Interview attire

Nebb · March 2010

Say someone has an interview and is unsure of what to wear, what are your opinions on these outfit ideas (no blazer/suit jackets in wardrobe)

- white and other color patterned dress shirt, slacks, cardigan (colored or white?)
- white/plain dress shirt, slacks, cardigan (colored or white?)

Are there colors to stay away from? Colors you should wear? Any other suggestions?

[Deleted User] · March 2010

yay! Congratulations!

I don't think it matters what colors you wear as long as you look neat and professional. The main thing is to wear something that you feel great in because that self confidence will be evident.

TheSaltyPeanut · March 2010

My sister had a class in college about something along these lines and apparently the color red is a good color. It shows confidence. It has always been the "line" among my friends and family... "I have an interview!" "ooo, remember to wear red!"

Good luck on the interview!

laurenclaire1386 · March 2010

I would do a white dress shirt, slacks, and a red cardigan, if I were you. I remember someone else starting a thread like this a while back and someone saying something about statistical research about wearing the color red. Apparently, wearing red makes you more memorable or something.

crfische · March 2010

I tend to wear black and white to interviews. More subtle looks, I think.

I try to stay away from crazy patterns and such.

Black dress pants with a fitted white button down with a black cardigan would be nice, I think.

But we all know I have the fashion sense of a slug, so there's that.

Brie2010 · March 2010

As long as it's neat and ironed and matching, I don't think it matters!

Moneypenny424 · March 2010

I would suggest dark slacks or a dark skirt. I probably wouldn't wear a patterned shirt, depending on the office (and the pattern--a small polka dot or something would be fine). Colored cardigan in lieu of a jacket can be fine, but I'd make sure it was sort of fitted and not just a long, boyfriend or ratty cardigan.

I wouldn't go crazy with bright colors, but color is good. A bright color works for an accessory, but I wouldn't do a bright cardigan.

danieliza1127 · March 2010

Same as Fische, I tend to wear black or darker colors to interviews. I would wear black pants with a white button down and black cardigan probably, or maybe a colored button down with black pants and cardigan.

Moneypenny424 · March 2010

And yes, red is a good power color. A red scarf or a red bag would look great with Fishy's black and white suggestion.

Nebb · March 2010

Hmmm now im thinking charcoal slacks, a white top with a very thin black grid through it (just the lines, like grid paper?) and red cardigan?? That sounds acceptable. I didnt know if the red cardigan is TOO much red.

And thank you

Im just glad to know people actually ARE getting my resume and my number IS correct on it, I was starting to wonder.

Moneypenny424 · March 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_interview-attire?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:b5baa299-551d-4e51-917c-310768c86a02Post:80d07b85-c6c3-4fb6-942b-1acc8ffb0daa">Re: Interview attire</a>:
[QUOTE]Hmmm now im thinking charcoal slacks, a white top with a very thin black grid through it (just the lines, like grid paper?) and red cardigan?? That sounds acceptable. I didnt know if the red cardigan is TOO much red. And thank you :) Im just glad to know people actually ARE getting my resume and my number IS correct on it, I was starting to wonder.
Posted by Nebb[/QUOTE]

I think that sounds like a good outfit. Good luck--that is awesome!!

TheSaltyPeanut · March 2010

That sounds great Nebb... I don't think the red cardigan sounds like too much.

On second thought... actually, pair the red cardigan with hot red spandex pants, a red hair scrunchy (and a ribbon clip) and a large pin. Perfect and memorable

BecW2be · March 2010

Vibes! Vibes!!! I'm sending vibes right now!!! :P

I like your last suggestion. Be sure your shoes and nails are clean and neat as well! GL!

bbyckes · March 2010

Is this an AW post?

Good luck, Nebb!

beatlesgirl25 · March 2010

Congrats Nebb! Ditto the darker colors, and I'd stay away from patterns. I think a subtle pop of color is okay if you feel it suits your personality and are wearing all neutrals otherwise. The advice I was given by our career lady at my school is to dress as though you are interviewing as a bank manager. If that helps at all.

ZoeTheDog · March 2010

Red is a power color for sure. One of the few things I remember from college.

Nebb · March 2010

It was NOT supposed to be an AW post OR looking for vibes (BEC!!), but i felt like an ass "hypothetically" asking and now owning up to it. :P

I will be wearing black heels bec, I only bust them out for interviews so they are clean!

BecW2be · March 2010

I know you weren't looking for them, but I'm sending them!

And when you get the job, it will be all because of ME! Because of MY VIBES!

beatlesgirl25 · March 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_interview-attire?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:b5baa299-551d-4e51-917c-310768c86a02Post:e2588c3c-30ba-47bd-b22f-480256dd2637">Re: Interview attire</a>:
[QUOTE]I know you weren't looking for them, but I'm sending them! :) And when you get the job, it will be all because of ME! Because of MY VIBES!
Posted by BecW2be[/QUOTE]

Me too! *vibes*

squirrly · March 2010

Just to offer the other side. . . our CIO abhors it when people wear red. He sees it as a confrontational color, and that you have no respect for others in the room. He views blue as a "collaborative" color. I have literally been forced to go shopping for blue shirt/sweater/etc. to wear in project reviews with him. It's a little sickening to go into a room of 50 colleagues and see 95% in some kind of blue clothing.

That said, I like red, and I own a lot of red clothes. I had a red skirt suit once upon a time that I interviewed in for scholarships, but for jobs, I prefer mostly black with a pop of color - teal, coral, etc. Whatever works best for your skin tone - including red.

Nebb · March 2010

Hehe thank you for the vibes

I appreciate them.

tenofcups4me · March 2010

Honestly, I'd buy a jacket. I don't think a cardigan (of any color) is appropriate for an inteview.

beatlesgirl25 · March 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_interview-attire?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:b5baa299-551d-4e51-917c-310768c86a02Post:4fb68e6b-af91-4849-b4e3-36f827745f84">Re: Interview attire</a>:
[QUOTE]Just to offer the other side. . . our CIO abhores it when people wear red. He sees it as a confrontational color, and that you have no respect for others in the room. He views blue as a "collaborative" color. I have literally been forced to go shopping for blue shirt/sweater/etc. to wear in project reviews with him. It's a little sickening to go into a room of 50 colleauges and see 95% in some kind of blue clothing. That said, I like red, and I own a lot of red clothes. I had a red skirt suit once upon a time that I interviewed in for scholarships, but for jobs, I prefer mostly black with a pop of color - teal, coral, etc. Whatever works best for your skin tone - including red.
Posted by squirrly[/QUOTE]

I was wondering this too about red, but also if it depends on the job you're applying for. Like is it good to look all aggressive if you're applying for a shark-type job?

I usually wear a tailored black suit with a soft plum button-up shirt underneath, and black heels or high-heeled boots. Purple is my color and can be soothing, I think.

crfische · March 2010

And PS -- Good Luck, Nebbulous! I'll be rootin' for ya!

Nebb · March 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_interview-attire?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:b5baa299-551d-4e51-917c-310768c86a02Post:e8d57fff-8b65-4a9e-9597-1d2821a2d978">Re: Interview attire</a>:
[QUOTE]Honestly, I'd buy a jacket. I don't think a cardigan (of any color) is appropriate for an inteview.
Posted by tenofcups4me[/QUOTE]
Im literally flat broke right now, so thats not an option. Im unemployed and our car desperately needs new tires and since my husband commutes half an hour to work everyday thats the priority over a jacket, for now atleast.

tenofcups4me · March 2010

I guess it depends on what field you're interviewing in, but in any kind of professional setting, a suit jacket is going to come across much more professional than the sweater.

Personally, I'd charge a jacket without a second's hesitation if I didn't have the cash. It's not a frivolous purchase -- it could literally be an investment in your future. I don't know how broke you are, but this seems like it could well be a case of "penny wise, pound foolish."

Nebb · March 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_interview-attire?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:b5baa299-551d-4e51-917c-310768c86a02Post:55116ae9-780d-4bbd-977c-98d1724f975d">Re: Interview attire</a>:
[QUOTE]I guess it depends on what field you're interviewing in, but in any kind of professional setting, a suit jacket is going to come across much more professional than the sweater. Personally, I'd charge a jacket without a second's hesitation if I didn't have the cash. It's not a frivolous purchase -- it could literally be an investment in your future. <strong>I don't know how broke you are, but this seems like it could well be a case of "penny wise, pound foolish."</strong>
Posted by tenofcups4me[/QUOTE]
Thanks??

MCarmine · March 2010

I like to wear colored or patterned blouses with black pants when I go on an interview. I feel brighter shirts are more attention grabbing and show a happier personality. However, they aren't outrageous or anything. I get all my interview clothes at Express.

georgia_bride09 · March 2010

I like your chosen outfit Nebb. Unless you're interviewing for some top executive position, I don't think they're going to write "Cardigan in lieu of jacket- IMMEDIATE DEAL BREAKER" in their notes during the interview.

andyandhillary · March 2010

I think the more conservative (note the lower case "c"

) the outfit the better. Generally, skirts are better than pants and neutral colors are best. I never heard of wearing red to an interivew so take that as you will. Unless this is a more fashionable job that requires knowledge in style, you want to be more understated. If you wear a skirt be sure to wear nylons/stockings/whatevs you call them.

Good luck!

vallyhoo · March 2010

My vibes are from the US, I hope they make it through Customs okay.

Interview attire

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