I’ve been asked by BeKnown to participate in their “Present the Best You” challenge, dressing for success in 2012!
Just hearing the term “job interview” is enough to send anyone into a frenzy. And if you’re anything like me (ahem, clothing obsessed), “What am I going to wear?!” is the predominant thought racing through your head. After all, first impressions are everything. I know people say, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” but let’s be honest — it definitely happens.
“Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” I live by this motto and it applies perfectly to interview scenarios. You want to dress as if you already have the job you are going after. Part of your interview homework is researching the company’s culture. ‘Dress code’ included.
Working in the fashion industry is unique in the fact that I have a lot of creative freedom when it comes to my attire. (We’re talking red trousers and leopard-print skirts.) But having been in a Professional Business Fraternity throughout college, I have a lot of experience with professional dressing.
I styled two different work/interview looks. One is a ‘business casual’ look with just a hint of fashion-forward flair. The second is more ‘business professional’ with a pant and jacket combination.
For the more casual look, I chose navy trousers. I’m a big fan of navy, camel, and charcoal trousers for work because they are different than the basic black pant that everyone wears. I paired them with a silk blouse, pumps, and a belt. I chose the animal print belt to liven up the navy and taupe combination.
Trousers: J.Crew, Top: J.Crew, Belt: J.Crew, Heels: Vince Camuto, Bangle: Sequin NYC.
For the more professional look, I went with a straight-leg trouser. In my mind, you want to stand out–in a good way! Switching to a more modern pant cut is a great way to freshen up your look! I paired the straight-leg trousers with a blazer and a fun top. A little bit of ruffles and a subtle print are two great ways to make your suit feel less stuffy.
Pants: Gap, Jacket: Gap, Top: Express, Heels: Vince Camuto, Watch: Coach.
No matter the dress, always make sure to have tidy nails in a non-distracting color, clean hair, natural make-up, and a big smile. Good luck! 🙂
BeKnown is a professional networking app for Facebook recently launched by Monster.com. BeKnown helps you to create a clear line between your professional and social life. Your BeKnown homepage provides you with a snapshot of your professional network and keeps you up to date with your connections. You are able to invite friends and colleagues to connect professionally even if you aren’t friends on Facebook! How genius is that?! I don’t think your future employer needs to see the pictures of you in college after 11 p.m. (if ya catch my drift…)
BeKnown also has an iPhone app. Seriously, go check it out!
Disclosure: This post is part of a blogger contest sponsored by Monster. I have received prize packs for distribution in addition to other materials from Monster Worldwide for writing this post. All opinions expressed are my own!
GIVEAWAY!
BeKnown is so generously giving away a prize pack to one of my lucky readers so you can put your best foot forward in your career! (Includes Starbucks card, business card holder, and Benefit makeup!)
To enter, simply go to the BeKnown Facebook page and leave a comment below! Contest ends TONIGHT (January 9, 2011 11:59 pm).
If you’re running low on comment inspiration, tell me about your typical 9-5 outfit choices! 🙂
Such great advice! I have the same motto when it comes to professional dress. Your outfits are so cute and chic for the office.
Love both of these looks! Either would be appropriate for my office and would definitely get compliments.
Also just a friendly note – I’m not sure if it’s just my browser, but your font is a little hard to read. I could read it fine in GR because it comes through plain, but when I clicked over it was a little hard. I usually read in GR so it’s fine by me, but maybe for the other readers a simpler font would be better? 🙂 🙂
Thank you for the heads up!! Looking into it… I have Google Chrome and Safari on my computer and it looks normal. Hmmm…. Thanks for letting me know, really appreciate it!
great advice…luckily, being in Austin, TX we get to be creative with our work attire. It’s refreshing to not have to wear a suit every day! I am actually in blue tights today! 😉
http://www.becauseshannasaidso.blogspot.com
XO,
Shanna
Since I work in the creative industry I get to wear something’s more fun and edgy though there are times when I need to wear something not as edgy those days I stand in my closet and stare! I hope I win;)
My company is completely casual – jeans and tees all the way. We are in an area that is NOT very fashion forward so I’m always getting looks anytime I wear something more than the “uniform” of jeans and a t-shirt.
But I can’t help it! If I do wear Jeans and a tee, it’s with a cool belt, heels, scarf, etc. You should see the looks I get the days I wear *gasp* a skirt and heels! LOL
I love both of these outfits. I definitely miss wearing heels to the office, but because of the type of business I’m in, I’m required to wear flats when showing apartments- UGH!
Tiffany
http://shoeschampagne.blogspot.com
I love these looks! I always love finding ways to dress young and fashionable while working in the office. Clothing is a great way to represent who you are, of course being professional at the same time 🙂
LOVE your blog, I find inspiration in all your outfits! I love wearing textured skirts with tights to work with a pretty blouse, cardigan and boots. My first outfit choice for an interview is an appropriate dress, maybe something with long sleeves, a cute bow tied at the neck and tights. And as my grandma always reminds me- make sure your nails are freshly painted!
I am able to wear almost anything because my job is more business casual! I try to wear a skirt/ dress most days, however during the winter I have been wearing more pants because it’s so cold!
I love the navy/taupe outfit you styled for business casual; I think sometimes casual is a confusing term for most in work-wear & that can lead to sloppiness!
I hope I can win!
http://www.theprettyfactor.blogspot.com
I heart these outfits! I have a love for stripes 🙂 Went to the fb page & hope to win!!
Awesome post AND giveaway!! I also love navy…classic and preppy 🙂
I have an interview on Thuirsday! Thanks for the tips!
Danielle
Also went to and added the BeKnown Facebook page…thanks!
Being your mom’s friend automatically “dresses me up” . My challenge is: what to wear that’s dog-proof (no hair, no slobber, no muddy paws) and can be layered or unlayered as the day warms. Comfy footwear is a marching order! Hope you win big!
I am actually in the interview phase of finding a job right now! I’m praying for a creative work atmosphere so that I can have some more fun with my clothing!
peace&love, Jill
Favor the Brave
My 9-5 outfit really depends on the day’s planned activity, because I am a work-at-home-mom of two little ones. Most days I am either sporting jeans or my favorite denim jeggings with a t-shirt and cardigans.
Congrats Deirdre! You’re the winner of the giveaway! I’ll email you with details! 🙂
this is a great mix and balance for any type of interview. a lot of ppl are afraid to look “unprofessional” by being fashion forward but you proved all of them wrong! awesome!!
Thanks so much for all the helpful advice! I think there is always fun ways to vamp up your outfit no matter what industry you are in. Whether that is with color, accessories, or all of the above, its important to let your personality always shine through!