After endless hours surfing the job boards, revamping your résumé, and firing off countless emails, you’ve done it — you landed the dream interview. But, in order to land the dream job, you need to look and feel confident and capable. And, that begins with a flawless outfit that’s as cool and collected as your winning personality.
So, we dreamed up 10 foolproof ensembles that’ll help you stand out from the rest. Are you doubting our skills? We get it — different gigs have different dress codes. That’s why we took five jobs and crafted two killer outfits each that are all just as original and smart as what you’ll be bringing to the table. From a statement-making pantsuit for a corporate setting to cool separates if you’re going for that creative post, the looks ahead are guaranteed to leave the right lasting impression — and, maybe even help you score that corner office.
Corporate Interview
Yes, you need to wear a suit for that professional post, but in no way do you have to go for the same old black suit everyone else will be wearing. Have a little fun with color. As long as the suit is tailored perfectly to fit you, you’ll come across put together and sophisticated.
Reiss Dane One Button Blazer, $425, available at
Reiss; River Island White Sleeveless Wrap Blouse, $50, available at
River Island; Bing Bang Tattooed Tears Studs , $78, available at
Bing Bang; Reiss Paris Slim Leg Trousers, $210, available at
Reiss; Etienne Aigner Epic Satchel, $395, available at
Etienne Aigner; New Look Pinnacle Cream Pumps, $33.86, available at
ASOS.
Nothing screams “business lady” more than a skirt-suit set, which is the simplest way to appear polished and smart.
J.Crew Navy Tweed Jacket, $168, available at
J.Crew; 3.1 Phillip Lim Sleeveless Blouse, $337.22, available at
Farfetch; LOFT Colorblocked Pointy Toe Pumps, $74.99, available at
LOFT; J.CrewNavy Tweed Skirt, $98, available at
J.Crew; Rebecca Minkoff The Amorous Satchel, $325, available at
Rebecca Minkoff.
Creative Interview
A cool, hip environment gives you full reign to really go for it with your accessories. C’mon, those patterned pumps and killer bag are practically begging for a starring role in an inventive interview outfit.
H&M Single-Breasted Blazer, $34.95, available at
H&M; Equipment Shelby Camisole, $34, available at
Equipment; Tibi Sonoran Eyelet Full Skirt, $398, available at
Tibi; Miu Miu PrintedLeather Pumps, $675, available at
Net-A-Porter; Mugler Muglerette S Water Snake Calf Messenger, $1,390, available at
Opening Ceremony.
With a creative job, there’s a little more wiggle room (sometimes, a lot!) to have fun with your outfit. Whether you’re heading into an advertising agency, digital company, or you know, R29, keep your outfit polished yet infinitely fun.
Maison Scotch Silky Feel Bomber Jacket, $149, available at Scotch & Soda; Mantu Pink Printed Silk Trousers, $610, available at Avenue 32; Steven by Steve Madden Raquelle, $99.99, available at Heels.com; Mango Blouson, $39.99, available at Mango; Marni Medium Leather Bag, $775, available at The Corner.
Academic Interview
Going out for a teaching gig? Well, you don’t want to come off too buttoned-up, but you don’t want to look sloppy, either. A fun-yet-structured jacket will show your personality, and a knee-length, pleated skirt is modest yet forward. Pointy-toe pumps and punchy accessories accentuate the look just right.
sass & bide The Response Printed Jacket, $550, available at
sass & bide; Dorothy Perkins Pink Pleated Midi Skirt, $35, available at
Dorothy Perkins; Zara Mini City Bag, $79.90, available at
Zara; Rebecca Taylor Long Sleeve Lace Pocket Top, $295, available at
Rebecca Taylor; FendiPointed Toe Pump, $650, available at
Barneys New York; Lele Sadoughi Prism Necklace, $145, available at
Charm & Chain.
If you’reheaded to a more casual school, ensure your look is put together, but not too stuffy. Go for an easy shift, a subtle yet eye-catching jacket, and select add-ons that’ll work flawlessly if you land the job — a wear-everyday tote and elevated, colorblock flats.
Dorothy Perkins Ivory Blue Textured Jacket, $79, available at
Dorothy Perkins; Gap Sleeveless Double-Weave Fit & Flare Dress, $69.95, available at
Gap; Ann Taylor Modern Classic Pearlized Bangle, $34.50, available at
Ann Taylor; Henri Bendel Carlyle N/S Tote, $450, available at
Henri Bendel; C.B. Made in Italy Loafers, $520, available at
Shoescribe.
Startup Interview
A “roll up your sleeves” setting is generally more casual, so go for separates that resemble pieces you’d normally wear in a laid-back setting. Just please don’t wear sneakers — even if the office is chock-full of sneakerheads. Flats or a heeled booties are chill yet still refined.
Apiece Apart Camilla High Waist Trouser, $310, available at
Steven Alan; Sandro Sophistique Striped Knit Sweater, $355, available at
Sandro; Loeffler Randall Yara Buckle Bootie, $395, available at
Loeffler Randall; Forever 21 Runaround Faux Leather Satchel, $19.80, available at
Forever 21; Warby Parker Durand Eyeglasses, $95, available at
Warby Parker.
A chambray dress is the easiest way to make denim appear semi-dressy when paired with sweet accessories like printed, pointy-toe flats, and a cool crossbody.
Nixon The Mellor Watch, $125, available at
Nixon; A.P.C. Hester Dress, $355, available at
La Garçonne; Upper Metal Class Silver Deco Shell Earrings, $55, available at
BRIKA; Joy GrysonEllie Bag, $655, available at
Joy Gryson; Lucky Brand Abbee Flats, $59, available at
Lord & Taylor.
The Audition
To land a role in either a big-time Tinseltown flick or even your local community theatre, your primary garment (i.e., the dress) should be muted to draw focus to your face. But, if you do want to inject a little personality into your ensemble, do so in your accessories like colored pumps (with an ankle strap for comfort) and a printed bag.
House of Harlow Santorini Stack Bangle Set, $65, available at
House of Harlow; Trademark Anscombe Dress, $218, available at
Trademark; Loren Stewart MiniDisc Studs, $175, available at
Loren Stewart; Madewell The Eaton Shoulder Bag, $134.50, available at
Madewell; Schutz Irma Heels, $200, available at
Schutz.
Go for an all-black ensemble so the director can imagine you in the role, but opt for accessories that’ll help you stand out from the rest (something other than your talent, of course). Graphic earrings will shine just like the star you are and a red drawstring bag not only packs a punch, but also will hold your headshots and other audition essentials.
Zara Top With Frilly Sleeve, $29.90, available at
Zara; Merona Skinny Denim Jean, $24.99, available at
Target; Gillian Steinhardt Origami Drop Earrings, $280, available at
Gillian Steinhardt; Mansur Gavriel Bucket Bag, $460, available at
Mansur Gavriel; Nasty Gal Lovins Flat, $77, available at
Nasty Gal.
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