Interview Advice - YouLookFab Forum

Ok Fabbers -
I finally found a HEWI on Christmas Eve...a brown suit. Granted, it was a little bit cooler toned than I would have preferred, but beggars can't be choosers. Any-who, I had the opportunity to wear said new suit to an interview this morning. I interviewed for one particular position within the company, but must have impressed the panel, as I received a call later in the day about another similar, but different position. I was told that if I was interested, I would be able to take part in a two step interview process for this other position. I would be delighted to have either job and am super happy about the news, but now I am stumped about what to wear. It took me a couple of years to find my brown suit and I will be speaking to possibly one or more of the same people again. Is it ok to wear the same suit again? I don't want to be known as "the girl with one brown suit". I legitimately feel like crap in black or navy, which seem to be the most readily available suits. I feel like my personality can't shine through because the colors are so heavy and drag me down (if you can't tell, I don't do high contrast).

9 years ago

ATLynn

Veteran

Congrats on the interview! I would find either a blazer or a skirt/pants/dress in a coordinating color/pattern that makes a suit of separates. Either a lighter beige/taupe/cream/camel solid or tweed, plaid, small prints are good options. Something along these lines -

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/545076361121803743/
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/558305685026798134/
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/372884044117090663/
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/204562008050553618/
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/30821578674234935/
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/257408934923824283/
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/341640321707648405/

And, depending on the type of work, you could get wild(ish). I work with some creative types who could pull this off for an interview. I could not
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/247909154459767896/

But, if budget and/or time are of concern, just wear the suit, at least for the first of the new two part interview. Mix up your blouse, shoes and bag if possible. I would probably notice. My co-workers would not. I would not reject you because you wore similar professional attire to two interviews unless it was for a senior level position where I would expect you to already have a more diverse professional wardrobe.

If you need a matching suit for a formal business environment, another other option is to buy the matching 3rd piece for the suit you have. So if you have pants, buy the matching skirt and/or dress. Then at least you're changing silhouettes along with accessories.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

I think you're fine to wear the same suit again. Interviewers know that most people only have a limited number of suits these days. I would wear a different blouse and maybe accessories if possible, especially if you're likely to see the same people.

unfrumped

Boy , this is tough, in a good way!
The main thing I think is not to go get a poor quality outfit just so it's different. I like ATLynn's suggestions as a hierarchy of do-ables. A change if top, or carefully chosen scarf, or something. Can wear the same suit but preferably not entire outfit. I would be favorably impressed by an applicant who looked very well put- together and was poised at each interview and would not be snooty-sniffing about the same suit.

annabelle

I love this thread and the advice given. I concur, that wearing the same, nice suit will not be a noticeable drawback, and that it's better than compromising by buying an item that you don't love, just for the interview stage.

I hear you when you say you don't do high contrast, but is there something you could do that stretches your comfort zone *just a little bit* in the way of a blouse, that would draw attention to the blouse - and your face - and not the suit? I think all these Finds appended would look great with a brown suit. Shop your closet tonight.

I really think the interviewers won't notice the suit. They will be thinking of your skills and your personality and how well you will fit their job. An offer for an interview for another position - score!

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rachylou

I agree, I wouldn't sweat it. Just shake it up a bit. Different blouse, a sweater, carry your jacket. I like the idea of a scarf.

fuzzylogic

I agree- wearing the same suit wouldn't be a deal breaker for me.

Definitely SYC!

All the best with the next interview!

Anonymous

Thanks for your advice!
For my interview, I wore the brown skirt with the one-button jacket (#2 & #3). I went back on the site, and just ordered the pants (#1) and the navy sheath dress and two-button jacket. I am not sure I even need the dress and jacket combo, but I would at least like to try it on. During the first interview, I wore an ivory silky button up (the one shown under the brown jacket, in fact) and I picked up a teal one of the same style. I just am not sure how the color will look with the brown. The teal shirt should come in the mail today.
I didn't have much else in my closet to mix and match as I live a really casual life. I do have two pair of dress slacks, but they are darker brown and the warm toned. I really wish I could comfortably wear black, as it would make my life so much easier!
And funny enough, I have yet another interview next week!

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Nice looking suit. It's nice to have the whole set - dress, pants, skirt, jacket... and waistcoat if you get lucky. What's the brand?

always trying

If after you get the job what kind of attire would you be wearing. If it is dressy I would invest in perhaps another suit or at least a different blazer or some kind of jacket. Nosetly only the top of your outfit will be noticed the most. If the work attire for the company is going to be more casual, then perhaps just a change of blouse, adding a scarf ,etc. would be fine, as you would not be expected to have a dressy work wardrobe.

retailgirl

BTW, the teal blouse would look great with the brown suit.

rachylou - Its from The Limited
alwaystrying - With all of the jobs, I would be wearing casual or gear most of the time. I would only have the occasional need for a suit - I actually haven't worn a full suit at all in my current job (which is similar). When I need to be dressed up, I have always just worn business separates.

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