The interview capsule - lots of pics and a question or two - YouLookFab Forum

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The interview capsule - lots of pics and a question or two

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Bear with me here, I know I've been asking advice all month on the subject. It is a very rarely needed and quite small capsule for me, so I want to get it right. And I don't want to spend over $100 if I don't have to.
I have 2 jackets and one pair of cotton black pants that are 'passable' but I'd rather not use any of them! (pics 1 and 2) Ideally, I would get a pair of slacks and a basic jacket that would work with the handful of blouses I have already (pics 2 - 6).
I think charcoal trousers are a no brainer and I plan on these Gap Modern boot (pic 7) unless someone talks me out of them
Now, the jacket I am having a harder time with. I DON'T want a boring conservative look but it need to be professional enough. Here's the long shot - is a snakeskin print, on an otherwise basic 1 button blazer, too out there?? (pics 8 & 9)
And last, but not least, are charcoal and black far enough apart to pair together here, or will it look like I got dressed in the dark and missed??

Thanks SO much for taking the time to look and maybe comment or help me out!!

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Dressing

27 replies

Latest reply was from Amy

Kristine

Veteran

I like your pieces. The black and grey together should be fine as long as it's a true black, in the photo it looks kind of grey but it could be the flash. I would also try a light or contrasting shirt in that combo to set off the black and grey.

I have the Gap modern bootcut in black and navy and have worn them into the ground, they're great!

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Oh, thanks for input on the Modern Boots!! I have been looking at them for a month now and just needed a reason to finally pull the trigger

The jacket still remains a wildcard but I am searching diligently!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

The snakeskin print looks pretty interesting, I like the textural effect, and I could work with charcoal...but it's hard to say without seeing them together IRL (which is no help at all, I know.)

I am more concerned about the tops for interviews. The level of shine seems to suggest evening and date more than interview, at least to me - but I may be wildly out of line here. And besides, if you would be working nights in a place where people would perhaps dress that way, it might be perfect attire! Also, the flash makes shine even shinier than it is IRL so that may be affecting my judgement. Besides which, it isn't an answer to your question.

Okay. I've blathered long enough now.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I agree with Kristine that the charcoal and black can work together as long as the jacket really is black. I love the snakeskin pattern on the jacket and think it will work well.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Lol Suz! I think it's hard for most to envision the type of garb worn for my kind of work in my area. This is definitely way more dressed up than probably any other candidates would be. The danger is in being too dressy, honestly. None of the tops would be OTT, with a jacket at least. A plain button down and suit would be as out of place as a clubbing dress would for a banker, you know?

Kiwichik

Veteran

Mo what industry are you interviewing in?
In terms of black & charcoal you can't go wrong & they work well with each other. In the photo your black cotton pants look fine. I notice your style rubric is - Structured/Textured/Hardware/Repetition. The snakeskin jacket definitely fits the first 2 parts of your rubric - I like the shape & so long as you don't mind that the attern may make it date a little quicker ( or maybe make it super funky for longer dpending on what you wear with it ) - I'd get it.

Talking about your rubric how will you combine these items to be true to your rubric?

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for the input Shannon and Kiwichik! Thanks for the reassurances of charcoal with black (provided it's a true black). I work in food and beverage and casinos are a big part of our community here in Tahoe. So there is some flash and glitz but also the hoodies and jeans mountain look - so it's a funny in between thing I guess.
It would be nice to mix some of this into my play wardrobe, but not totally necessary. I am okay with the idea that these would be my 'dress up' clothes 90% of the time and remix here and there the other 10%. Maybe that's part of why I want to spend under $100!

velvetychocolate

Veteran

What's the weather like there these days? I ask because I think #6, 7, + 8 together might make a really nice outfit, and if you want something a bit lighter/brighter, try top # 4 with the pants in #7, and the jacket in #8.

You can easily punch it all up with colourful accessories - I keep thinking of CocoLion's neon yellow/lime skinny belt or something along those lines.

I also think the blouse shown in photo #2 is really nice, and you could pair that with grey Modern Boot pants from GAP, and the jacket in #8 if the style of blouse isn't too fussy with the pattern in the jacket.

Just for the record, I don't think the snakeskin patterned jacket is too 'out there' at all, because as you said, it's a simple style with clean lines - the only detail is in the pattern, and I actually think this is what makes the jacket a lot more interesting.

I think if you get the snakeskin jacket and the Modern bootcut pants in grey - you'll be able to come up with a nice interview outfit - in fact, I'm willing to bet that these two pieces will go a long way in your wardrobe. Are you ordering the snakeskin jacket online and can't try it on? It all depends on how the jacket fits. Also, can the jacket be returned if need be, without a lot of hassle? In case it doesn't fit right, or the colour's not quite what you wanted or what have you?

ManidipaM

Veteran

I think it's interesting and attention-focusing, memorable in a good way, rather than out-there! And yes, I think as long as the greys/blacks aren't too close together in shade, and one isn't very matte cotton (looks more casual) while the other has sheen (even that of linen sometimes looks out of place with matte black I find), you should be good to go!

I love that these pieces seem like they could stand on their own in other outfits too. Which is hopefully the way to go when interviewing is *not* the most common occurrence in your life (and hallelujah to that!).

Mo

(website)

Veteran

You are right VC, that I am ordering online and so I can't try them on. But I have bought at least half my wardrobe this way, so I'm pretty good at getting measurements and judging fit. But sometimes it is a miss, no matter how careful one is. I guess it's a calculated risk of sorts [shrug]?
I am confident now that these 2 pieces can help fit a capsule together for me. Thanks to you all!

Jonesy

Veteran

I think the jacket could work well. The print is subtle and the cut looks nice. I agree that a black jacket and some charcoal pants would look fab. Not sure about the tops, but I am certainly no expert on interviewing for a bartending job, for example :). To me, satin or anything shiny wouldn't work for an interview, but you would have much more wisdom about what would work for you for the jobs you'll be interviewing for!

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Thanks Mandipa - we cross posted lol!

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Jonesy, I get it that my interview capsule isn't the normal office look and so might not make sense to a lot of you. The fuschia top and the silver are both all silk, and not that shiny. Both whites are all cotton. Only the light blue is satin, and I've yet to wear it in such a situation, but it is a 'possible contender' in the lineup

Kiwichik

Veteran

I think your tops are fine for the industry you will be working in & I think you would look out of place in suit & jacket if you did the more traditional office look. The blouses fit your rubric & I really want to see what you do with the hardware aspect.

catgirl

Veteran

Mo, I think you should trust YOUR instincts here. I am totally unfamiliar with what would be worn to this kind of interview. My first instinct was also to veer away from the silky/shiny shirts unless they are a matte charmeuse type. But you seem to be saying these would be appropriate, and I trust your judgement . The pants are fab and will be very versatile.

Are these items TOO dressy for your needs? Could you do a knit blazer along these lines, or do you really want something formal and structured? Because if so, I think the shirts aren't quite going with that vibe.

This first one is gorgeous IRL and really useful in lots of contexts. I don't have it but others here do:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/sr?k.....wordsearch

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ca.....tback=1037

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I think the pattern on the jacket will add visual interest and the cut keeps it conservative enough for an interview. I also think you can't go wrong with grey and black. I am pretty sure I have those grey pants too. I like them and the rise is a nice medium - not too low or high.

I had reservations about the sheen too but keep in mind I am an accountant and so most interviews I go on are far more formal.

What about shoes?

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Una, I for some reason have an aversion to knit jackets, but thanks for the links!
Dianthus, I have about 4 pair I could possibly pick from, depending on the color top and time of year (snow/no snow) :

The closed toe slingbacks in pic 4, not the sandals!

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Anonymous

I like the perfect boot trousers and the snakeskin patterned blazer. I think they make for a very nice two piece "suit". As far as the tops, I'll have to see the entire combination in order to visualize it, but I like the raspberry tank - with a cami - and the top on #6. I am not sure about the other ones, without seeing them on. I'd be concerned that the blouse on #4 is highlighting the girls too much due to the band and the top in #5 looks a little short for pants.

Kiwichik

Veteran

Great shoes epecially #3

Anonymous

I am loving the shoes in #4 big time, they would look amazing peeking out of the charcoal trousers. All shoe choices look great.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I just want to say thanks again to all of you for the helpful comments - you're lifesavers!!!

velvetychocolate

Veteran

I think you're on a roll here - if you can get the grey pants, and the snakeskin blazer (and it magically fits you beautifully), combined with the nice collection of shoes that you already have - you're there. The best part is that all of these items (grey pants, snakeskin blazer) will work practically year-round in your current climate for all kinds of occasions.

christieanne

Veteran

Modern Bootcut in gray and the jacket in 8/9 look like they will work together, Wait for a good sale at gap.com - then don't pull the tags until you get the jacket. Your white wrap blouse would tone down the shine and work with both too.
I think it is perfect for Tahoe plus if you do happen to interview somewhere that you know the black jacket is too much, you have the teal which would work with the grey pants.
You probably have other tops that would tone down the jacket too for a more casual vibe?

I think you have a good plan!

fashionista

Veteran

You have great work outfit capsules. The grey and black will work when you have contrasting blouses like in pictures. And loved the shoe no 3. Best of luck beautiful lady.

bj1111

Veteran

now that you have clothes picked out, good luck with the job search!

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

How would 3, 7, and 8 look with the pink shoes in 4? Loving the idea of snakeskin, grey and hot pink but I'd have to see them all together to see if they work! Good luck with the job search!

Amy

(website)

Veteran

It looks like you have a great plan worked out here. I just wanted to add my"good luck wishes to the chorus.