Colour, symbolism and personal expression

So I have an interview coming up and I was deciding between buying two tops.

http://www.asos.com/au/ASOS/AS.....lr=Oxblood

http://www.asos.com/au/ASOS/AS.....8;clr=Navy

Both are exactly the same - one is in oxblood and the other navy. My gut reaction was to go with the navy top because it seemed more professional and less confrontational. But I simply adore the maroonish colour of the oxblood. It then struck me as such a shame that some colours have been imbued with certain characteristics which makes it difficult to wear them in certain contexts.

Which brings me to my question - has anyone here ever worn red to an interview? Even in a the rather matte oxblood shade?

Would be interesting to hear the comments.
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13 years ago

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

What type of job are you interviewing for? I think the oxblood shirt is gorgeous and I wouldn't have a problem wearing that, especially with a black colored suit. I wore a black skirt suit and light blue shirt for my interviews, but now I realize light blue isn't really my color so if I were interviewing today I'd go for the red over the navy.

Kari

I have quite honestly worn brighter red than that to interviews-cherry red specs, red patterned scarf tucked into a cobalt blue blouse, or red pumps with a tasteful black skirt suit. I wore some of those red pieces (not all at once) in a couple different successful interviews.

Personally I love the oxnlood and it really is a muted and professional shade, so I say go for it!

A gal who went on a group interview for United Airlines flight attendants with me back in the day wore a red wool skirt suit. Looked pretty sharp, and I think she probably stood out in their minds after a sea of grey and navy.

Anelis

Active Member

@goldenpig - it's for a graduate position in the Defense department and the interview will take place at the barracks.

@Kari and @Mo - might have to go browsing some style blogs for some inspiration on how to combine black and red.

CocoLion

My gut reaction is that navy is the better choice given it's with the Defense Dept. But are you sure that blouse is navy? it looks cobalt on my screen.

christieanne

I love the dark red too but for the Defense Dept I would go with the blue. You could definitely wear the red to work after you get the job though Best of luck to you!

ManidipaM

If your gut says red, go for it --- blue may read as dependable, but then red looks like the go-getter who never says no and gets things *done*. Dynamic, energetic... you know? You can always tone it down a tad with a good splash of grey or tan.

Scarlet

I really think that this red is fine, but I would ultimately go with the one you will feel more comfortable in for the interview. If red makes you feel more fab and confident, I would wear that, but if the blue feels like you are dressed just right for the situation, then I would go with that one.

Janet

I really think either one is perfectly appropriate -- go with the color that flatters you best and makes you feel confident and fab!

Anonymous

I want to contribute to this conversation ... but I may be too conservative.

First, I love the red and would buy the red and wear the red every day.

I absolutely hate navy, but for an interview, I would most definitely purchase the navy and wear the navy. After I got the job, I would get rid of the navy top.

Best wishes on the interview. Let us know what you finally decided on.

ironkurtin

I am puzzled by this conversation, but then again I work in entertainment and can wear whatever I want. In fact, dressing up too much for an interview is a "no" where I work!

I didn't know oxblood was associated with anything in particular. I think if it's a pop of color underneath a conservative suit it would be very pretty.

cheryle (Dianthus)

I worked for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for years and it is a similar hierarchical and command and control type of environment to the military. Based on my experience, the navy (or more traditional white) would be a better choice for a first interview. Military and para-military organizations do not adopt change quickly and are very conservative ESPECIALLY as it relates to women in the higher ranks.

Good luck with the interview.