Finding outfits that say ‘hire me’
If you’re confused about what to wear for the big interview, remember that, above all, the ensemble should reflect poise and good taste. Skip the neon yellow nail polish and shoulder-duster earrings, even if the position you’re vying for is in a creative field. A dash of personal flair can work in your favor, but stick to classics and play down anything that could be a potential distraction.
Start creating your interview look by having a clear idea of the job and company culture you’re walking into. Men, when a conservative suit seems most appropriate, choose a classic color such as navy or dark gray, a white or light blue dress shirt and striped or lightly patterned tie. A black suit is too formal and heavy for a daytime meeting. If a new Brooks Brothers suit would break your bank account, buy a tie for less than $80 to freshen up an older suit and give you an extra boost of confidence.
A dark gray suit with thin blue pinstripes from John Varvatos is versatile and can be dressed up or down. With a fresh yellow tie from Brooks Brothers and a pair of classic black oxfords, it looks polished and formal but not stuffy. Cuff links are an easy way to infuse some of your personality and style into a staid suit, as long as they’re not the pair you picked up from a casino gift shop during your last trip to Vegas.
Women’s suits should be well tailored so that the jacket isn’t boxy and the pants aren’t too baggy. Most women’s suits can easily look frumpy, so go the extra step and have the jacket nipped in at the waist and the pants hemmed perfectly so that they break just at the top of the foot. These minor alterations can make an inexpensive suit look really sharp.
A navy blue pinstripe suit from Brooks Brothers is certainly conservative, but it’s flattering because of the cut and the elongating stripes. Accessories keep the look feminine. Add large pearl studs, a chunky gold necklace and gold bangles for some refined sparkle.
For a foolproof outfit that straddles the line between creative and conservative, don a knee-length print dress. One from Hugo Boss makes an instant impact with its graphic print. Add accessories to dress it up or down, depending on the kind of job you’re after. With a pearl necklace that hits right at the collarbone and a pair of simple black pumps, the outfit has a vintage vibe that would work in most job settings.
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When and how to wear jeans
The jury’s still out on whether jeans are acceptable during a job interview, but some companies -- particularly in fashion and creative fields -- welcome them.
J Brand makes straight-leg jeans in clean, saturated washes that feel more like a pair of dark trousers than casual denim. Pair them with a feminine blouse and fitted blazer. Theory makes the best-fitting blazers for the price and in several shapes and silhouettes. Throw on subtle layers of accessories to round out the slightly edgy appeal of the outfit. When experimenting with accessories, if you stop to question if something is “too much,” it probably is. Limit jewelry and accessories to one piece less than you might wear to a party or out with friends.
For men, jeans should also be a clean, dark wash and always paired with a sport coat or blazer. Tuck in the button-down shirt you wear underneath and finish the line with a leather belt. A shirt with a classic print such as plaid or gingham adds more style and texture to the look. Leather oxfords or wingtips will keep things more traditional, but you could get away with slip-on leather Vans or very tidy Converses if the company’s culture permits.
Always bring an extra copy of your resume, but don’t pull it out from an inside jacket pocket or unfold it from a tiny purse. Keep it wrinkle-free and in one piece by placing it in a simple folder bought at a drugstore or in a leather portfolio folder from an office supply store.
If you bring a bag, make it as sleek as possible. Jack Spade makes the most versatile and functional messenger and casual men’s bags. Brooks Brothers makes a slim zip-around leather case that is a lot less bulky than a traditional briefcase. It’s smart for women to leave the shapeless carryall tote at home. The black leather frame bag from Reiss is a nice, structured shape and a medium size that will hold all the essentials without looking overwhelming.
Besides being polished and appropriate, your interview ensemble should be comfortable. Try on clothes the night before to make sure nothing rides up or rips when you sit and the buttons on your dress shirt aren’t two threads from popping off.
A new suit will look sharp and a chic dress will make a solid first impression, but stick to something that makes you feel comfortable and, most important, confident.
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