Today's Everyday Fashion: What to Wear for a Job Interview
I've had tons of requests for interview attire, so today I'm sharing what I would wear for an interview from my own closet! Below you will find my dress code tips, as well as some shopping options/ additional outfit ideas to help you along on your journey. If you are currently interviewing for jobs - good luck on your job hunt!
Top: Victoria's Secret c/o MJR Sales, old (similar, similar)
Skirt: Banana Republic, $40 (similar, similar)
Purse: Calvin Klein/Saks Off Fifth, $130 (similar)
Shoes: Enzo Angiolini/Piperlime, $32 (similar, similar)
Watch: Michael Kors, gift
Bracelets: My Stella & Dot 1, 2, 3
Rings: My Stella & Dot 1, 2
1. This is the one time I'm a stickler for a neutral palette and an overall simple look. Your personality, your skills, and YOU should shine through and take center stage on a job interview, not your clothes. Save the super-creative, cute outfit for the first day on the job!
2. That said, including one colorful piece - like a pair of shoes, or an accessory (see examples below), is totally fine. It's okay to show some personality, just keep your overall look conservative.
3. A recruiter once told me that women should wear close-toe shoes on an interview. I was living in Boston at the time, where dress codes tend to be more formal than they are in Florida, however I still avoid sandals or open heels on an interview. A small peep toe is the most foot I would show.
4. If you wear a skirt it should always be at your knee or longer. This is my token interview skirt because of the length. I wouldn't go any shorter.
5. I would recommend wearing either a blazer/jacket or a collared shirt, but not necessarily both. When it's hot outside, then just a collared shirt will do. Or if you wear a blazer, then a nice blouse with pretty much any neckline (just don't show any cleavage) is great.
6. If you wear a dress, be sure the length is appropriate (see #4), and wear a blazer over it, or a collared shirt under it, if the dress is sleeveless.
7. I own one taupe/gray suit - a blazer and a matching skirt (pictured above). I've never worn the two together, but I wear the pieces separately often. Still, it's good to consider buying both in case you ever need something that formal.
8. Bring a portfolio (like this cute option) with a freshly printed copy of your resume inside, and a pen and paper to take notes.
9. Interview dress codes vary widely between industries. If you are interviewing at a retail store, for example, be on par with what employees are wearing or nicer. It's always better to err on the side of being too dressed up than not dressy enough. You can adjust your level of dressiness once you start working there.
What are your interview tips, and what do you usually wear for a job interview?
J.Crew / LOFT / Banana Republic
J.Crew / Calvin Klein / Limited / Express
Ann Taylor / Nine West / Tahari