As I’m sure we all know, landing a job interview is a great feeling — that is, until you think about preparing for it. Getting to know the company can be pretty simple, knowing your past work history is a breeze, and knowing what you’re looking for in the work environment is easy. It’s making a fashion statement while still looking professional that leads to difficulty.
But it doesn’t have to be difficult. You can keep your style while still looking professionally adult!
Sure, it’s easy to resort to the “professional” look: black dress pants, a button-up shirt, and a blazer, with your hair clipped back or in a low, tight bun. And, for the male model, it’s easy to see nothing more than khakis, a pastel button-up shirt, and dress shoes, with hair combed to the side. We don’t have to be boring. We are the millennials who have style, and we’re ready for our jobs, combat boots and all.
Work environments typically look for young go-getters who have a strong sense of self and well-being, and what better way to show your potential employer that you want the job? Instead of simply rephrasing your resume, show them with your style.
Keep your desired style. Just spruce yourself up. You don’t really want a job where you can’t be yourself, right? Don’t change who you are for a paycheck. If black is your go-to, dress head to toe in black. There are plenty of ways to look professional in black while staying sharp and showing your employer that you’re career ready — and not to mention badass. You really can’t mess up black; patterns don’t clash with it, different textures make for an edgy look, and, no matter what, a combat boot or a pointed flat will always work. Don’t shy away from your favorite studded look; just know how to wear it properly.
Stay neutral. Colors make a statement, sure! But do you really want to show up to a job interview wearing a bright red blazer? Probably not. Colors are wonderful, but it’s the tone that sets the mood.
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When you go into a job interview, you want to show your employer that you can be professional but have a sense of curiosity and wonder. Adding a piece to your outfit that is not normally seen every day is a game changer. A burnt burgundy jacket that is matched with a black and white striped top while charmed with a long gold necklace makes for turned heads. This outfit is edgy, chic, and proves that you dare to be different.
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Keep your funky style by adding a busy, fun pattern to the mix. You can even bring it to life with a bright accessory, such as a bag. Neutrals are always safe and good-looking but never boring.
When wearing black and white, you can spruce things up by adding a polka-dot shirt or pants. When making a fashion statement with polka-dot pants, be sure they are the right fit. With a pattern like this, it’s important to keep it professional — fitted but loose. Texture always plays a role as well; when going for a patterned pant, shy away from jean material or any type of denim material that is going to stick to your skin. Most importantly, make the look polished.
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Blazers are important. They will make you look super professional, but they will also add color and fashion to your look. You can wear a blazer of many colors and lengths to make various statements that are bold, daring, exclusive, tasteful, and, most importantly, sophisticated.
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Now, here are a few tips for the men:
Shoes do more than cover your feet; they make a statement. A nice pair of shoes says a lot about your personality. They can say, “My taste is expensive,” even if you purchased those new suede shoes at your thrift store.
Plaid has a rep for comfy, low-key outfits — like ones you wear to the library to finish your midterm paper or to the grocery store on a Sunday. But this isn’t necessarily the case with plaid. Plaid can be worn in these fashions, but it can also be dressed up to spruce up your style. Plaid is all about the fit. When wearing plaid for a job interview, you want to make sure that the colors are not too crazy and that the fit is snug (but not too tight) and still gives you room to move around. Plaid is fun and colorful, and it completely adds personality to an outfit. It keeps you colorful yet well-kept.
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There are many different styles and accessories for a key interview outfit. The main factor, though, is to make sure that you’re comfortable wearing it. When you’re uncomfortable in an outfit, it makes you look stiff and unprepared. When you are comfortable with your outfit, it will show in your actions, in the way you express yourself, and in your attitude and overall vibe.