Two Ways: Silky Blush Blouse
Jan 22, 2015
Blouse: Piperlime Collection Popover Blouse ($59)
From Left, Necklace: Delicate Dot Necklace ($45) Bag: Michael Kors Selma Satchel ($395) Shoes: Ivanka Trump Janie Pump ($99) Suit: 1035 Jacket in Stretch Wool ($288) and Stretch Wool Skirt ($288)
From Right, Ring: BR Crossover Ring ($40) Bag: London Fog Paley Satchel ($113) Shoes: Saks Leopard Spot Pumps ($188) Necklace: Paloma & Ellie Delicate Necklace ($12) Skirt: DP Green Midi Skirt ($28)
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For a Job Interview. If you’re going on a job interview, unless you’re interviewing in a creative field, this is not the time to think outside the box. Simple suit, easy blouse, basic pumps, and a satchel. And while I may have forgotten to include them in the image, do not forget the sheer nylons.
This suit is from J.Crew. I like the mix of grey and blush together. Calvin Klein also offers a suit in either medium or pale grey. If you’re not feeling grey, this navy BR suit would be a lovely choice with this color blouse.
This snakeskin bag is my first choice. If you’re not feeling the animal print and would prefer a color, this affordable burgundy satchel balances the blush. Prefer basic grey? This under-$50 dome satchel from Kelly & Katie is fantastic.
I chose this subtle necklace for a hint of sparkle. Banana has some lovely little pendant necklaces right now. This itty bitty pyramid necklace is adorable. For something more sophisticated, this delicate leaf necklace is a must.
For the makeup, keep it subtle with a rosy cheek and a sheer berry-hued lip color. I also recommend phenomenal under-eye concealer and highlighter applied in the corners of the eye and under the brow. It brightens the face, and prevents you from looking tired. For the hair, keep it simple. And if you are prone to playing with it, move it out of your face.
For the Office. I love the combination of blush and pine. It’s a rather unexpected pairing. I think pairing pastels with jewel tones is a modern and elegant way to wear them. This blouse would also be good with a garnet skirt.
The shoe and bag pairing is a little bit different. This leopard print has a subtler mix of colors than most. They’re also leather instead of calf-hair, which I know some of you prefer. Looking for a traditional leopard shoe? These Nine West pumps are a good choice.
I really like this tote. It has unique hardware and a subtle slouch to it. Looking for something with more structure? This $39 bag from Target is a great place to start.
The necklace has a pink stone in it to bring the look together. The ring is a fun, unique piece at a good price (esp. if you catch it on sale). I also like the look of this Kenneth Cole station necklace; it’s a good basic.
For the hair, I would style it into a loose updo. For the makeup, if you can wear darker nail polish, this combination would look lovely with this burgundy OPI lacquer.
Although others may disagree, I really don’t think nylons are required for job interviews nowadays. I hire, and would never judge someone for not wearing them, and I have never worn them to an interview and am now in a senior management role. Nylons are just plain old fashioned and uncomfortable…
While I HATE nylons, there are still some professions and regions in the country where they are still needed. As a law student who is currently interviewing for jobs post-graduation in May, there are certain firms that are more traditional, especially in the South, that would certainly judge a female candidate for not having the “proper” attire. I can’t wait for all of these traditional (mostly men) to retire, so we can all just wear what we want and not have to conform to traditional conventions!
If they’re uncomfortable, you’re wearing the wrong nylons!
I always wear them to a job interview, even if I never wear them again. Just because the people doing the hiring tend to be a little older.
Agreed, I don’t wear nylons for interviews. I work on the conservative end of the state legislature. I’ve taken my cues from the other women my age, and have yet to see a coworker wearing nylons!
Thank goodness I generally tend to interview in the winter when can just wear my usual tights. If nylons are uncomfortable, maybe try thigh highs with a garter belt? I mostly hate the part around my midsection and upper thighs, so that would solve that.
I have blouses like that and they would completely bunch up under a suit. Plus I can tell by the neckline and closure (plus it’s probably sheer) that I would have to wear a camisole under it, so that’s two things stuffed into the waist of your skirt. I think that would all feel extremely lumpy.
I have worked in two very conservative industries (law and politics, in the Midwest and West, respectively) and I have never owned nylons, much less worn them. The South is probably a different story, but I did go to law school down there and while we were warned that wearing a pantsuit to an interview might torpedo us from the start, we were never told that nylons were necessary
I personally would wear nylons for an interview anyway, but can I at least shout out that it looks very strange when it’s the middle of winter, in the 30’s, and women are walking around with bare legs in their skirts & heels? Nylons are surprisingly warmer than nothing at all – when I was young, we would ski in jeans with nylons underneath!
My reaction to having someone show up for an interview in winter with no nylons on – while not a deal-breaker, it would make me wonder if they lacked good judgement in other areas, and would be the kind of person who would prioritize fashion over practicality.