Students model the do's and don'ts of business attire at the "Project Business Wear" fashion show

The Smith School Women's Society (SSWS) held an educational and interactive fashion show in Tyser Auditorium Nov. 16, during which students modeled business-casual and professional attire.

Phi Chi Theta and the Business of Fashion Society co-hosted "Project Business Wear," according to SSWS Co-President Emily Pearson. The show, which started at 6 p.m., lasted more than an hour and attracted almost 50 people.

Students got a close-up view on what kind of attire qualifies as business-casual and what type qualifies as professional.

There were 15 total male and female models that dressed in the appropriate clothing and each carried an item that was "a questionable aspect to their outfit," said Pearson. For example, heels vs. flats and jacket vs. no jacket.

Students were able to witness the dos and don'ts of fashion up-close, while asking questions.

The event's three judges comprised Dr. Susan White, a Smith School professor, Silvia Huezo, a fashion designer at Red Hue Boutique in College Park, and Pat Bender, president of Bayley & Bender.

Pearson said each judge brought a unique perspective to the table, which made for a rich experience. All the judges all seemed to agree on what was appropriate and what was not.

SSWS hosted a similar event last year called "Project Business Casual Wear," in which students modeled only casual attire.

Pearson said SSWS wanted to expand the event this year by including professional as well as business-casual attire. Pearson said, in previous years, judges' critiques of models were too generic because the event was limited to business-casual apparel.

This year, the SSWS Event Committee advised models what to wear so that the judges' critiques could be a little harsher. Pearson said students would then be able to learn more about what to wear.

Journalism major and Business of Fashion Society member Alexa Kravitz, 20, said the fashion show was very informative and entertaining.

"I have a much better idea of what to wear to an interview now," said Kravitz.