Outfits for job interviews?

Aug 27, 2014

Lauren H.

So my daughter is 14months old and its time to go back to work! All my work experience has been in fashion retail ( 8 years) so that's where the job hunt is based. The only problem is that I have absolutely no idea what's in style anymore :-/. These places want you to be on trend and I honestly haven't a clue about that anymore, any outfit ideas for interviews??

Aug 27, 2014

Liv I.

Being "edgy" or "grunge" is really in right now

Aug 27, 2014

Liv I.

*whoop you meant you not tit lol

Aug 27, 2014

Liv I.

Wrong pic

Aug 27, 2014

Lauren H.

Thanks Liv! That looks a lot like what I wear now so maybe I'm not as far off the mark as I thought haha.

Aug 27, 2014

Lauren H.

Oohh I didn't see the last one really pretty and dressy too.

Aug 27, 2014

Neha M.

I believe whatever job you're interviewing for, you should always dress formally for an interview and look put together. So try and go for some cigarette pants with a formal shirt or blazer :)

Aug 27, 2014

duffs g.

I wouldn't wear blue jeans to an interview personally.

Aug 27, 2014

Liv I.

Personally it depends on the place. I think it's perfectly acceptable to wear nice jeans and a good button up shirt or blazer. With flats or heels.

Aug 27, 2014

Lizzy W.

Honestly, I don't think it's that big a deal to wear jeans. Obviously if you show up in sweatpants they won't take you seriously, but you can still look put together without necessarily wearing a pants suit. I would recommend something similar to what Liv suggested; jeans, a dressy top/plain top with statement necklace, and a blazer. But it also depends on the store - some places with a very specific feel are more likely to hire you if you fit in with their aesthetic. For instance, someone with a lot of piercings would not get hired in a high end boutique that is aimed at businesswomen, but would get the job at a quirky indie boutique. Do your research and tweak your outfit to fit in with the store's image.

Aug 27, 2014

Lauren H.

About the whole jeans thing, any store I've worked for has never had a problem with jeans,or any type of clothing for that matter, as long as its bang on trend! So I know if I had an interview for say an office or something that wouldn't be OK, but in my experience with these places anything goes as long as its in style ( and modest of course lol). So anything fashionable throw it at me :-)

Aug 27, 2014

Lauren H.

pretty, thanks!

Aug 28, 2014

Emily W.

As someone who has both been interviewed dozens of times and CONDUCTS interviews, let me tell you firsthand that means are NOT. EVER. APPROPRIATE. Period. End of story. It doesn't matter what wash, or what cut, or what you pair them with. It is a job interview, not a date. You're meeting with management, who are taking time out of their schedule to see you: dress like it. Jeans are disrespectful and show that you do not care. If that isn't your intention, don't wear jeans. It is not difficult to find a pair of slacks.

I work in retail, so this isn't limited to professional jobs or high-end companies. Every applicant who has come to the interview in jeans has had their resume thrown straight into the special round filling cabinet. If they can't be bothered to dress appropriately for the interview, when the first impression is critical, what does that say about them as an employee? I know that for most managers, it says "NEXT!"

If somebody managed to get a job after interviewing in jeans, good for them. That is definitely an exception, not the rule. Always err on the conservative side, even when applying for trendy jobs.