Bitter Style: Fashion Tips for Interviews
Most important thing to remember is: Let your resume and interpersonal skills make the impression, not your wardrobe.
Women
DO…
– Wear a solid or conservative pinstripe suit (either skirt or pant) in dark gray, navy or black.
– Dress clean and sharp. No clutter, no frills.
– Make sure your suit choice fits properly. Not too baggy or too tight.
– Wear a simple shoe–preferably a 2 to 3 ½ inches high.
DON’T…
– Wear a noticeable perfume. So many people are allergic!
– Show off your cleavage or butt. It’s an interview, not a date.
– Wear fashion-statement jewelry. Stick to simple stud earrings. No dangles.
– Get too fashion-forward or tragically hip. Could be distracting.
– Wear shoes with too high a heel or an open toe.
– Go with bare legs.
Men
DO…
– Wear a solid or conservative pinstripe suit in dark gray or navy.
– Wear a white or light blue shirt. Simple blue pinstripe is okay, too.
– Wear a semi-spread collar shirt. With collar stays!
– Wear a two-button suit. Three-button is okay if you’re tall and slender.
– Match your belt to your shoes.
– Make sure your socks are the same basic shade as your trouser.
– Wear a simple black or brown dress shoe. Lace-up is preferable to loafer.
– Get a shoeshine prior to your interview.
DON’T…
– Wear a black suit. No matter what your super-cool agent friend from LA tells you.
– Wear theme or college ties—even it’s close to the holidays and you went to Oxford.
– Wear noticeable cologne. It’s just lame.
– Wear penny or tasseled loafers.
– Wear a vest underneath your suit. Looks good on the guy in GQ, but not on you.
– Wear a bow tie. In fact, don’t even think about it.
SUGGESTED LOOKS:
Women
Banana Republic
Ruched pinstripe blazer & matching high-waisted pencil skirt in grey
Classic blazer & matching trouser in black
Liz Claiborne
Pinstripe blazer & matching trousers in grotto blue
Ann Taylor
Isadora pinstripe mid-length jacket & matching trousers in canvas
Macy’s
Pinstriped double-layer style skirt suit in navy
Men
Banana Republic
Wool modern two button blazer & matching suit pants in charcoal
Brooks Brothers
All the suiting essentials options in navy, grey stripe and charcoal
J. Crew
Italian slim suit jacket & matching pants in dark graphite
Macy’s