Career books explain how to craft a killer cover letter and how to ace those tricky interview questions, but what they can sometimes gloss over is the all-important interview outfit. Sure, there may be a paragraph or two about dressing “professionally,” but what does that actually mean? And, more importantly, how do we actually do it?
For those who are…
Interview Outfits to Help You Land Your Dream Job (Cotton)
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Lighter Layers
Chunky, oversized sweaters are great for Netflix and chill night, but they're tricky to pull off for a job interview. The solution? Try a lightweight knit with a coordinating knee-length skirt. It's chic yet comfortable — the ideal combination for an interview outfit.
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Top It Off
Don't ruin a carefully planned interview outfit by pairing it with an inappropriate jacket. One can never go wrong with a cotton trench. If the interview is in a casual environment, a trench paired with jeans and a crisp blouse will look polished without veering into overdressed territory.
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Wrapped Up
Olivia Palermo's uptown style is the perfect interview inspiration. Her look is a twist on the classic top and fitted skirt combination with the crisscross sweater and patterned skirt. Also notice the longer lengths of both pieces. It's all about the details.
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Besides Black
For many of us, the current suit options in our wardrobes are limited to black, black and black. It's time to switch things up. Chocolate brown is just as versatile, but can be more flattering than harsh black. While playing around, try a skirt suit as opposed to a pantsuit. The Jil Sander Spring 2017 show demonstrated how to do it.
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Check, Please
Three-piece suits aren't just for the boys. Choose a modern version with a subtle pattern. And don't be afraid to play with proportions by wearing a long jacket with cropped trousers. When it comes to footwear, a neutral pair of ankle boots is a great alternative to the usual pumps.
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A Cinch
Let your personality shine through in your ensemble. Fans of color and pattern can incorporate both things into interview looks. The muted tones and the longer shape of this dress make it interview-appropriate. The cinched belt further elevates things while showing off a waist.
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Think Pink
Despite fashion’s love affair with millennial pink, many avoid the color in work settings for fear it will come across as juvenile. It's time to rethink that. There are many different shades of pink. Plus, a structured silhouette can make all the difference. Caroline Issa's longline pink jacket paired with the ivory turtleneck and purple skirt is an ensemble that has polish in spades.
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Tie It in a Bow
The bow blouse has been a part of women's working wardrobes for decades and it isn't going anywhere. For a modern spin, select a blouse in a solid shade and style it with coordinating pants for a monochrome look. Top things off with another classic piece, a leopard print coat.
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Detailed Delight
When it comes to interview clothes, the details can be as important as the ones on your résumé. A unique white blouse is a fail-safe riff on the classic button-down. We love the pleated sleeves on this shirt — and you can’t go wrong pairing a white top with black pants.
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Study in Contrasts
Think black and navy don't go together? Mindy Kaling proves how chic and interview-appropriate the dark color combination can be. The play of different textures adds another interesting touch.
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Make an Entrance
When the weather can't seem to make up its mind, try a midi dress with a structured longline coat over top. That way, layers can be added or subtracted if need be but the finish will always be smart.
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Sorta Suit
Can't find a good black suit? Create one. Grab a black blazer and combine it with one of the countless pairs of black pants you have in your closet. Keep things classic by rocking the pseudo suit with a cool white blouse.
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Effortless Elegance
Everyone should have a chic, go-to dress in their wardrobe that they feel comfortable in — and it shouldn't always be black. This patterned midi frock is something that is good enough for work and weekends.
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Remember Accessories
Don't make accessories an afterthought. They're an essential part of an ensemble and can be used to show personality. Fans of monochromatic looks can take a cue from Ralph Lauren's ivory suit plus leopard bag. It's a luxurious combination, yet it's still professional.
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Summer Days
It's important to dress for the season when choosing your interview outfit. When the weather is warm, you don’t want to arrive feeling sweaty. Skip the suit this time of year and team a short-sleeve blouse with a knee-length skirt instead. You’ll look cool as a cucumber.
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Baby Blues
This isn't a stuffy gray suit. Rock a lightweight pastel jacket and slim trousers with chic loafers for the interview. After landing the job, experiment with breaking up the jacket and pants into different looks.
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To the Knee
Lupita Nyong'o consistently slays on the red carpet with her couture, but she also provides us with ample inspo for real life. Case in point: This printed blouse tucked into the knee-length skirt. It's an outfit that is smart enough for an interview at a business-casual office.
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Double Lines
Mixing prints may seem like something that is best left to weekends, but it can work for interviews. The key thing to remember? Pair a bold pattern with a subtler one and keep silhouettes simple. This striped blouse with the flowing trousers demonstrate how to do office-appropriate stripes.
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Little White Dress
Having a hard time finding appropriate work clothes in the warmer weather? A crisp cotton LWD is suitable for interviews and post-work drinks. The frock is sophisticated and cool.
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Best of Both
Trenches and knee-length dresses are brilliant options for interviews, so why not combine both of them together with a trench dress? The Michael Kors Spring 2017 runway featured this preppy chic style.
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Keep It Simple
Avoid the risk of overheating by wearing a dress. Save the black frock for another day and try a patterned dress in a luxurious jewel tone. Complete the look with elegant flats and a structured bag for a stylish #girlboss look.
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Tee Time
It is possible to get away with a cotton T-shirt in a more relaxed interview setting. The key is choosing the right one. Anything that is sheer or has holes isn't going to cut it. Be sure the tee is neat and wrinkle-free. A fitted silhouette with a higher neckline is suitable, especially when paired with an elegant skirt and chic shoes.
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Cropped Out
Those cropped flares can work for a job interview, especially a versatile black pair. Save the graphic T-shirt for the weekend and team cropped pants with a neutral blouse and jacket. Then bring some color into the ensemble via the bag.
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Bit of Blue
As much as we loved the Posh Spice era, Victoria Beckham's fashion designer-meets-business mogul look is a lesson in chic workwear. It's all fluid lines and colorblocking. Take inspiration from her look and don't be afraid to wear bold colors at a job interview. A coordinating skirt and sweater with a contrasting blouse underneath is one posh way to master the look.
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High Time
Low-rise trousers are not the most office-appropriate choice. Therefore, stick with higher rises. Not only are they more polished, they're also flattering and retro cool. For a chic spring interview look, team high-waisted trousers with a short-sleeve blouse.
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