Help me! Potential new job - YouLookFab Forum

Guys it has been awhile. I’m a rare commentor, frequent lurker, and haven’t made a post in a loooong time. I have a new dressing situation that has come up and I really need your expert advice.
So I am about to turn 40, mom of three kids ages 15, 15, and 10. I have been working freelance from home, teaching preschool 2 days a week and homeschooling my kids basically for the last 11 years. I recently applied for a remote position that I thought was a long shot, but I have gone through two interviews and was told in a follow up call that I was their top choice at the time. I am supposed to get a call back next week.

IF this job works out, I will be working remote but I will need to be on site for a couple weeks of training. This is totally new territory for me. I would be working as an in-house copywriter. The company is by nature a casual brand (think camping gear) but I still want to be professional. At the same time, I feel like writing is a creative career, so I don’t want to be too boring! So what kind of outfits should I wear if I go on site for training or appear in person for a follow up interview (so far it’s just been via zoom)? I’m also in the Deep South so it’s already like summer practically. Please advise me!

2 years ago

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I won’t jinx you with premature congrats, but I wish you the best!

Can you show or tell us anything about your style, likes & dislikes?

I’d go with a midi skirt, a simple (unlike this black one) monochrome top, and über-sensible shoes, Or maybe I’d do sturdy pants and a wispy third piece/topper. Or throw the topper over a simple “essential” dress. Basically one “unexpected” piece and the rest all business/essentials. But that’s me.

Otoh, Christine’s back to the office with the cheery red blazer would be a different route and also very good.

On the third hand, I remember going to an MLA conference once and being stunned at the sleek navy suits the grad students and young profs wore.

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Nina EDWIN - Cowboy-/Bikerstiefelette

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chewyspaghetti

I don't think you can go wrong with slacks, a modest blouse and flats.

Indigoprint

Chewyspaghetti recently posted a pretty fab looking linen dress that looks professional but cool and comfortable.

rachylou

If it’s actually camping gear, I’d wear the fanciest clothes REI has got. Like I worked at the Hipster Cactus Boutique. Cotton skirt, cute blouse, funky hand-tooled leather shoes. Hand hammered jewellery.

I worked at REI for two weeks, full disclosure

Joy

I’d dress Smart Casual. That can mean pants, dark or white non-distressed jeans with louse and blazer or a casual dress or skirt. I would not wear sneakers, but real shoes, probably flat or wedges. Color. Nothing too body con or flashing a lot of skin. Make sure that you look good sitting down. Wishing you the best.

Zaeobi

(website)

Even for a creative position, I'd err on the side of caution (interview is usually one level up from what you'd expect to be wearing on the job, in my experience) - but you never know what people usually wear in the office until you get there!

So I'd recommend a smart casual look with a third piece in your bag 'just in case' (i.e. the 'modest blouse, slacks & flats' look that @chewy mentioned, but with a 'cheery topper' or 'hammered jewellery' waiting in your bag, as @SF & @rachy suggest).

Wait, is this for the interview? Cause I thought it was for the 2-week training program in the office.

For an interview, you don’t want anything distracting. No dangly earrings or flashy belt buckles. If you want to show your personality sartorially at a follow-up interview, wear a fancy barrette on the back of your head, or put a pin on your bag, or wear shoes with cute socks under your full-length pants or maybe wear a monochromatic belt in the same color as your pants.

Once you have the job and are doing the training, I’d still keep it simple, sweetie, with just one “extra” piece like those I posted earlier added to an otherwise basic outfit.

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Wolford Wolford Camelia Lace Knee High Socks | Nordstrom

Staysfit

For training, my suggestion is to treat is like an extended interview although perhaps a bit more casual and very comfortable so you do not need to fidget with your clothing and can pay attention to the training and the people around you. Even though you have this job, they do not know you well yet, and you do not know them well either. It is still a more formal time and first impressions in person are very important. I have learned that some people appear very different in person than when remote, and for those that I had not met in person previously, the first in person meeting can feel surreal and the impressions I had from a video feed can be changed (positively or negatively) by the in person impression. If the people interviewing you wore smart casual, than smart casual should be fine, however, I would err on the side of caution.

kkards

The company is by nature a casual brand (think camping gear) but I still want to be professional.

Well…if indeed this is a camping gear company, I’d lean to clean and put together but casual.

And I’d ask if this company also makes apparel, as many do (the north face, Patagonia, Marmot, REI, to name a few ) , than I would dress in clothing that is, or looks the a casual day version of that brand. I’m also a big fan of simply asking who ever is coordinating your visit what they general vibe is, and more specifically what do people actually where to the office.

Anonymous

I'd think sticking to skirts and dresses due to the weather, but in more casual fabrics like cotton and linen.

I hope this link works—and that you find it funny https://www.instagram.com/reel.....MyMTA2M2Y=

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Like others, my suggestion is to keep your dress code smart casual. Add your personal stamp!

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