Need advice - job interview outfit

Hi all,

I am an infrequent poster, but a dedicated lurker! I have a job interview coming up soon for an assistant role at a university. I'm driving my husband nuts talking about and modeling potential outfits, so I thought I'd ask you all.

Here are my two best options (I think!)

1) A-line black skirt, black blazer, red Fly London shoes. This is probably my preferred option, the only issue is that the two black separates are not a perfect match. I spent years as a classical musician, so I have an unusual eagle eye for unmatched blacks... These are not terribly mismatched at all. Just a tiny bit different. I don't mind it, but have read that this is a major no-no in interviews. I tried to take a pic but you really can't tell in a photo.

2) Black skinny ankle pants, same blazer, same shoes. The blacks here are a perfect match, but I'm not sure if black skinny ankle pants are too casual.

Under either of these options I could wear a colourful square neck floral print blouse or a white v-neck blouse with a subtle print. (See pic.) I currently work in a creative field and am a maximalist when it comes to colours, and patterns. I know my shoes are probably already a bit funkier than average for an interview, so I don't know whether that means I should be more conservative and go with the white top. Thoughts?

Thanks for your help!

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8 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I think I'd go for #1, because it's a university job. Matched blacks are, to me, too sharp for anything other than a sales position, possibly law...

Anonymous

I would go for nr. 2. If it is a university, I think you could wear skinnies. I like the right blouse. Could you put the outfits on and snap pictures for us? Good luck with the interview!

kkards

unless the blacks are way off, i don't think most people will notice….my first thought was to wear the 1st outfit, but wonder which outfit makes you feel more confident? as for the blouse, i think the floral is lovely, but maybe to much for an interview, but the 2nd would work well.

Suz

(website)

Congrats on the interview!

I like the idea of the trousers (if you're confident and comfortable in them) and the jacket plus the second blouse.

Joy

I second Suz. For this job I suspect that you need to look professional but not stuffy or too formal.

Daria

Active Member

I vote trousers with second blouse as well. Will look fab with red shoes.

Erin Kay

Thanks so much for your help, everyone! I really appreciate the great advice.

The department I'm interviewing with is part of the President's office, and this is a senior executive assistant role, if that changes anyone's answers about the "stuffiness" or formal factor.

Both skirts and skinny ankle pants are staples of my current wardrobe, so I would say I'm equally confident in both, but might be leaning slightly toward the skirt because I am nervous about being too informal. (Although when I interviewed for my current job, in arts admin, I wore a grey dress made of suiting material with a black blazer over it and felt woefully overdressed.)

I'm still working up the nerve to post outfit pics!

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Welcome, and great to see you post.

I vote option #1. Good luck.

Susie

Since you added that this is an executive assistant role, I would err on the conservative side and go with the skirt. I agree with the others on the second blouse. Good luck!

Elle

For this type of job, the skirt and the second blouse would be best. This is not a creative job, so it's better to be more conservative. Good luck with the interview!

cjh

Hmm, do you still have the gray dress and black blazer? I'm torn between the idea of skirt (more conservative/formal) but isn't a matching fabric, and the better matching pants. If these are the only choices, I would probably pick pants and the cream blouse.

I like the pants, jacket and blouse number two because this sounds efficient, practical, and attractive but not flashy, which seems appropriate.
I don't think I'd go to an interview wearing something I'd read was a "major no-no", not so much because it actually IS, as because the idea might make me self conscious and uncomfortable.

unfrumped

If you don't post pics, do your own mirror test. Sometimes the proportions and fits make the decision easier. Does one outfit just "look" sharper than the other, for any reason? Jacket and top lengths and pants lengths and shoes and so on.
I think the idea of the skirt is best if that works, in terms of putting forth a slightly more formal effect for interview, even if you wear pants lots of times later; the red shoes already add a touch of interest. But it's the kind of thing where the overall effect might sway me in one direction or the other.

Thanks again, all! The mirror test tip turned out to be golden... what I thought looked best in my mind did not at all.

I've opted to go with the ankle pants, a simple black & white striped blouse, red shoes, and a single strand of pearls.

I've gained weight recently, so many of my interview clothes don't fit me well anymore (including the skirt and the white top I mentioned as options last night. When I tried them on tonight I realized they were both tighter than I remembered.... and the grey dress I wore to a previous interview doesn't zip.)

I'm pleased with what I've picked, though. It makes me feel very pulled together and professional, but still like myself. And everything fits comfortably, so there won't be any inadvertent fidgeting or fussing with clothing.

Now off to study interview questions... thanks again for everyone's thoughtful opinions and help with this!

Sal

It sounds a great look, good luck for the interview.

Greyscale

Good luck! I love the red shoes.

Good reminder: mirror test!

Veronica

Member

#1 for sure. Looks much more of a decent interview outfit. Good luck with the interview!

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