Interview help - YouLookFab Forum

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Dressing

Interview help

marianne

Hi everyone,

I haven't been here much lately, as things got very busy all of a sudden. I need some help - yet again - with an interview outfit for next week. My options are very limited, it'll probably be black pants and a micro-glen-plaid jacket. I don't want to purchase anything new, because I am a little below my normal weight at the moment. My question is, how can I inject a little of my personal style while sticking with the overall conservative look? I think it would be beneficial for this occasion. Sorry, no pictures, but I was hoping you guys have seen enough of me to offer some ideas.

Another question - I also have a black blazer that doesn't match the pants, i.e. the color is fine, but the fabric is a little different. Would that be a no-no?

Or should I forgo the jacket and go with a cardigan? The place itself is casual.

Thanks in advance!

Dressing

20 replies

Latest reply was from marianne

RoseandJoan

Veteran

Most importantly, good luck with the interview Marianne!

How about replicating look 3 three from your pearls thread but replacing your jeans with your black trousers?
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....rls-part-2

Personally, I would go with the glen plaid jacket rather than the mismatched blacks.

Inge

(website)

I love the sound of the micro-glen-plaid jacket Marianne! And I can definitely see that outfit with that lovely bright button-down shirt. That would already add some personality methinks. The pearls are a fab idea. Maybe add a floral pin too?

Have you decided yet which shoes to wear?

I'll be holding thumbs here. Good luck with the interview!!

Laura

(website)

Veteran

The micro-glen-plaid jacket definitely sounds like the way to go. Post a photo if you have a minute, and good luck!

Maya

Veteran

I'm with Julie on the jackets. Mismatched black works when the difference is great enough to be intentional, but not so much when the difference is subtle. You don't want to look like you just made a mistake. I try to include lots of different design elements in my interview outfits. For me, it's probably more important to do that, but still can't hurt if it makes a good visual impact. When I say design elements, I mean things like texture, color, and pattern. You have pattern in the jacket. What about colored shoes and a textured blouse?

Is wearing jewelry a yay or nay in your field? I know in more formal or male-dominated areas, it might be best to stick to minimal jewelry: a watch and a wedding band at most. Maybe a small brooch. I wore a giant floral pin to one of my interviews, but it's totally fine for me. I don't get the sense that this is an option for most people. Too cutesy and feminine. But a smaller, understated one might work.

Good luck! We're rooting for you.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Marianne! I have missed you. Congrats on the interview. Good luck!

How about wearing your suit and jazzing that up a bit?

julijuli

Sorry I don't have any great input on the outfit but good luck on the interview! Please keep us posted. Also - I definitely think you can wear jewelry in your field - it will make you stand out!

marianne

Thanks for your input and wishes! I don't have my hopes very high but it'll be a good experience in any case.
Julie, I do like the idea of something similar to that photo, with a white shirt. The plaid on the jacket is tiny, so it looks dark grey and not as interesting as it may sound.
Maya, in my field statement accessories are not common, but I really like your thoughts on working with pattern, color and texture. I need to play around with different combos.
Angie, I discovered a substantial mothhole in the suit pants. It is covered by the jacket when I am standing, but I can't rely on that, unfortunately.
As for shoes, I'll probably wear my LC ankle boots. I don't have any interesting shoe options that would be appropriate.
Thanks again for helping me to wrap my brain around it!

marianne

Update: I managed to patch the mothhole in the suit pants somewhat so I think the pants will work if I wear a longer top or keep the jacket on. What could I do about jazzing it up, Angie? I don't have much color variety in my dressier items, and the shoes would have to be black patent.
Thank you!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Yay, Marianne! You are creative.

Remind me – is your suit navy, or black? Black patent shoes are fab. Is this for an IT position?

marianne

Angie, yes, it's IT and the suit is navy. For jewelry, would white or grey pearls work?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Here are a few ideas, Marianne:

o Navy Suit with black button down, black shoes and light coloured scarf (the authoritarian way – scroll down the post).
http://youlookfab.com/2009/04/.....ngie-knot/

o Navy suit with white button down, black skinny belt and black patent shoes and grey pearls.

o Navy suit with black button down, white pearls, black skinny belt and black patent shoes.

Does your red trench fit over the suit? Stunning! Otherwise go with your black trench. You have my blessing to look like stylish mafia.

marianne

Thank you so much for sorting me out, Angie! Ooh I like the idea of the navy/black combo, I should try and use it for other occasions, too.

RoseandJoan

Veteran

The outfit sounds fabulous. Good luck with the interview.

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Stylish mafia Totally loving it! Good luck, Marianne, when is the interview, and can we see the final outfit?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Of course, Marianne! All I want in return is a happy you in your interview outfit. Picture would be fab too :0)

Good luck!

marianne

Here are pictures:
http://i293.photobucket.com/al.....G_8227.jpg
http://i293.photobucket.com/al.....G_8225.jpg

I feel like authoritative scarf is more appropriate, but I can't get it to stay in place. I need to practice some more. I really like the look with the pearls, and I actually feel up-to-date in the 10yo suit. Maybe I could even make the blazer work with jeans. Thanks again, Angie!

Sihaya

Veteran

Stunning - these are awesome. For the scarf - have you tried tucking into your bra straps a couple of times around?

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

Marianne you look wonderful! How did the interview go?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Gorgeous, Marianne! Thanks for the pics. You look fabulous!

For the scarf to stay in place, may I suggest a small pin. I have a tiny tarnished silver pin in the shape of a crab (my zodiac sign), the size of my thumb nail. It’s very discreet and holds this type of scarf tying in place perfectly. A safety pin pinned at the back will also do :0)

marianne

Thanks Angie - I thought there might be some magic to how you keep it fixed.
Sihaya, that's a brilliant idea!
Tam, the interview is tomorrow. I am starting to get nervous