Purpose

The purpose of the study is to examine the experiences of emerging adults transitioning from college to career and the implications of this transition on clothing choice and identity formation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilized a phenomenological approach to address how appearances are used by emerging adults during the transition from college to the workplace and how those appearances help form identity.

Findings

The study found that participants have a desire for high-status consumption, primarily fueled by social comparison and the desire to keep up with colleagues, a desire to express identity through clothing, even if they are working from home, and the tendency to convey maturity during this transitory time by dressing the part.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this study is the homogenous nature of participants. Most are white females in their 20s who work in the fashion industry. It would be fruitful to consider a more representative population of emerging adults to examine the role of clothing choice on identity formation during this critical time.

Practical implications

This study highlights the need for change in the retail sector, regarding which garments create a professional wardrobe. Since the pandemic, many companies have shifted to a casual dress code, thus rendering the historically professional wardrobe of business attire obsolete.

Originality/value

Examining what it means to be an emerging adult joining the workforce in today's post-pandemic world is a complex and ongoing process. This study provides insight into how this experience is navigated via clothing and how identities are shaped during this transition in a person's life.

中文翻译：

---

在成年初期通过服装引导身份形成

目的

该研究的目的是探讨新兴成年人从大学过渡到职业生涯的经历，以及这种过渡对服装选择和身份形成的影响。

设计/方法论/途径

这项研究采用现象学方法来探讨新兴成年人在从大学到工作场所的过渡过程中如何使用外表，以及这些外表如何帮助形成身份。

发现

研究发现，参与者对高地位消费的渴望，主要是由于社会比较和与同事保持联系的渴望、通过服装表达身份的渴望（即使他们在家工作）以及传达成熟的倾向在这段短暂的时间内，通过对零件进行修整。

研究局限性/影响

这项研究的主要局限性是参与者的同质性。大多数是20多岁的白人女性，在时尚界工作。在这个关键时期，考虑更具代表性的新兴成年人群体来研究服装选择对身份形成的作用将是富有成效的。

实际影响

这项研究强调了零售业变革的必要性，即哪些服装可以打造专业衣柜。自疫情爆发以来，许多公司已转向休闲着装规范，从而使传统的职业商务着装变得过时。

原创性/价值

在当今的大流行后世界中，审视新兴成年人加入劳动力市场意味着什么是一个复杂且持续的过程。这项研究深入了解了这种体验是如何通过服装来引导的，以及在一个人生活的这一转变过程中身份是如何形成的。