Pre-interview meeting. What to wear?

I need advice on assembling a casual but professional ensemble. I was recently contacted by a local museum curator and encouraged to apply for an open position. I won’t know if I am selected for an interview until mid September, but based on the circumstances I’m feeling optimistic.

Before the vacancy was listed I was already in the processes of becoming a volunteer at this institution. As part of the volunteer program I will actually meet with this same curator next week. I feel a bit awkward
about it. It’s not an interview, but it is my first chance to make a good impression.

I have a pretty strange assortment of clothes due to climate and job changes and general lack of sense about what works (that's why I'm here!), but I tried to put together some options based on what is currently in my closet. I bought the white chinos (tags still on) without trying them on, and I think they need to go back because of the fit. Anyway, please help me mix and match what you see into something appropriate for this meeting. I’d also be willing to buy new pieces if none of this works. Honest feedback is most welcome.

For what it’s worth, most of these looks are much more classic than I prefer, but I think that’s okay for this type of meeting. Also, forgot to put on shoes for many of these!

Thanks for your help!

This post has 7 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

9 years ago

Rambling Ann

(website)

Veteran

I like 4 the best. Putting the jacket from 4 on #6 could look good too, or the jacket from 2 onto 3 or 6 might work. In short, jacket yes. You can always take it off if it feels to formal in the moment, but it is a power symbol that works.

I don't know about rolled pants, let others input suggest whether that's too casual. Most important is that you feel comfortable and project ease and confidence.

Meredith

Good thoughts on the remixes, Rambling Ann, 'll give those a try. It's interesting that you say to definitely go with a jacket, because my gut was telling me it would be too much. I hardly ever wear jackets, so they just feel so formal to me! I think the rolls might be okay and probably take the formality down a notch. Angie did an ensemble earlier this spring that had rolled bf pants and a blazer.

carter

I really like the feel of #2 for a meeting like this. It says, "I'm here to work, and I can look put together while doing it." Museums can be chilly, so I think the jacket works and definitely elevates the outfit. What would you wear if this weren't a pre-interview meet?

shiny

I have no clue at all about museum professional attire, so take my input with a huge grain of salt here...

Of all these choices, I prefer #1 the best. The pants fit you well and I like the color of the top, as it reads more "edging into fall" to me. You look super in that red! How does the top look untucked? I'm on the fence about the dark belt, but I'd have to see how you accessorize with shoes/bag.

The white chinos fit you fine - they are just more relaxed. So they read less professional/more weekend to me. Otherwise, the pocket show through bugs me more than the fit.

I do not think I'd roll pants for a pre-interview/interview situation. How do you feel about full length pants for this? Or ankle length? Or if it's too hot out, a skirt?

The denim shirt - really like this shape on you, with long sleeves, collar, etc... but I don't think I'd wear a denim shirt for a job interview, unfortunately.

I'm dubious about the jackets over the chinos, as something is off to my eye... maybe the mix of professional topper + casual pants looks a bit seasonally confused?

bj1111

Like Carter, Ditto for #2. The jacket and untucked button down with the rolled cuffs say that you are professional enough to wear a jacket, but not stuffy. creative business attire.

carter, I’m so stylistically challenged! The old me probably would have waited until the day of the meeting and worn a basic top (maybe the red?), pants, and sandals. Under normal circumstances this would be a pretty informal meeting.

shiny, red top looks good untucked! I'll try mixing it with some other accessories and take some new photos. I also have some black ankle pants I could try. Museum attire can be all over the board! Some people dress
super casually (jeans and rainbow hair were acceptable at my last job), but of
course other environments are more conservative. Based on the geographic location and type of museum, I’m guessing the dress is pretty conservative and more formal than I’ve experience in the past.

Thanks, bj1111. I think creative business attire is exactly what I’m trying to achieve (it's an art museum).

Rainbow hair? Can you get my daughter a job???

If more conservative & formal then I vote to skip the capris and go with full length pants (first preference), ankle pants (second preference). Skirt would also work. Probably also cannot go wrong with a simple sheath dress in a neutral color.

Sveta

I really like #2. It lookis professional and relaxed in the same time.
In addition I really like the proportions and the soft colrs on top with white.
The only thing I would change is to wear non-black shoes here but the bacl will do too in a pinch.

How does she feel about Denver, Shiny? I will hook her up My HR experience for that job was very strange. The HR director literally told me upon hire that all clothing was acceptable (he used shorts and yoga pants as examples) as long the immediate supervisor ok'd it. There probably could have been a bit more discretion exercised.

Thanks, Sveta! I always love to see your work looks and appreciate the feedback. I agree on the shoes. Up to this point I've limited my shoe wardrobe to black (hi Alana!), but definitely need to add some other colors.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

#4 with shoes. Good luck. xo

Thanks so very much for weighing in, Angie! Sheesh, the shoes. One of these days I'll get my act together for these photos!

Jaime

#2 with the sleeves scrunched or #4. Good luck!

Category