Interview Fashion 101
by Julia Cohen
Ladies, we all know there is great importance in self-presentation in the realm of Business. The first impression an interviewer has of you, consciously or subconsciously, is the visual impression you give the minute you walk through that daunting door. Ideally, we would all own an endless supply of New York Fashion Week pantsuits or unlimited access to the Met Gala’s makeup artists and hairstylists. However, this is unfortunately not the case. Let’s explore a reasonable path to finding the perfect look for your next interview.
STEP ONE: Know the degree of fancy your interviewer is looking for. The dress code may be casual, business casual, or formal. If you have not been informed of what the dress code is, it never hurts to ask. Asking shows you respect the company and the expectations they have for those who they have given the opportunity to work for them. Here is a rundown on general apparel guidelines for each dress code:
Casual: Typically, you will have to gage exactly how casual you should dress based off of your previous interactions with the company, as well as what specific industry said company is in. Think in regards to the general vibes of the company. For example, gage if the employees are on the younger or older side. If the employees are younger, you can probably get away with trendier, more casual apparel. If this interview is for the finance industry, dressing simply and leaning towards more formal attire is recommended.
Business Casual:
Bottom: Dark-blue, black or white jeans (no rips, nothing funky), casual skirt
Top: Light button down shirt, simple blouse, or sweater
Other: Respectable casual dress (Keep it long, almost to the knees)
Shoes: Any flats or sandals
Formal:
Bottom: Dress pants, dress skirt (reaches the knees)
Top: Blouse, formal button down shirt, business jacket/coat
Other: Formal dress (reaches the knees), respectable jumpsuit
Shoes: Flats or heels (Pro tip: Keep the heels short so you don’t accidentally fall or twist an ankle!)
STEP TWO: Decide what types of clothing you are the most comfortable and confident in. Depending on the time of year and how your body temperature runs, you want to make sure you are not shivering nor sweating profusely. Additionally, avoid any footwear you will wobble down the hallway in. We all know that interviews are nerve-racking enough and there is no need to put yourself through any unnecessary discomfort. After assessing the degree of comfort, it is crucial that you choose a style that makes you feel like the confident woman that you are! Whether this means a fitted pant-suit that makes you feel like you are dominating the world, or a skirt and a blouse that displays your amazing individuality, it is up to you. STEP THREE: Find your outfit in your closet and/or acquire it from a secondary source. If you do not have what you are looking for, you have two options: ask a friend if you can borrow something from their closet, or go shopping. Here is a list of stores that sell reasonably priced, recommended business clothing for women:
Forever21 (Workwear section)
Mango
J. Crew Factory
Reitmans (Wear to Work Section)
H&M
Uniqlo
Express
…Even Target and Amazon can be great resources
STEP FOUR: Always avoid the following mistakes.
Do not wear a watch. You might subconsciously look at it during the interview, which leads the interviewer to think you are eager to leave.
Do not wear something that you would not wear to your grandparents’ house. In other words, keep it G-rated.
Do not wear wrinkly clothes.
Do not over-accessorize or pile on the labels, but still express yourself where you can.
Do not overdo on perfumes or body sprays.
Do not ever go too casual if you are unsure of the dress-code. Over-dressing is always preferable to under-dressing
Last but not least: Do not wear something that you don’t love yourself. Your style appearance is a part of you who are. Take liberty within the rules and express yourself. The interviewer wants to get to know you and what makes you stand out among other applicants, so do not be afraid to show them exactly what this is. Let your outfit reinforce and display just how confident and unique you are the second you step into that room!