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Hello readers! Today I’m going to be going over some of my tips and tricks to help you make the cutest outfit for your next job interview. I was inspired to write this as it’s currently the beginning of the fall semester and I have been job hunting like crazy. So, in light of me getting my first interview of the season, here are my suggestions on what to wear to yours.
Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, we all know that. There’s the worry of what they’re going to ask you, how you’re going to do, the little unknowns, but there is one thing that we know for sure, and that is what we’re going to wear. What you wear to your interview can say a lot about your personality and creative style. But, the goal behind your outfit should be to put your best step forward, in a professional and mindful manner.
The three things when considering your outfit are your top, bottoms, and shoes.
Starting off with your top. Some guidelines that I found work best for me when picking out a top are to keep it simple, neutral colors, and no thin straps. My go-tos are usually body suits or a blouse. Avoid anything too low-cut or tops that show too much skin, as this can come off as unprofessional.
Here I have some tops I thought were cute to inspire or add to your next business casual outfit:
- Target’s, “Women’s Luxury Collection 4-way Stretch Short Sleeve Bodysuit- Auden.” – $25
This super cute top is crewneck, short-sleeved, lightweight fabric that can be easily paired with bottoms of any kind. It comes in either black or brown and sizes are available from XS all the way up to 2X.
2. Lulus, “Sophisticated Aspect Ivory Chiffon Surplice Long Sleeve Bodysuit.” – $49
This top is my personal favorite from this list as it gives off super professional, super chic vibes. It has pretty good coverage with sheer balloon sleeves and button cuffs. It can also be paired with any pant, but my suggestion would be to pair it with darker pants if you are getting ivory, but it also comes in black, brown and olive. The sizes range from XS to XXL.
3. Buckle’s, “Ruffle Mesh Bodysuit.” – $34.99
Also one of my favorites, a bodysuit with wide ruffle straps and a very cutesy demeanor. I would love to see this worn with black pants, either slacks or trousers. It comes in just black and ranges from XS to XL. The reviews also say to size down, so take that as you will.
4. Banana Republics, “Volume-Sleeve Blouse.” – $48.97-$35.97
Another very elegant-looking top that can elevate any look, featuring a band collar with a split neckline, long sleeves, and button cuffs. I would style this with solid, neutral-colored slacks. It is offered in an array of different colors and patterns including white, latte, black, emerald green, dragon fruit, brushstroke blue, zebra print and navy, and has sizes ranging from XXS to XL.
Once you have a neutral and simple top, you have a lot of options for what you can do with the bottoms. My go-to’s are slacks, trousers, linen pants, or on some occasions, dark-wash jeans. With the slacks and trousers, you can have some pattern, but not so much that it becomes distracting.
Here are some pant inspirations that I think could go very well included in a business casual outfit.
- Buckle’s, “Payton Flare Stretch Pant.” – $49.99
Simple, cute, and flattering, the Payton Flare are a mid-rise stretchy material featuring a flared bottom, working well with any shirt it’s paired with. It is offered in a khaki color with a wide variety of sizes, specific to your measurements. Emphasis on the flattering because these will do you some justice.
2. American Eagle’s “Stretch Low-Rise Flare Trouser.” – $44.96
Also very flattering, this pant gives off one of the more professional vibes when it comes to pants, perfect for an interview. They have great reviews, often being referred to as shoppers’ “favorite work pants.” They include lightweight, woven fabric and recycled materials. I would say these pants could be easily paired with almost anything as it is offered in both gray and black. The sizes range from 000 to 20, with specifications for short, regular, or long, which I appreciate a lot as a tall girly.
3. American Eagle’s, “Stretch Poppy Trouser.” – $44.97
I own these and I genuinely mean it when I say these are some of the most comfortable pants I own. They include a soft, stretchy fabric and come in colors onyx black, light brown, gray, chocolate, and black. If you are getting one with a pattern (onyx black or light brown), I highly suggest pairing it with a solid color shirt and matching your shirt and shoes, which is also just a good general rule of thumb. Sizes also range from 000 to 20 with specifications for short, regular or long. I suggest sizing down a few sizes as they run big for example I usually wear a size 8 and I ended up buying a size 2, it also keeps them from looking too much like sweatpants.
Finally, shoes. Shoes can really make or break your outfit. My best advice would to be try and match your shoes with your top and not wear sneakers to your job interview. While I don’t think wearing a clean pair of sneakers will negatively affect your look, I do think there are better options, the most underrated of them being heels. When paired with pants, short heels or pumps can be sooo cute and such a classy and cool look. My other suggestions would be cute boots or loafers.
Here are some shoe suggestions and inspiration:
- Shoe Carnivals, “Womens Solanz Chris Dress Sandals.” -$19.98
Described as the perfect combination of elegance and comfort this shoe features an open-toe, padded footbed with breathable fabric lining. They are offered in black, dark beige, and white with sizes ranging from 6 to 11.
2. Thursday Boot Co.,”Penny Platform.” – $160
Definitely something I would consider getting the dupe on but a good reference point on what a cute loafer can look like. Cute loafers like this can really elevate a look and make it look more professional. The Penny Platform is offered in various different colors and styles so I highly suggest you look at their website to see which one you prefer best and they also have a wide range of sizes, from 5 to 12.
3. Princess Pollys, “Kyleigh Boots Brown.” – $75.00
Today’s final inspiration idea I have are by a brand that I’ve always adored, Princess Polly. These boots are a perfect example of boots you could definitely wear in a business casual outfit. They are faux leather ankle boots with a slight platform and rounded toe. They have really good reviews and come in sizes 5 to 10.
For accessories, my suggestion would be to just keep it simple, and keep it you.
If you like my suggestions and want to keep looking for yourself my go-to for business casual are Old Navy (underrated), American Eagle, Buckle, Banana Republic, and Princess Polly. Making one last suggestion, before shopping online, try second-hand shopping first. Second-hand shopping is an amazing way to add some uniqueness to your outfit but also help keep our planet healthy and happy. Me and my friends also do clothing swaps and borrow different pieces out of each other’s closets which can also be a huge money saver.
Thank you so much for reading! If you are job hunting right now, good luck, I wish you the best. Have an amazing start to your fall.
xoxo, Izzy