STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Willow · Nine West

Another interview outfit question **updated

Kitty · Hermes

Another interview outfit question

mmmich · Nine West

^^ my thoughts exactly. or maybe a collared shirt to wear under it?

luckylily · Gucci

I totally don't think you need a suit or anything, but I do feel like the outfit needs to be dressed up just a little bit. I like the idea of a collared button up under the sweater.

Willow · Nine West

Thanks for your advice ladies! I knew I needed to do something to make it more formal, but I'm glad to hear I don't need to go so far as buy a whole suit. I'll definitely try it with a collared shirt or buy a blazer to make it more polished. Looks like if I get the job I'll be needing to buy a whole new wardrobe!

Kelly · Hermes

I was thinking a blazer too. For an interview I did around this time last year, I wore a black skirt, similar shoes, white blazer, and a black shell underneath. I had planned on a black blazer with a light top, but my mom suggested a white one since it was the beginning of the summer and I really loved it. I also think I stood out because I saw other interviewees and they were all in navy and black (I got the job!) I got one for $20 or $30 at Kohls. Since you're on a budget, that would probably be a good place to try out. Their "apt 9" line is fairly cheap, young, and businessy. Mine always has different items than the website, so it might be worth a trip. And IMO for an engineering company I think fairly conservative is safest.

ETA: what about something like this? I have to admit that I only own two blazers, so my eye for exact styles isn't the most sophisticated. But it might be a start?

203860?wid=230&hei=230&op_sharpen=1

Kohls $35 (plus a light pink could go with brown and black, making it a good color for a first blazer I think!)

-- Edited by ttara123 at 02:15, 2007-05-01

XtinaStyles · Marc Jacobs

I totally agree with ttara123. The outfit is very casual, even with a collar underneath, its still too casual for an interview in my opinion. Buy a cheapie blazer and it will make you look 200% more pulled together. You can even find them at Forever 21, you don't have to spend alot.

needsfashionadvice · Kate Spade

I think you'll be fine with a collared shirt under the sweater. I work in an engineering firm and always have and that outfit is plenty dressed up for the offices I've worked in.

Kitty · Hermes

I used to work at an engineering firm..but it was a consulting firm so EVERYONE was super dressed up. You might want to consider dressing up more if it's consulting.

Willow · Nine West

Thanks everyone! I took your advice with me to the mall today and picked up this blazer, and I put a dark purple cami underneath, does this look more polished? I went with a beige because I really agreed with what ttara said about not wearing all dark (especially since its really sunny here..)
oh and the jacket needs to be ironed...

Kuiper · Nine West

I think it's always a better to be a little over dressed than underdressed for an interview. Being a receptionist they are going to be interested in the impression you give to clients and nobody is going to think "She looks tooo polished, that might give a bad impression to clients!"

XtinaStyles · Marc Jacobs

Another interview outfit question **updated

Willow · Nine West

Thanks so much! It's from a Canadian store called Ricki's, the salesperson was super helpful, it was about $50 but I should get a lot of use out of it