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HOW TO DRESS FOR A JOB INTERVIEW

I get a lot of emails asking what to wear for a job interview or how to spruce up a professional wardrobe. The truth is that, if I'm not shooting an outfit post, I can usually wear an oxford shirt and jeans and get through my daily to dos without a wardrobe change. I've never bought a suit and every office I've ever worked in was the opposite of business formal. (My stint in PR as well as my internships at Jonathan Adler and Ralph Lauren all emphasized personal style over corporate dress code.) 

But I know not all my readers are self-employed or working in fashion and I hate to leave anyone hanging. So I was pretty excited when I stumbled upon the new-to-me blog The Classy Cubicle. Mary works in corporate America and does an amazing job dressing for it. She looks appropriately conservative and perfectly polished in every post, exactly the way I'd like to look if I didn't work from home. Here are a few of my favorite outfits to elevate and inspire your next office look:


If you're taking notes, the following items are must-haves:

1. A bevy of sharp button-down shirts. 
splurge  //  spend  //  save

2. Dress pants tailored to fit perfectly.
splurge  //  spend  //  save

3. A classic trench coat.
splurge  //  spend  //  save

4. A few colorful sweaters for layering.
splurge  //  spend  //  save

5. Sensible heels with flattering pointed toes. 
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I hope that helps you get dressed for your next interview or meeting! I really do try to answer all my readers' style questions so shoot me an email if there's something you'd like to see next. And don't forget to pop over to The Classy Cubicle for more work wardrobe inspiration — I know you'll enjoy her archives as much as I did! 


25 comments:

Unknown said...

These outfits are so stylish and office appropriate! I love it!

www.loveandclothing.com

PinkSenshi said...

I love these looks! They are perfect for any job interview!

Hunter
Prep on a Budget

Portuguese Prepster said...

Love her style, will have to check out her blog! My office is casual (I'm in marketing) so I'm free to wear what I want. However, I do own a suit and wore it to interviews. Now I just wear the blazer from it with jeans! works great!

Unknown said...

Love all these looks! I'm lucky to either be working from home, in coffee shops, or in a fashion-forward environment. I can't imagine wearing a suit every day!

xx,
Rachel
Suppose Anything Goes


Kisti Belle said...

I love her blog, gives me so many ideas for work!

Hannah said...

I recently discovered her as well! Her style is impeccable. I work in corporate America and do a "work wednesday" series on my blog so I love to find new inspirations. She is great.

Champagne Lifestyle on a Beer Budget

Forever Young said...

ALWAYS wear a suit and heels to an interview. These looks shown here are good for a business casual office, but you can determine what the standard dress code is after you are there. It is always preferable in the eyes of the interviewer to wear a suit because it shows that you really care about the position and how you present yourself. I say this with 13 years experience working in an office. At one point, I was in charge of the interns and had to pull girls aside to tell them things that were not appropriate for an office to help them. It is amazing what some girls seem to be surprised by! For example, no shorts -- ever. Even as part of a suit. Also, always tuck in your shirt (not sweater, camisole, top). It is sloppy otherwise.

preppylove said...

Wow her outfits are absolutely perfect! I'm following her on Insta now for some work inspiration!!

Sarah Beth said...

What a great blog to follow for business attire! Thanks so much for sharing!

Unknown said...

Oh my gosh, Mackenzie, I did NOT need to find TCC's blog!! I work in an office and I'm pretty sure this is bad, bad, bad for my already bad shopping habit. But thank you, really, for pointing me in her direction. Definite work-tire inspiration. :)

Linh said...

This chick is on top of her game! Amazing tailored outfits and esp love the pleated skirt outfit.
Linh
http://abeautifulrawr.com

Marche' said...

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. I am an attorney and I also posted about interview fashion because I've seen some awful advice on some fashion blogs. Thank you for sharing this blog and images for inspiration!

Dana said...

I recently found her blog too - so obsessed with her looks. Need to take notes for when I graduate in May!

Pink Champagne Problems

Katy Byrne said...

These are all lovely. I need new dress pants asap.

www.designsbykaty.com

#unmatched said...

I'm with the above commenter, for an interview it's often better to err on the side of conservative and wear a suit. I worked in university career services for a few years and we always stressed this. For a more "creative" field, a blazer and printed knee length skirt combo(or over a sheath dress) also can be option.

Unknown said...

The navy pleated skirt in the top look is just WOW. Love it, and all of these are great interview looks.

-- Alex at Cashmere Kangaroo

Unknown said...

These are so perfect! Starting a new internship next week and will be needing the inspiration! You always know when to post the most appropriate things <3

xo,
Carmen
thefashionreformation.com

Lauren said...

These looks are perfect for job interviews!

Lauren,
http://www.atouchofsoutherngrace.com/

Unknown said...

This is perfect inspiration for my summer internship! I love how trendy and chic business wear can be.

Constance || Prep Northwest

Lily L-M said...

It's so hard to mix fashion and work wear, but I try! A lot of these are shots that inspire me too!

x Lily
http://whilemyboyfriendsaway.blogspot.com/

Ashley B said...

Great feature - she really has mastered office chic!

Ashley | History in High Heels

Shoegal Out In The World said...

Great office looks... Perfect for a job interview or working in a corporate environment...

Have a great week!!!

xoxo Violeta, your Shoegal Out In The World

www.shoegaloutintheworld.com

Le living and co. said...

Great examples of appropriate outfits for work. I work in a conservative office and love to see different ideas… it's not always easy!

www.lelivingandco.blogspot.ca

Anonymous said...

These outfits almost make me wish I didn't work from home. Almost.

Unknown said...

The first impression you make on a potential employer is the most important one. The first judgement an interviewer makes is going to be based on how you look and what you are wearing.

So Want to Know What to Wear to a Job Interview: How to Dress & Etiquettes Tips for a Job Interview, Please WATCH Video @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZN7AcYfhIjM