updated with photos - 2nd interview outfit - ideas?

(see my updates below)
Hi,

I haven't posted in a while as I was visiting my parents and trying to catch up at home. I have a second interview this week (yay!) and am stressing about what to wear. I wore my black pencil skirt, top & woven tie cardigan to the first interview so I don't want to repeat. I'm thinking of stopping by Ann Taylor tomorrow and looking for a different skirt with a cardigan combo - kind of like this:

http://www.anntaylor.com/catal.....ory=Misses

I also have a black & white wrap dress that I could wear, but I'm unsure what to wear over it - a white cardigan? Or - a jacket?

I'm open to any suggestions. Thanks!

*** Update - I didn't see Angie's suggestion of a cream blazer until I got home - but I did purchase 2 black blazers that I am trying out. I'm leaning towards blazer #1 but am wondering if 1) the flower is too Carrie Bradshaw and 2) I look dumpy? If the weather is as bad as it is today I may wear my black boots with this.

Please give me your feedback on these:
Blazer #1 - http://i288.photobucket.com/al.....lazer1.jpg
Blazer #2 -
http://i288.photobucket.com/al.....lazer2.jpg

Thanks ladies!

17 years ago

marianne

Active Member

JJ, what about wearing the same skirt with a jacket - for example, that purple tweed jacket that you have. It might not be spring appropriate, but it's supposed to be cold again the whole week. I think a jacket can work over a wrap dress, but it's hard to say without a visual.
Good luck with your interview!

Oneirix

(website)

The wrap dress sounds really cute! If it's a soft material like matte jersey or something, maybe a blazer with more structure could be an interesting and work appropriate contrast? I'm sure a different skirt and cardigan outfit would work, but the wrap dress seems more economical if you already have it, plus it's not a rendition of the first outfit, which makes it a little fresher in my mind. Good luck with your interview!!

Michelle

Veteran

I think I'm a little conservative when it comes to job matters, but I would definitely advocate the jacket for a second interview. It's one step further along in the recruitment process, and as a former recruiter I know the interviewer is going to zero in on every little detail that could distinguish one candidate from the other. Wearing the jacket, at least in my mind, indicates you're taking this process seriously and are willing to put in some effort. Maybe it's a bit of a corporate stereotype, and perhaps the kind of job you're applying for calls for a more laid-back look. I think it's important to reflect an understanding of the workplace culture and show in subtle ways that you can fit in at wherever it is you're applying. If your prospective employer boasts a more casual setting, then ignore what I said. Whatever you wear, good luck with the interview!

Kristen

ITA with Michelle. (I am a former recruiter too!) A second interview is usually with higher-ups, and that's when you really want to show off your professional sheen.

Jacket and the wrap dress, yes. Make sure you have a cami if it's a low, and a nice dressy necklace, and you are good to go.

julijuli

Thanks gals - maybe I'll look for a solid black jacket with some kind of texture and a fun accessory like a red flower pin to spice it up? The wrap dress is jersey so I think it might work. I'm wondering if maybe I should get some red shoes instead of black.

Marianne - good thought on wearing the black skirt with the purple tweed jacket - I may try that too. I'll post pics when I figure it out!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Cream or white jacket and red shoes! (Julie has to have a pop of red – it’s her look). That way these items play double duty smart casually with jeans. Great to hear they called you back for a second interview. Well done!

Nice suggestion from, Marianne.

(JJ, I’m in love with that tram painting).

Oh! I know that blazer. It’s beautiful. Hands down #1. Will look sensational with a skirt – try it with your new denim skirt too (but not for the interview).

As for the rose, it’s adorable with the outfit but I’d leave it off for the interview. How about a red necklace? The dress looks wonderful, btw. You look great!

Ok - I'm going with blazer #1 and trying to figure out if I have a red necklace that will work! (or some other necklace)

Thanks everyone.

Sihaya

JJ - I haven't read the other comments. I would do the jacket for sure. I would not do the flower - as someone who's interviewed hundreds if not more candidates, you want my attention on you, not your accessories. While the flower is good, it will likely draw my attention away from you. You look great in the outfit.

Chris

I was leaning towards Jacket #1 as well (I think #2 does not fit as well - too long?) and save the flower for another time. A chunky necklace would be great and if you need to do boots that would work.
Good luck!

Thanks again everyone. I ended up wearing Jacket #1 (#2 will get returned) and a necklace along with boots as it was raining! I think the outfit was perfect for the work environment so that's good.

Laura

Good luck! I hope you land the job!

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