Hello readers! As an Indianapolis Wardrobe Stylist, I have been helping a client prepare for a job interview. Putting together a professional, comfortable outfit is perplexing for most people. I am here to offer you some tips.
Indianapolis Wardrobe Stylist Tips for a Job Interview
First I will start with some general tips on a job interview from your Indianapolis Wardrobe Stylist.
- Research the company: I have even gone to the work site and sat outside and watched employees come out the door (no, I am not a stalker. I did this as well when I was considering moving to a new apartment.) Are workers casual, formal, and to what extreme? You want to fit in but still be yourself.
- Know what’s common in your industry: IT employees tend to be more casual. Lawyers, finance C-suite, etc., tend to dress a little more formally.
- Consider the location of the job: Is it in the US, UK, New York, California, or the Southern states? I will never forget a client who worked in Indiana but wanted me to dress her for a casual “event” near Tribecca in Manhattan. The other requirement is she wanted to stand out and not look anything like anyone else. I picked out a geometric silk blouse (from a local boutique), and then some basics–navy culottes and pumps. We also bought an olive jumpsuit, some sailor pants, and a short trench coat. She already had a blazer to wear. The outfit worked, although the client said everyone from the city was wearing flats.
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Do You Need a Suit? Men also have the issue of wearing a suit. And nearly everyone I have worked with does not want to wear a suit and tie. As an Indianapolis Wardrobe Stylist, I always counter, saying some type of third layer is needed to look put together and create the most flattering silhouette. For instance, a fitted third layer over a shirt is quite slimming, and if someone needs some girth in the shoulders a third layer can create that. Some suggestions are fitted shackets, sports coats, blazers, coordinating pants, and upscale athleisure jackets. Here is an athleisure one of my colleagues sells; it is a nice, fitted shape and perfect dark pants, a dress T-shirt, or a fitted button-down shirt.
- Don’t forget shoes: You can wear a more casual suit or a more casual outfit with a sleek loafer (especially for men). Don’t underestimate the importance of your shoes. They can upscale any type of even mediocre outfit.
- Your clothes should fit perfectly. If your new clothes do not fit as well as they should such as hem length, Google good alterations stores, and use them! Allow enough time for them to finish the work such as a couple of weeks.
- Your grooming: This includes skin care, haircut, and nails are key as well. Make sure your haircut is appropriate for your age. If you have been dying your hair yourself, make sure it really is flattering. Men, be careful not to dye your hair but leave your beard the natural color. This can be a strange combination.
- YourAccessories: Your image also extends to your notebook, pen, and tech. Make sure it is clean (tech); make sure your pen is a nice one. (Amazon has beautiful pens that I buy. These little details will make you stand out.)
- Your Appearance: Smile, and make eye contact when it’s appropriate.
If you need help putting together your perfect job interview outfit, reach out to your Indianapolis Wardrobe Stylist for help.
Keep it sassy, Indy,
Beth Divine, MA, AICI-CIC
Indianapolis Wardrobe Stylist