Folks, I need help figuring out what would be appropriate attire to wear at a job interview [professional]. I prefer pants or long skirts, so keeping that in mind, what’s in style these days? Also, what would you carry for a handbag…or would it be just a portfolio, or both? Fragrance? Makeup?
Help please.
Re: Dress for Success
Oooh, I like this topic!
Whether I’m interviewing the candidate or being interviewed, my preferences are (and keep in mind I work in Financial Services/corporate Canada, so expectations for my industry may be different than for other fields):
In terms of what’s in style, since we’re heading into summer, you’re going to find more summer weight fabrics. That’s fine if you like lighter fabrics. But if you want to wear the suit into the winter, you’re better off with medium weight suits. Stay away from linen - it wrinkles WAY too much.
If you’re building a wardrobe, start with basic colours like black, navy or grey. What I do prefer, is a well-cut and fit business suit. I’m not a fan of the boxy, men’s look suit. The outfit should be fit to your body type. I will take my suits in for alteration to ensure it looks good on me.
The blouse or shirt underneath. You can’t go wrong with a button-down shirt BUT, I like a bit of colour for the shirt if you’re wearing a neutral/dark coloured suit. Silk and satin is nice as well 
Accessorize your outfit. Discrete earrings or tasteful rings look very nice. You cannot go wrong with pearl studs, small gold hoops or diamond studs.
What else?
Oh, a couple of more things. The shoes can be whatever you like, Mary-Janes, oxfords, stilettos. Pumps are classic and you can wear open-toe shoes. Just stay away from strappy shoes or stripper heels (you know those ugly platform shoes). If you wear glasses, clean your glasses - I don’t like looking at dirty eyeglasses.
That’s it for now - hope that helps. And yes, one’s image matters as the first impression may not be the last, but it either reinforces or detracts from one’s interview.
Re: Dress for Success
if it is a corporate interview I would stick to a suit. Preferably black or dark gray. I like to wear a pearls and small earings. No handbag/purse - just my portfolio. If you have a coat - check it in at the lobby or a closet. I hate fumbling with these things in a conference room or someone's office.
If it's a smaller company or a creative firm - I like to dress down but still professional. A nice tailored black pants, white collared shirt and vest or a scraf.
Makeup should be very neutral. Nails should be short and manicured and preferably no polish. French manicured is probably the best.
Re: Dress for Success
Here are some suits that are “classic” and hence you can get quite a bit of wear out of them:
Re: Dress for Success
Does it have to be a collar shirt or a silky one? Can it be a camisole type thingie under the jacket? Notteh one with lace and all. Lemme find a pic.
Re: Dress for Success
Just so long as it's not a t-shirt, a pretty blouse will do, whether it has a collar or not. Square neck, v-neck, collar, stand-up collar - I wear them all.
The classic button-down is just that - classic. You can't go wrong with it. But I wear knit shirts, silk shirts, cotton shirts. I like a little "oomph" in the shirt. It makes an otherwise basic outfit more attractive. The only no-no is too much cleavage - that's in poor taste.
In terms of colours, while I'd say any colour shirt - I think one should use their judgement and make sure it's tasteful - a bright/ugly lime green shirt may not work well on certain suits (a nice lime green can look good).
Re: Dress for Success
Like the first pic you have Sehrysh...u answered my question!
Re: Dress for Success
I like longer jackets with a skinnier pant look and a shorter jackets with really wide pants.
Sometimes it's hard to find the right suit because they are so manly. I hate hate jackets with shoulder pads in them.
Re: Dress for Success
I hate shoulder pads too 
Where should I start looking? Name some stores please…
Re: Dress for Success
Depends on where the job is and what your job role will be. Personally I'd opt for a tailored suit. Hair up but loosely - something like a french twist but done softly. Minimal make up, nails neat and tidy but no garish bright nail varnish. Shoes should be professional and appropriate. Don't carry a bag that is too big, just something big enough to carry your essentials (purse, phone, keys etc). Perfume should be subtle - anything that's too strong might really put off your interviewer, especially if they don't like the fragrance.
Good luck with the interview!
Re: Dress for Success
Ever been interviewed by someone you're smarter then? Never again. :-\
Re: Dress for Success
yes to all what sehrysh suggested.
umm stores I would think cache, talbots (loving it these days - spring line especially) Banana republic, even gap might have something suitable for an interview
Re: Dress for Success
ann taylor, banana republic, express, macys. macys probably has the most variety but sometimes has grandma looking suits.
you probably don't want to spend a fortune on a suit when you won't wear the suit during work. Most business are business casual so get something that you can use the jacket or the pants individually with other things in your wardrobe.
Re: Dress for Success
Yes...that's what I'm thinking...not too much on a suit you'll probably wear a few times only.
Re: Dress for Success
I'm sort of of two minds when it comes to spending money on business suits.
I wear a business suit maybe once every second week, because for the most part like NJgal - it's business casual in our workplace. But because unlike most other outfits, I don't want to have to replace a suit every year or two years, I stick with good fabric, classic cut suits that won't look dated within a few seasons. I have suits in my wardrobe going back 4-5 years which still look as good as when I bought them and I'll be wearing them for a few years to come. But you get what you pay for.
Your best bet is to buy at the end of the season - the suits are heavily marked down at that point. For example, I bought a suit that was regularly priced at $600 for a little less than $300. I seriously try to avoid paying full price because it hurts my pocketbook to see the same outfit hundreds of dollars cheaper within a matter of months. You need to know when to shop to get the best value for money.
LOL! I also look to "amortize" my clothes. If I can years and years of wear out of it, I don't mind spending a bit more money. But if I know it's going to look dated really soon, I won't buy it unless it's at a bargain price.
That's just my take on shopping for work/professional attire.
Re: Dress for Success
:k: