As we progress through our years of college, our workplace wardrobe is constantly changing, from funky first year to self-assured senior. My clothing choices have certainly shifted since I arrived on campus four years ago. At that time I was fresh out of a job at The Children’s Museum of Maine Manhattan
It’s February and for many of college students, that means prime interview season. But what to wear? This question plagues job seekers and internship hopefuls alike. Any search on the web for interview attire will turn up countless articles on what to wear and what to steer clear of. I want to give you specific examples. You only make a good first impression once and much of what you choose to sport in your interview says scores about who you are and what kind of an employee you have the potential to become.
1. Button Up. Cleavage will get you noticed and will also get you thrown out. Think about what type of an image you want to portray to prospective employers: confident, sensible, and put together. In no way do these qualities come across when employers are too focused on how many buttons you chose to leave undone. This shirt is a great choice:
Banana Republic, $60
Banana Republic, $60
It’s stylish but also very tasteful and gives your outfit a blush of color. However, the color is not overpowering so the interviewer still focuses on your face, not your shirt.
2. Take a Seat. When buying a skirt to pair your shirt with, sit down in the dressing room to test out the length. If the skirt rides up anywhere near your mid-thigh, don’t buy. I don’t need to elaborate, do I? A tasteful skirt coming to your knee or just a smidge above is perfect. Try this chic skirt out:
Grey and black skirts are staples to a great work wardrobe. Switch them in and out with colored tops and you have a week’s worth of options. High-waisted skirts are flattering as they begin on your natural waist, creating a slimming look.
3. Don’t Overdue It. This goes for many elements of your ultimate outfit. Don’t load up on jewelry; less is more in this case. Classic pearl earrings, or a delicate necklace are the perfect accessories to an interview outfit. You don’t want your interviewer too focused on your sparkly two carat diamond studs or the huge chain that keeps making a jingling sound on your neck. This also goes for shoes. Modest lower pumps are a must. If you can manage to walk into the office in four-inch heels without looking drunk or like a 10-year-old trying on her mom’s shoes, then by all means, pump it up! A confident walk, smile, and handshake say a lot about a candidate. Try these accessories to create a great, not good, first impression.
Heels: Bandolino Shelly, $40. Earrings: Ralph Lauren, $24.
This is great — definitely Elle-worthy.
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