Advice on interview suit

oandmplus1 · March 2012

The last time I had a job interview was 5 years ago and I no longer own anything appropriate for a job interview that fits (my dress code at my current job is business casual). I went shopping today and bought 2 suit jackets and a pair of pants with some blouses, I am just not sure what to put together.

1 jacket is a little more stylish and form fitting but not too trendy, its from NY&Co, the other is a basic blazer, but just a tad less form fitting and stylish. Both fit well and are black. What are you opinions on what is proper for an interview?

What type of blouse is appropriate? Does color matter if it matches? For example I bought one blouse that has a colorful pattern and another that is bright pink, is it better to choose a more solid subdued tone?

As you can tell I am nervous and I have no sense of style."

meltoine · March 2012

I would go with the first blazer.

What does the pattern look like on the blouse? What colors is it? I'm not sure I'd do bright pink for an interview; that could be a little too loud. If the pattern is in more subdued colors I'd go with that one.

180miles · March 2012

I think it is totally appropriate to do a trendy jacket and color as long as it blends. Accessories are fine too just not over-the-top. Clean polished hair and make-up and I usually go for closed-toed shoes, although open-toed pumps would probably be fine too. Okay- I am rambling now.. you said nothing about shoes! hah

Good Luck!

meltoine · March 2012

180miles:
I think it is totally appropriate to do a trendy jacket and color as long as it blends. Accessories are fine too just not over-the-top. Clean polished hair and make-up and I usually go for closed-toed shoes, although open-toed pumps would probably be fine too. Okay- I am rambling now.. you said nothing about shoes! hah

Good Luck!

You'd wear open-toe to work/an interview? I always thought that was a huge no-no. But then again, I hate my toes and never ever wear open-toe. So I may be biased.

180miles · March 2012

I think closed-toed was preferred, but depending on the job you may be able to get away with an open-toe. Right?

2PuppiesHon · March 2012

I think it depends a lot on what kind of position you're interviewing for. My office is fairly conservative (dress is still business except fridays which are SLIGHTLY business casual but most people still wear suits anyways) so for my interview I wore a black skirt suit with black pumps, but both of those options sound great - I think like PP said - keep your look polished and the accessories classic/basic. You can't go wrong with a black jacket! Good luck

180miles · March 2012

is* preferred

GrangerWifey · March 2012

First off, GL on your interview! I just had one recently and even though I didn't really want the job, I still had butterflies prepping for the interview and deciding what to wear.

I would take into consideration the tone/formality of the place you're interviewing. Not every company has the same vibe. I work in the executive headquarters of our company but it's actually pretty laid back (a lot of us wear jeans quite often).

If you feel it's a place where you can be a little more expressive, I wouldn't worry too much about the color. I would wear whatever makes you feel confident and comfortable. I think either of the blouses you described should be great.

You should try the outfits on, take some pics & do a fashion show for us! (Can you tell it's Friday night & I'm bored??)

GrangerWifey · March 2012

180miles:
I think it is totally appropriate to do a trendy jacket and color as long as it blends. Accessories are fine too just not over-the-top. Clean polished hair and make-up and I usually go for closed-toed shoes, although open-toed pumps would probably be fine too. Okay- I am rambling now.. you said nothing about shoes! hah

Good Luck!

This is good advice too & I have to say 180, I love your dog! Is that a puggle??

oandmplus1 · March 2012

Thanks for the advise! It would be a healthcare related job in a long term care center, so dress code usually depends on your position, I would typically wear business casual with a white lab coat for work.

Shoes are basic black semi flats, I have a terrible time in heels, so they just have a tiny wedge.

Thanks again, I would pip but I don't know how on my ipad

secretwife · March 2012

Your first choice sounds good and black is a good color choice for an interview. Good Luck!

Dew828 · March 2012

I vote for the form fitting jacket. As long as neither of the shirts are too distracting for the interviewer, I think either sounds fine. I do some interviewing at work, and a tip I'd have for an interviewee is to not wear any strong scented perfume, even if you normally wear it all the time. That can get very distracting when you're sitting behind a closed door with someone, and I know my boss even gets headaches when someone wears too much! Just thought I'd throw that out there. Good luck!!

JessaPrimate · March 2012

The advice I've always heard is to dress one level above the position you're interviewing for.

mrsjollybrown · March 2012

I interviewed today and wore a black suit with a mustard colored ruffled down the center top. I wanted to add a pop of color and make sure I stood out. My friend who sits on interview panels suggested a white top and being conservative as possible.

However I didn't listen to her but I think it depends on the type of job you are applying for and whether or not the bright colors show of your sense of flare or stand out like big bird.

Im a flare kinda girl and I wanted them to remember me hence why I went with the mustard. But this job is not for the corporate world.

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