How to dress for an interview: Tips and Outfit Inspiration

There is a point in all of our lives where we face the question "What do I wear to my interview", it can be a daunting enough process without the stress of worrying what outfit to wear. I received two emails from my readers facing this dilemma and asking "What does one wear to a retail manager interview without looking OTT" and another reader with a formal board interview coming up says "I dont like the typical black suit combo, and i'm looking for something formal and respectful but also an outfit that shows my personality". 

Two perfect examples, an office type and the fashion industry, so I hope this post inspires you in some way whatever the job. I find this post quiet fitting as I will be facing the same question in March when we move so I've already been having a wee think what I might wear when my day comes. I've been around the block and done tons of interviews myself for restaurants and fashion retail so here's a few things I would look for if I were the woman on the other side of the table :). Whether you are unemployed looking for work or your looking to change jobs for the New Year here are a few of my suggestions to help you walk in that door and bag that dream job before you've even opened your mouth. 

Dress for your Audience:

Interviewers will want their new employee to reflect there business so you want to prove to them that you will fit right in. Gather research before the big day, have an idea what kind of a work environment the company has and dress accordingly. Dressing for a job in an accounting office is very different to dressing for a job managing in River Island. If your applying for a fashion position you need to show the interviewer (maybe your future boss) that you know how to dress. What is the look of there brand? How is there fashion house represented? Remember you don’t have to be dripping in designer gear to score a job in a fashion house. If I felt a H&M or Penneys blouse achieved the look I wanted for an interview I wouldn’t think twice about wearing it. 

Stand out from the crowd:

What makes you different from the other 20 people being interviewed for that same position? Don’t be afraid to wear colour or interesting jewellery, I'll confess I'd be more inclined to remember a girl for her cute earrings or a detailed jacket then for her shoes or pants. But keep it subtle and within reason, avoid loud prints and colours like neons as they can be too personal and of course remember to dress for the season.

I try to wear layers to an Winter interview as I remember getting caught once wearing a pair of heavy tweed pants and boots in an office that might as well have been in the middle of the Sahara, it was very uncomfortable and I was so distracted. So try and wear an appropriate top or blouse underneath your jacket incase you need to take off a layer. If you are prone to sweating under pressure try to wear a light coloured top, sweaty armpits are never a good look. Your aim is to look professional, sophisticated and pulled together, so cover up your cleavage and keep your hemline within reason. You should want to be remembered for your experience and qualifications, not for how long your legs are or how low your top was, you can save that for Saturday night. 

Finer details:

Choose comfortable shoes, there is nothing like seeing a girl struggling to walk out the door in high heels. Wear clean polished shoes, if there scuffed leave them at home. Wear a pair of reliable's you know you can walk incase you are brought for a tour around the office. This goes without saying….Iron you clothes be wrinkle free. 

No chipped nail varnish, be presentable! Chip nails show you couldn’t even be bothered to take off your polish before the interview let alone paint your nails. If you do paint your nails choose a neutral colour to work with your outfit. If for any reason you dont have time, I think clear nail varnish is better than none. Don’t go OTT with your makeup, go for a natural look and stay clear of bright lipsticks, go for a light lipgloss instead. 

Plan your outfit ahead of time as it leaves you stress free coming up to the interview. Try your whole outfit on before the big day leaving nothing to chance. Here are a few outfits I styled in the hope to give you some inspiration.

OPTION 1: Chic tailoring
A modern twist on the interview suit but this look is still professional and feminine, try to choose a colour that flatters your skin tone and hair colour. If you want to tone down the colour wear a teal or burgundy blazer instead. To make it more business appropriate choose cigarette pants with a looser fit if you feel these are too tight, this combo always looks sharp no matter what the interview occasion. 

Blazer: the corner.com

Top: Vera Moda

Shoes: farfetch.com

Bag: Berskha

Necklace: ASOS

Option 2: Power dress

Choose a dress like this one below, its got a high neckline and a good length and team it with a shorter blazer so you can still show off the waist detail on the dress. Green is big for 2013 and so are metal toe shoes so your hitting two trends at once. I thought this might be a nice option for a more discreet lady who means business. 

Dress: Romwe
Blazer: farfetch.com
Shoes: dsw.com
Bag: Topshop

Option 3: Edgy monochrome
Here is a look for a less formal interview, ideal for creative's and fashion types. Monochrome is another big trend for Spring /Summer so I thought I'd team these printed pants to this black top to break the black and add some interest to the overall look. 

Top: Matches fashion
Pants: Matches fashion
Bag: H&M
Boots: Max Studio
Necklace: New Look

An all black outfit is a big uniform look for a lot of high-end stores, department stores,  makeup counters and even hairdresser’s. So I thought it was worth a mention as you can change any of the three outfits to suit that type of interview.

Final tip for the day of your interview:

Bring a little note pad and pen in your bag incase they ask for a follow up email or a scan of qualifications, write it down straight away so you dont forget. Pack a bottle of water in your bag just incase it isnt offered to you in the interview. You dont want to end up like a dog on a hot Summers day after 40 minutes of talking none stop. Always bring a copy of your CV, yes they should have a copy with them as they are the ones interviewing but I've often had to break out my copy and give it to them as their copy has been misplaced.

Here's some food for thought! When I was being interviewed for a manager position in A&F I got called back for a second interview. It was Summer and I knew I had to dress down from what I wore in my first interview to meet with the laid back look of the brand.  Never in my life did I think I would wear a t-shirt, jeans and flat sandles to an interview but hey I got the job. Just remember sometimes it works ok to think outside the box.

I hope these tips have helped you decide what to wear! And good luck to anyone planning on sitting interviews over the next few months. If you still need idea's check out my outfit styling album here it may shake up some new idea's for you. 

Stay Stylish,

Fiona xx