Students attending job-training classes in Muncie will also be getting wardrobe training from Ball State University's Diana Saiki, who will explain how to dress for career success.

Saiki will give her advice to Ivy Tech and WorkOne classes during a series of workshops in August.

She has seen plenty of bad examples and says the trend toward casual dress in the workplace bears part of the blame.

"I think this hits a nerve today," Saiki said. "People used to wear more expensive clothes to work. With the shift to casual, some professionals weren't sure what to put on."

Today Saiki believes the trend is shifting again, this time from casual back to formal.

"From the articles I've read and retailers I've talked to, I think many people are confused about what to wear to work," she said.

Patty Marti, a career consultant at WorkOne, says many of her students have not thought enough about what to wear to work.

"So many of them have no clue what's appropriate attire for a job interview," she said. "Hopefully Diana can show them that they can afford to dress presentably."

Saiki bought several work outfits ranging from casual to formal. All the clothes came from Muncie-area retailers. She will show the outfits to the classes and expects some students to be surprised at what $300 can buy.

"I'm hoping that they gain an awareness of their clothing so they know what's expected of them when they get into a professional situation," she said.

Saiki will also talk about the difference between fashion and work clothing.

"Belly rings are cute on the street but may not be appropriate at work," she said. "You should dress in a way that attracts attention to your face and the business task at hand, not your body."

(Note to Editors: For more information, contact Saiki at (765) 285-2293 or desaiki@bsu.edu.)