We’re going to touch base on a very important issue that we all will more than likely, or already have, experience in the near future… interviews (*intense shrieking*). Besides having to mentally prepare yourself to be calm, cool and totally collected all at the same time, another critically IMPORTANT factor is how you dress for the interview itself! But don’t you worry one little bit, we are here to help with that by showing you what to wear and how you can add a little bit of style to your professional wear! Our lovely, stunning model is a Buffalo State student and was featured as a Campus Cutie – Taylor Stonecypher!
One of the first things the interviewer will notice is your outerwear. If you are job hunting during the colder months, you don’t want to be wearing some ripped up, unidentified odor producing, odd stained and worn out old coat that looks like it got in a terrible fight with a vicious animal. That gives the impression of sloppiness which is a HUGE red flag to interviewers. Save up your money or track down a great bargain for a warm yet sophisticated coat to wear over your ensemble. I know, it sounds a bit silly but would you honestly hire someone if their first impression to you or your receptionist is some person in the coat that smells like it’s been through a struggle? The answer is simple…no.
Here we have Taylor wearing a very chic but somewhat tailored coat with a lovely herringbone print with some leather accents. Totally chic, stylish and sophisticated all at once!
Nothing like a simple little black dress accented with a fabulous black belt and a stunningly colorful (not overwhelming or some totally tacky 80’s throwback) statement necklace! Black is generally a color most companies prefer their employees to wear if they have certain standards or regulations. So having a couple of garments that are of a neutral color will come in handy! They go with just about anything, I can assure you.
But if you’re the type of person who doesn’t always want to wear black and wants a splash of color to wear to your interview, that’s great as well! Just keep in mind you don’t want to be wearing anything that is way too overwhelming to the eye. So keep your hot pink, neon yellow/green, hazard cone orange, or reflective sequined things at home! Blinding your interviewer is usually not a good thing to do when you first meet them. Gentle colors are your best friend when it comes to this and by gentle, I mean anything that isn’t so bright that you can tell what color it is even in a pitch black room.
Not a big fan of having to wear a dress to an interview? No problem! Separates are you other best friend when it comes to interviews. If you have a particular favorite sweater or shirt (that is interview appropriate of course) pairing them with a simple pant or skirt is exceptional! In this photo, Taylor paired a simple black turtle neck top with a cute tweed skirt (made by her!), some tights and another chic statement necklace. Totally stylish and professional looking all at the same time right? Exactly. If you can, have more than one option for yourself when it comes to the interview and ask for someone’s opinion. These two things will ensure you that you’re looking fly as ever while also keeping it very business oriented. Which of course is what we want to achieve! Separates are great because if you have a top that doesn’t with a certain bottom you’re wearing, or vise versa, just do a switch! You would honestly be surprised at how we don’t pair certain garments with others because we are so used to wearing them one specific way!
Here is probably my personal favorite part of the whole article: the magical accessory also known as a fashion scarf! Truly an underappreciated accessory and also one that not a lot of people know how to wear or what to wear with! In the photo above, Taylor is wearing a very basic white button down shirt with a simple black dress pant and paired with a lovely fashion scarf. You can just about find these in any store, but some of the best are found in second hand/thrift stores. Why there you ask? Well not only is second hand shopping an environmentally friendly thing to do, but some of the most unique and greatest gems are hidden there – scarves especially. When they were hugely in style, designers would make the most elaborate and absolutely stunning designs on them. And don’t be too surprised if you find a few high-end designer scarves there as well.
So stylish right? Not only did the addition of the fashion scarf tremendously add some pizzazz to this super basic interview attire, but it also added some individuality as well. You’d also be so surprised on how simple things like fashion scarves intrigue people. If you get a positive comment from your interviewer, I can assure you come decision-making time for the position, you will be remembered. Now, some of you may be thinking “okay that’s great and all…but how exactly do I tie it on me?”. Don’t you fret, I’ve got you covered. Harper’s Bazaar has a great little instructional article here that easily shows you how to manipulate that scarf for you!
Here are just a few extra fun tips when it comes to other things to consider when preparing for an interview:
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Keep your makeup to a minimum. (Remember less truly is more, plus do you really want your face to take all that attention away from the fabulous ensemble you’re wearing?)
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A bold lip is great! Just make sure it doesn’t clash with your outfit. Also, be sure to have subtle and neutral eye make-up.
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Not much of a lipstick person? No problem! Have the focus be on something else, whether it be your eyes, cheek bones, or eyebrows. Just be sure to enhance just enough so it is both subtle but sophisticated!
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Not much of a cosmetic guru? That’s not a problem either! YouTube is your friend with this. There are hundreds of great professionals and enthusiasts that will help you out step by step for a great look!
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Deep breaths! (always important to breathe, right?)
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Please, whatever you do, do NOT drown yourself in perfume, body spray, cologne, fragranced powders or anything. As an individual with extremely sensitive sinuses, I can vouch for others who suffer from the strongest little scent ever. You don’t want to have your interviewer suffering while you’re trying to prove to them that you’re the best fit for their company. A little spray goes a long way.
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SHOES: Sweet lanta, how did I almost forget yet another super important factor! Your footwear! Alright, this is also super simple as well. Flat shoes are usually a great go-to. Like a simple solid color tuxedo, ballet or oxford shoe are not only excellent, but totally comfortable.
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Although if you’re more of a heel wearing gal like me, keep things to a reasonable height. For example… leave your 4.5 – 6 inch heels at home, in your closet. Please. They will give you the absolute wrong impression right away. Go search for a super cute kitten heel that you will be able to wear more than once, and at anytime of the year! (i.e. a nice little suede black or patent leather are fabulous and universal shoe to wear. Keep to the neutral tones for sure!)
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We’ve given you some options, great tips, and fun little fashion facts. Now it’s time for you to go and make us proud! Strut on into that interview with a great resume, sparkling attitude and not to mention a totally killer (but business appropriate) outfit to completely impress your interviewer! Good luck!