This is a collaborative post by Mary with tips on dressing for a job interview.
Interviews are stressful enough. Your outfit that day shouldn’t add to that, but instead, make you feel confident and comfortable so you can focus. There are a number of things that go into account for a successful interview, such as being the right fit in general, your experience, how you treat all in the office, first impressions, and how you carry yourself.
Dressing for success to a job interview will help you feel more confident and make the impression that you do care to present yourself professionally and that you did make an effort for the interview.
So if you want to kill it at a job interview, here are some fashion tips to remember for the big day.
Tips for Dressing for a Job Interview
General Styling Tips
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Minimal make-up
Make-up for an interview should only be used to enhance your natural beauty. Keep the colors soft and natural, the mascara minimal, and the lipstick a trustworthy color that won’t transfer. The no make-up makeup trend is the best interview look!
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Medium height heels or flats
You want to be able to walk comfortably in an interview and carry yourself with your head held high, not looking down at your shoes. Find a pair of shoes that compliment your outfit well and break them in well before your interview to avoid any pesky blistering or uncomfortable day-of shoe issues.
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Skirt length
If you opt for a dress or a skirt, the length should hit your knee or almost to it. You want to be able to sit comfortably and not be tugging at your skirt.
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Look put together
The most important thing to remember is that you want to look put together. Choose an intentional outfit, style your hair, apply a bit of natural makeup if you’d like, keep your perfume minimal (if any), and be on top of your normal grooming
What to wear
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Blazer
Nothing says “professional” more than a blazer- it’s one of those pieces that pulls together just about any outfit. It is that third piece that can really make a statement or add that classic element to an already professional outfit. For your dream interview (and every day) you might want to consider investing in something classic and timeless, for example on Luisaviaroma the new Versace collection for women has arrived and they have some beautiful and very chic blazers that look good on every body type.
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Button downs
Button downs were once the classic fitted shirt that were mostly tucked into formal wear. But now, there are button downs in slightly oversized fits, longer yet slim fits that you can wear beautifully with slacks and more. Be sure to select a fabric that lets you breathe and won’t be too constricting.
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Statement dresses
Statement dresses are a great go-to if you are interviewing for a creative role or a startup environment. You can find a subtle pattern or print, opt for a colorful dress, or go for a detail that expresses your unique personality. Fashion is a great way to get to know someone’s personality and if you have the flexibility to use this to your advantage in an interview, go for it!
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Black dress
A black dress is a classic, and for good reason. It gives that polished look and confidence boost, and it looks great on everyone. Wear your favorite black dress and add your practical yet stylish shoe, and carry a bag that is big enough for a paper copy of your CV but not overwhelming to your outfit. This is a power outfit.
What Not to Wear to an Interview
So we’ve gone over some ideas of what to wear, but how about what not to wear? Avoid short dresses, pieces or outfits that look unintentional or not suited for your body type, tight clothes, chipped nails, bright lipstick that sneakily transfers to your teeth, high heels that will have you so focused on staying upright that you let interview courtesies slide, earrings you can’t help but fidget with, and any pieces or touches that will distract from all that you have to offer.