Morning Line: February 17
Feb 17, 2015
This week, I thought we’d talk about interviewing. Whether you’re a first-time job-seeker or a seasoned pro, the majority of us will need to interview for a new job at some point in our careers. And knowing what to wear and how to present yourself is valuable information.
Most of the advice will focus on job seekers in professional offices where traditional attire is required. However, I know that other readers will need advice for creative or casual environments, so we’ll talk about that too. I think it will be a good refresher for those of us who have done this a few times, and a helpful introduction for readers who are just starting out.
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Choosing a suit for interviews? You want something basic that is also impeccably tailored. Whether your spending a mint or pinching your pennies, and interview suit should be a blank canvas that let’s you shine through.
As to color, black, grey, and navy are preferred. For an all-season suit, I prefer navy.
Corner Office
Hugo Boss Juicy 6 Blazer($575) and Vilina 1 Skirt ($250)
Middle Cubicle
J.Crew 1035 Stretch Wool Blazer ($288, also in petite and tall) and Pencil Skirt ($148)
Intern Desk
Jones New York Emma Suit ($129 and $69)
Banana Republic also makes a decent-quality suit. If you can catch it on sale, you can get a good deal.
Plus-size: Le Suit Notched Collar Suit ($109)
I wish so many plus-size blazers didn’t have those huge clownlike, goofy buttons. (Not your fault Belle, just moping here . . . )
Any tailor can replace those buttons to something more stylish for a small cost. Or you can replace them yourself!
I’ve noticed that. Also, what’s with all the cropped jackets and 3/4 sleeves? I don’t understand.
The seasonless wool suiting at Talbots is good for basic interview suits, too. Bonus – everything comes in both petite and plus-size and there aren’t any of the “clownlike, goofy buttons” that Kate mentioned above.
Why don’t you ever feature suits from Ann Taylor? They come in regular, tall, and petite sizes, and have several different cuts of pants for different body types (this pear shaped girl loves their curvy fit). I have suits from Banana Republic, Classiques Entier, JCrew, and Ann Taylor, and the Ann Taylor suit is my favorite.
I personally hate the cut on Ann Taylor. Soooo boxy. It took me years to convince my girlfriend to give up her Ann Taylor suits, but once she did she started getting all kinds of looks and compliments. I think they were aging her.
I don’t like the Ann Taylor suits. For my body type, I need to spend more money tailoring an AT suit than one from JCrew or BR. The boxier cut works on some figures, but not really on mine. Also, I don’t like that they exclude suiting from most of their sale promotions.
Perfect timing, since I have some interviews coming up in the next few weeks. Thanks for the suggestions, Belle (and commenters)!
Perfect timing, Belle – I have an interview next week! Do you recommend pants or skirt suits for interviews?
Whatever you’re most comfortable in. Just don’t wear skinny, ankle pants, they’re not formal enough for an interview.
What’s the opinion on slightly different but not crazy suiting colours? I’m a red head and would rather wear a dark green or burgundy suit. Once I have the job I think I’d wear the colours far more than grey, black,vand probably navy. Is it totally inappropriate or bad idea for some other reason?
I don’t mind olive or burgundy, but it’s important that if you choose a color, you choose a traditional shape.