How do you dress to impress when business wear is too formal?

Plushpenguin

I have to go to an interview to get into a well-know NY culinary school, and I want to make a good impression, but typical "business wear" is obviously out of the question. Soon I will also be starting a personal chef business, and I'll need to meet with potential clients to plan menus etc. Again I will need to look professional but not show up in a matching pantsuit, so what are the main things I need to keep in mind when I need to "dress to impress"?

18 years ago

Dressing

3 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

mirah

Active Member

Hi..My experience is ..if in doubt ..go safe. I interview a lot of people and even though my work environment is pretty formal I guess the same basic rules apply anywhere. The most important thing for interviews is 'how' your attire is more than 'what' it is. Your outfit should fit you well..neither loose nor too tight. You should look and feel comfortable in it so that none of your attention is on your clothes or hair. The hemline and neckline should be modest. No open toe shoes, wrinkled clothes or big jewellery. Since your work involves interacting with people a lot..you could maybe have one piece like a sweater or an accessory in a warm shade of color to make you look more approachable. And even though you dont need a pant suit, I'd still suggest a nicely tailored jacket .

18 years ago

pinkcobra

Active Member

IMHO, a pantsuit to a school admission interview is not too formal. I'd much rather be overdressed than underdressed. If the pantsuit just will not work, I would opt for a skirt or dress pants with a button up and/or a fine knit sweater. I completely agree with Mirah to stay away from the open toed shoes, wrinkly clothes and flashy accessories...and to wear proper fitting garments. You want to look polished and well put together. The best accessory you have to make you approachable is a big beautiful smile!

18 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Mirah and Pinkcobra make very valid points Plushpenguin. I’d stick to business casual or business formal (the two are different) for an interview no matter where you’re interviewing. It’s your fashion persona that will bring out the edge to this type of dress code, and not the dress code itself. Remember that your hairstyle and accessories speak volumes about your style persona and a matching suit can look funky, playful, business-like and sophisticated all at the same time. Skirt suits and the right dresses worn with jackets are equally suitable if pants are not your preference.

Once you start meeting clients, you’ll probably get away with dressing smart casually depending on who your client is.

18 years ago

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