Style Guide: The Perfect Interview Outfit
Dressing to impress for an interview can be a simple yet crucial factor in creating a great first impression at your potential workplace. It's not just what you wear, of course, that earns you respect with a future employer. Being prepared, keeping eye contact, and exuding confidence are key tips for securing a job during an interview. (For more tips on the do's and don'ts of interviews, check out my post on interview etiquette.) But there's still something to be said about dressing the part–and doing so in an appropriate, stylish manner. I've always believed that creating a great first impression can open doors and create opportunities you never knew were possible. Today I've put together a Style Guide to help you do just that. Whether you're interviewing for a fall internship or simply embarking on new journeys in your career, putting together the perfect outfit is a necessary ingredient in any recipe for success.
Before deciding what to wear, you need to do a little research about the company you will be meeting with. Typically depending on the field you can make a pretty good guess. Artistic jobs are typically more casual, while positions in areas such as banking require a more buttoned up, professional look. If you're still unsure after your research, err on the side of dressing professional. Appropriateness is also key. Be sure to read up on my Work Wear Commandments to help you know what's acceptable in the workplace and what's not. If in doubt, remember the Three C's: conservative, confident, and classy.
Most companies fall under three different categories of workwear. To help make these divisions a little more black and white, I've put together an exemplary outfit for each of these three categories below...
1. Casual. I know I've said it before, but formal dress doesn't necessarily mean success. Although dressing for an interview in a casual office does not mean you can wear whatever you want, there's also no need to go out and purchase a silk pantsuit either. Simply put your best foot forward in comfortable, conservative work attire. Casual offices tend to be creative environments, so you do have a little bit of freedom to express yourself through your clothes. Just kick it up one notch on the dressy-scale for an interview.
Elizabeth Cole Turquoise Howlite Pyramid Esme Stud Earrings ($95), ASOS Leather Portfolio Clutch With Metal Tip ($51.09), Intrude by Steve Madden ($90), J. Crew COLLECTION GRAPHIC-PRINT PANT (248), Dorothy Perkins Orange waterfall blazer ($69), Louche Jones Broderie Blouse (£20.00)
2. Business Casual. This middle-ground category of work attire is the trickiest to dress for, in my opinion. Some basic tips to keep in mind include avoid wearing denim, steer clear of crazy trends, and opt for closed-toe shoes for the interview. In a nutshell, keep your look pretty, polished, with professional touches.
Max & Chloe Yochi Emerald Rhinestone Statement Necklace ($145), EQUIPMENT Signature blouse ($226), Chrystie by Elizabeth and James sunglasses ($215), LC Lauren Conrad Platform Heels, BCBGeneration Julia Clutch ($74.10 - $78.00), H&M Skirt (£12.99)
3. Formal. If you discover that the company you're interviewing for is a buttoned-up, ultra conservative environment, you must follow a professional dress code. This doesn't mean you have to forgo fashion completely. Incorporating classic accessories (like a layered pearl necklace or a neutral, polka dot blouse) can add personality to your formal attire and set you apart from other interviewees. A few simple tips to follow include avoiding flashy colors, getting your items tailored, and keeping your hair and makeup clean and natural. 
Bond in Pink Leather Clutch ($166), LC Lauren Conrad Pearl Drop Earrings, Delirious by Ciao Bella ($34.97), MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS LARGE DOT DRAPE SLEEVE BLOUSE ($160.88), Far Fetch MYTHS LOOSE FIT TROUSER ($90)
No matter where you're headed, this Style Guide should have you covered. And when in doubt, remember the Three C's.
Good luck everyone!
And be sure to check out my in-depth style guides for casual, business casual and professional dress codes.
Do you have any exciting interviews coming up? What's your go-to interview outfit?
XO Lauren
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59 comments
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Great outfits for interview! Definitely gonna make a memorable impression, especially combined with a formal hairstyle, like this one :)))
2 MINUTES HAIRSTYLE: elegant updo for long hair
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Outfit number one is definitely something I would choose to wear. I love the idea of adding some color (if you're allowed) to an office outfit.
Robyn xox
http://thechicimage.blogspot.com -
THANK YOU for posting/showing appropriate work attire - all too often I see sexy work clothes, which is not work appropriate. You want to be classy in the office, not have male coworkers drooling over you.
These outfits prove that you CAN be sophisticated AND fashionable! -
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Hi, I just wanted to know about what foemal shoes would be appropriate for interview?? Are heels always compulsory or we can wear flats to??
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i love these outfits! i would wear everything just like that. great choices! thanks for the tips Lauren.
linh
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I'm an accountant so I always dress formal but becuase I am so petite I tend to wear corporate dresses. Sometimes finding the right pair of pants can be difficult. And I am a huge fan of black and grey in the corporate environment - avoid flashy colours.
M
xoxo
http://mezstyleguide.blogspot.com
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Great tips!! I always have problems figuring out what to wear to interviews =X
Have a great day!
xoRosie
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I love all of these! I recently wore my LC Lauren Conrad black pumps to my job interview I had on Tuesday.. I'm hoping they gave me a little luck ;-)
-Kellie
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This is totally my kind of post! My blog is all about Business Casual looks! It was totally inspired by a post you did a while back on Business Casual outfits. I just started working at a law firm and your post was the ONLY thing that came up on google.
Please check out my blog with more business casual outfits!!!
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I truely hate to say this, because generally I am SUCH a huge lover of everything that you suggest Lauren. But none of these outfits are really doing it for me. The only outfit that I actually like is the picture you have at the top. :( I have been going on quite a few interviews lately and I usually opt for nice black slacks that I have with a little heel with a bold top and cardigan. I try not to over do it, as I live in the Silicon Valley and a lot of these companies are kind of tech-y and either laid back casual or have more of an old fashion women in suit type of vibe. I don't know but I'm finding it very hard to keep a balance between fashion and fitting in with the rest of the office.
susie x X
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Don't forget that a really nice basic black or grey suit always works too!
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Great tips! I love the 3rd one!
For more fashion and beauty advice, please visit my blog:
http://myfashavenue.blogspot.com/
Today's post - Who Wore it Best: Victoria Beckham vs. Jennifer Lopez
VOTE TO SEE WHO WORE IT BEST!
xo
Deanne
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I just had three interviews and I wore a skirt-suit 2 of the 3 times. Underneath I wore a beautiful top and did my makeup rockingly.
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Wow!! This is really helpful. I am in a class this semester where it is required to dress up on quiz days. I'll be saving this link to come back to cause I know I'll me needing it a lot. Thanks Lauren!!! :)
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Love the outfits. I did a similar post called "Decipher the Dress Code: Interviews" on my blog that features affordable and chic interview outfits. Also, there is a new post called "French Wardrobe" that gives fashion advice on how to add a french flair to any outfit :) Both posts are at: TheEnchantingLife.com
Natalie
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Aww I went to the Kohls website to look at your brand and after filling my cart and norrowing it down to my absolute favourites that I could afford I discovered they don't ship internationally. Sadness :( You have so many lovely items.
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Love these suggestions, especially the formal interview outfit! I never thought that interview outfits, especially formal business ones, could be so cute! http://kasiamaria.blogspot.com/
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the first ones my fave!
check out my beauty fashion blog http://lifeofbeingsammy.blogspot.ca/ :)
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I'm looking forward to have more interviews since I got my masters in social work!! These tips have helped!
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