As a senior, I didn’t realize how quickly the process of ‘searching for jobs’ would begin. If you are not a senior, let me just tell you to start building your resume and wardrobe soon—you will thank me in the long run! These items of clothing will always be put to good use, whether for interviews or a presentation for class. Searching for jobs can be stressful, but if there is a fun part to the process, perhaps you could consider it to be the wardrobe. Unfortunately this is not a cheap process, but it is important to have a suit that fits well.
First, make sure to understand the difference between ‘business casual’ attire and ‘business professional’. Business casual can include a nice skirt (appropriate in length), dress pants, blouse, or a modest dress with a business feel. Remember, the idea is not to be revealing, but appropriate and professional. As for business professional, a suit is usually required. This includes dress pants with a suit jacket and a simple blouse or button down. Another appropriate option is a black skirt with panty hose, and a blouse or button down paired with a suit jacket. It is important that your jacket fits your shoulders—you want to be comfortable! Also make sure the pants are not too tight.
Listed below are some of my favorite places to find the apparel you need!
1. Suits: The Limited
The Limited is a wonderful place to start for suits. Luckily I went when they had their ‘$100 off a suit’ event. This included buying two items, which was pants and a jacket, skirt and a jacket, or a dress and a jacket. It is crucial to go in when the sale starts! Different styles can be picked over very quickly. Also, they have beautiful dress shirts in appropriate colors. It’s hard when you want to show your personality through a suit without showing too much, but this store does a good job of adding a little ruffle here and there to show a feminine side!
2. Blouses: J. Crew
J. Crew does a wonderful job of providing ‘clean lines’ throughout their wardrobe. Everything is so crisp and you can feel the quality in their fabric. As for a business casual event, this blouse pictured would go well tucked in a high waisted, black, pencil skirt. The black color makes it dressy while the pattern adds a fun flair. I absolutely love the bow at the neckline. It adds a beautiful feminine feature, which never goes out of style.
3. Bags: Express
Don’t forget about the bag! Sometimes it’s easy to forget this part because some accessories you always carry around. We all have a purse that expresses our personality, but for an interview, make sure to have something simple. Black or dark colors are preferred. Make sure it is a decent size to carry around your portfolio book for holding your resumes or other important items. Express always has the cutest clutches, but they also do a good job of carrying hobo-styled bags that are plain in color and appropriate for work or interviews. This bag pictured is an example of what to look for!
Remember, interviews can be scary and intimidating, but being confident in what you are wearing will take away the stress that doesn’t need to be there. Good luck to anyone going through the interview process. Always be confident, and be you!
Brittany Cole
*Sources:
http://www.thelimited.com/detail/seam-pocket-jacket/2509389/150
http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/shirtstops/blouses/PRDOVR~49852/49852.jsp
http://www.express.com/front-pocket-hobo-bag-38061-36/refine/Color/Black/control/page/25/show/3/sort/Price-Ascending/index.pro