<br />
colors and patterns are still an option and you have<br />
plenty of room to play. Jewelry can be fun but not<br />
distracting. Blazers are typically optional.<br />
Business Professional: This is where business and<br />
finance professionals will be found. You will be wearing<br />
a suit; pant lengths and styles may be flexible depending<br />
on your office environment and standards. If<br />
you wear a skirt, make sure to wear a pencil skirt. A<br />
structured blazer is required; this typically isn’t a level<br />
of attire where you can play with looser, oversized,<br />
or less structured blazers. Tread lightly with shoes:<br />
your options are pumps or flats. Open-toed shoes<br />
and wedges are not allowed. Jewelry is allowed, but<br />
your big tassel earrings are going to have to take a<br />
backseat to simple hoops and studs. Tops are still<br />
fairly flexible as far as fit, style and fabric goes, although<br />
I recommend sticking to small patterns (if<br />
any) and simple tones and colors.<br />
Business Formal: It is very unlikely that you, as an<br />
intern or entry-level worker, will ever need to dress<br />
at this level. Maybe for a presentation, award ceremony,<br />
or other formal work event. This is more for<br />
the C-Suite and is the most strict level of business<br />
attire. Rock that pantsuit, but make sure that the<br />
pants are full-length. Your go-to colors? Black and<br />
navy, baby. This is not the time for that fun pink suit<br />
piece. If you opt for a skirt, it must be of the pencil variety.<br />
Tops should be plain colors: I suggest sticking<br />
to blue or white. A button-down is standard, as are<br />
pumps. Keep the jewelry to an absolute minimum:<br />
wedding rings, watches, stud earrings.<br />
Most offices dress in business casual, business<br />
professional, or a mix of the two. On your first day,<br />
opt for what you think is the absolute dressiest level<br />
of attire this office may expect. It is significantly better<br />
to be overdressed than underdressed in a professional<br />
environment. Spend your first day observing<br />
how others in the office dress and match yourself<br />
to that standard as you move forward. Also, most<br />
offices will have some sort of orientation session,<br />
during which they will teach you about their rules for<br />
workplace attire.<br />
You may find that your bosses and co-workers<br />
break the standards for attire that your office sets.<br />
Just because your boss breaks the clothing rules<br />
doesn’t mean you can.<br />
Again.<br />
Just because your boss breaks the clothing rules<br />
doesn’t mean you can.<br />
Why? Because your boss is the boss. You are<br />
the intern, or the “new girl.” Who is more likely to<br />
get called into HR? The new girl. Who is worse off<br />
if they get called into HR? The new girl. Don’t wear<br />
24 <strong>Alice</strong> Summer 2018
All clothes: Crimson Closet<br />
<strong>Alice</strong> Summer 2018 25
Jacket: Pause Boutique<br />
open-toed shoes just because your boss does. Don’t<br />
wear skirts shorter than an inch above your knee<br />
just because the girl in the other cubicle does. Your<br />
coworkers will absolutely break professional attire<br />
standards. That is absolutely not an excuse for you<br />
to do the same.<br />
What rules are they breaking exactly? A big one<br />
is shoes.<br />
Shoes<br />
Heels are always appropriate in the work environment,<br />
but not all heels are appropriate. They should<br />
never exceed 2.5 inches. 2.5 inches is the maximum<br />
heel height. Do not exceed 2.5 inches. Just don’t do it.<br />
I don’t care how cute they are. I don’t care how comfortable<br />
they are. 2.5 inches is the maximum heel<br />
height and the maximum heel height is 2.5 inches.<br />
Be cautious with open-back or sling-back heels.<br />
This is going to depend entirely on your office environment<br />
and standards. In a hospital, for example,<br />
you cannot wear shoes with an open heel for safety<br />
reasons.<br />
One of the largest complaints about heels is that<br />
they are not comfortable. There are a few ways to<br />
get around this. First, wear a lower heel. Higher heels<br />
put more pressure on your feet. Second, invest in<br />
some shoe inserts. They are miracle workers. Blisters<br />
are a bad time. Third, chunky heels are going to be<br />
more comfortable than stiletto heels. If you have the<br />
option to wear open-toed heels, go for it. However,<br />
26 <strong>Alice</strong> Summer 2018<br />
most offices do not allow open-toed shoes so proceed<br />
with caution.<br />
Tip: When you try on heels (you should never buy<br />
heels without trying them on), do so at the end of<br />
the day, especially if you have been walking around<br />
a lot. You want to try on shoes when your feet are<br />
swollen and sweaty. Sounds gross, but that’s when<br />
you will find out if your shoes are too small (pinch) or<br />
too large (you’re slipping around in them).<br />
Flats are allowed at every level of attire except for<br />
Business Formal. Do not give a presentation in flats.<br />
If you can’t wear heels due to pain or preference, explore<br />
other options. Cute loafers do exist. Mules may<br />
be acceptable. Even kitten heels can work (although<br />
personally I do not understand why you would<br />
choose to be .5 inches off the ground and find them<br />
very difficult to walk in).<br />
<strong>No</strong>te: If you are at a conference or professional<br />
event where you will be on your feet all day, feel<br />
free to bring shoes to change into in between sessions.<br />
Just make sure that they are also professional.<br />
There is nothing more heartbreaking than a woman<br />
in line for lunch wearing a fantastic suit with flip<br />
flops. Please, in the name of everything glorious and<br />
good in this world, don’t ever be the girl at the conference<br />
in flip flops.<br />
Oh, right. I almost forgot wedges.<br />
Yeah, no.<br />
Skirts
Skirts are also an area of contention for many a<br />
working woman. Many women are under the misconception<br />
that any professional-looking skirt is a<br />
“pencil skirt.” A pencil skirt actually has a fairly strict<br />
definition. A pencil skirt is high-waisted (should reach<br />
the top of your hips), made of lightweight wool or<br />
cotton with stretch, tapers at the thigh, has a subtle<br />
slit in the back and hits mid- or below the knee.<br />
Mid- or below the knee.<br />
<strong>No</strong>t one inch above the knee. <strong>No</strong>t three inches<br />
above the knee. Mid- or below the knee. If the skirt<br />
hits higher than mid-knee, it is not a pencil skirt.<br />
That isn’t to say that all skirts above the knee are<br />
inappropriate. Many shorter skirts are quite appropriate<br />
for the office. The distinction is an important<br />
one to make, however, as more formal work environments<br />
will only allow for pencil skirts. The more<br />
formal the office, the longer the skirt length. You do<br />
not want to show up to an investment firm in a work<br />
skirt that doesn’t make the length requirement for a<br />
pencil. I’m looking at you, J. Crew.<br />
Also important to note is the distinction between<br />
pencil skirts and bodycon skirts. Some girls are<br />
blessed with a little more booty and struggle to find<br />
a skirt that doesn’t create those tense lines across<br />
the thigh. I get it. But that’s why tailors exist. Just because<br />
that skirt at Forever 21 is midi, high-waisted<br />
and clings all the way down does NOT mean it is a<br />
pencil skirt or that it is appropriate for work.<br />
<strong>No</strong>te: Please do not buy professional attire at Forever<br />
21. H&M offers a range of professional attire for<br />
affordable prices. You will not find pencil skirts at<br />
Forever 21. It is a bodycon wasteland.<br />
Be wary of slits. As a general rule, do not buy work<br />
skirts with slits in the front or side. Don’t do it. It is<br />
dangerous territory. If you buy a wrap skirt, make<br />
sure that at no point does it rise higher than two<br />
inches above the knee. Pro tip: only buy midi-length<br />
wrap skirts to avoid that issue. Work skirts should<br />
only have slits in the back for increased mobility and<br />
breathability. They shouldn’t gap open to reveal your<br />
bee-hind. Make sure to remove the thread in the<br />
back before wearing.<br />
It is impossible to set guidelines for appropriate<br />
skirts without running into the fact that women face<br />
many more clothing restrictions in the workplace<br />
due to the sexualization of women. These guidelines<br />
are for meeting professional workplace standards,<br />
not for “covering you up.”<br />
If your skirt is too short, that is not an excuse for<br />
someone to sexualize you. If your top is sleeveless,<br />
that is not an excuse for someone to sexualize you. If<br />
you show up to work in a bikini, that is not an excuse<br />
for someone to sexualize you.<br />
Harassment is not and never will be excusable or<br />
tolerable, regardless of your attire. If you are being<br />
harassed, contact Human Resources. You are not<br />
being unprofessional; your harasser is.<br />
<strong>Alice</strong> Summer 2018 27