Rusted Revolution: Dressing for Success

Allow us to introduce ourselves:  Our names are Lucy McBride
and Lesley Burr.  We’re two bloggers with a love for fashion, among other things.  Our site, Rusted Revolution, began as a side project – a hobby through which we could channel our observations on fashion, music, travel, food, and the arts, sharing them with whomever cared to look.  Since RR’s birth in early September 2010, a growing Internet following has encouraged us to provide our readers with consistent news, trends, and reflections in the vast realm that is pop culture.

As a senior collegiette™, my graduation date is drawing nearer and nearer every day, and the threat of not having a job waiting for me the second I step off stage, diploma in hand, is looming overhead.  As a student of the Arts and Sciences, the threat is even greater; most of my fellow classmates in other fields — business especially — have a better idea of what they’re doing after graduation, as their hiring season starts early in the school year.  Mine is just beginning.  I’ve been waiting all winter, and now that spring is here and positions are starting to open up, I have to be prepared to pounce on any opportunity that comes my way.
 
Even if you’re only a freshman, you have to start preparing yourself for the working world.  Trust me, these four years go by in the blink of an eye, and though you may not be looking for full-time jobs quite yet, I’m sure you’re vying for part-time jobs and internship positions already.
 
Job and internship hunting is stressful, regardless of industry or level of experience.  Not only do you have to worry about polishing up your résumé and cover letter, but you may also have to worry about things like salary and benefit negotiations, location, and apartment hunting.
 
While I can’t exactly help you out in those areas, I can give you some pointers when it comes to another vital part of the job application process:  the job interview.

Photo:  http://jobsinlondonontario.com/]

 
A good first impression is key to getting your foot in the door, and unfortunately, as if you don’t have enough to worry about already, appearance is important.  As much as I wish people actually followed the age-old motto, “don’t judge a book by its cover,” nobody does.  Looking your best for an interview and knowing how to dress appropriately for various professional occasions can give you a leg up in the job hunt.

It is important to ask yourself three key questions to first understand what sort of job or internship you are applying for.  Once you’ve answered these questions, you can determine the appropriate attire.

1.)  What does your job entail?  A lot of meetings with high profile clients?  Desk work?  Day-to-day errand-running across the city?  Physical labor?

2.)  Who are you working for?  A governmental agency?  A magazine?  A big-shot international corporation?  A small, private business?  A clinic?  A museum?

3.)  Who are you working with?  Older generations with more conservative points of view?  Young and hip professionals?

 
Now that you’ve given these questions a thought, you probably can fit your job type into one of these three categories:

1.)  Conservative Professional (Law, Finance, Accounting, Consulting, Government)
2.)  Business Casual (Advertising, Public Relations, Education, Publishing, Social
Services)
3.)  Creative (Music, Design, Fashion, Film, Entertainment)

 
By following Rusted Revolution’s Dress Code below, you’re sure to look the part when you finally set up that interview.  In addition to instructions, I’ve compiled wardrobe options that you can wear as is, or mix-and-match with whatever you already have in your closet.
 
And remember, when in doubt, it is always better to be overdressed than underdressed.
 
WARDROBE
 
Conservative Professional

Photo:  http://www.totalhair.net/hairstyles-blog/2008/06/sandra-bullock-looking-…

 
For a job interview in this category, a suit is an absolute must.  Suits conjure up all sorts of images of stuffy boardrooms and unflattering shapes, but a suit that fits right can be both flattering and powerful.  Stick to classic black for your first — it’s a universally complimentary color and can work for all seasons.  Keep your suit modern and slim-fitting – a sleek and sharply-tailored cut keeps you looking edgy and young, but is still acceptable in a conservative environment.  A good suit is worth the investment and will last you a long time, so if you can afford it, I recommend splurging.  But if you’re on a tighter budget, never fear, plenty of department stores sell affordable suits, or if you’re lucky, you’ll find some great brands on sale.
 
Theory has some really great suiting separates that are a little on the pricier side, but the quality and fit is great.  I really love this brand – they are very fashion forward, yet at the same time, carry conservative cuts appropriate for most kinds of work environments.
 
J. Crew is another great place to look for suiting.  It’s more affordable than Theory and the quality is great.  I’m partial to the Bi-Stretch Paley pant and Aubrey jacket for their modern, slim fit.  The Luxe Stretch Wool suiting is another favorite of mine.
 
Macy’s has a variety of suits, from high-end to very affordable. It’s a great place to start if you’re just beginning to shop for the perfect suit. Styles range from veryconservative tastes, to classic cuts by brands such as Calvin Klein, to more fashion-forward brands such as BCBG (which are younger and hipper, but still business appropriate).
 
Some great shoes to pair with suits are F21 patent heels, Steve Madden pumps, and
Aldo ankle strap heels.
 
Business Casual

Photo:  The Fashion Spot forums

This is the toughest category to define.  Let loose a little, and don’t worry about wearing a suit.  In a business casual atmosphere, it’s acceptable to look a little more relaxed — but be careful, you don’t want to wind up looking too relaxed.  A blazer or cardigan thrown over a dress or a blouse and trousers is a sure way to look the part.  Because it’s a slightly more casual atmosphere, feel free to play around with accessories and shoes a little bit, as long as you don’t go over the top.  And as for stockings, you probably don’t need to wear them as long as your skirt is at least knee-length.
 
Business Casual clothing can be found pretty much anywhere – from stores like Madewell and Bloomingdales to trendier and more affordable stores like H&M, Zara, and even Forever 21.
 
Some of my favorite business casual pieces are:  Topshop scallop hem shift dress, Topshop linen flower shirt dress, F21 blazer, Urban Renewal wool blazer, and Cooperative platform square heel.
 
Creative

Photo:  http://couturediaries.webs.com/apps/blog/show/4918370-movie-inspired-outfits-the-devil-wears-prada

 
If you’re going into this job field, congratulations, you have the most freedom with your wardrobe.  This, however, does not mean you can let yourself go, and throw on jeans and a t-shirt.  My philosophy is to always, always, look professional, no matter what the job.  If you look too comfortable, you may not be taken seriously, or, to your detriment, you may feel a little too comfortable to be motivated to work.  The key is to look professional and polished while retaining your own personal style.  Certain fashion boundaries can be pushed, but make sure to remain modest.  And when in doubt, always dress on the more conservative side.  Once you start working you can gauge for yourself what is acceptable, and alter your wardrobe as desired.
 
Try shopping for unique pieces from trendy stores and boutiques like Topshop, Nasty Gal, Pixie Market, and I Don’t Like Mondays.  Vintage and thrift stores are also great places to find fashionable yet work-appropriate clothes, with the added bonus guarantee that what you’re wearing is truly one-of-a-kind.
 
Some of my favorites are Nasty Gal knit column skirt, ArynK crop jacket, Topshop silk blouse, Topshop leather pencil skirt, Topshop origami wrap skirt, Friis wedge booties and Jeffrey Campbell pumps.
 
HAIR & MAKEUP
 
Conservative Professional
 
The key here is to look polished without looking overdone.  After all, you want your presentation to be the focus of everyone’s attention, not your caked-on foundation or blue eye shadow.  Keep your face as bare as possible.  Use cover up where you need it, and dust a little mineral powder over your forehead, nose and cheeks if you need a little more coverage.  Use a subtle, natural blush.  The main focus of your look should be on your brows.  Strong brows are not only elegant and feminine, but they signify an inner strength and draw focus to your eyes, which is where you want your interviewer to be looking anyway.  Curl your lashes and load on the mascara to open up your eyes, but keep eyeliner minimal — if you feel you need it, keep it to the top lid only.

Hair should be simple, preferably pulled back out of your face in a no-fuss chignon, low ponytail or low knot.

Business Casual
 
Makeup, again, should be natural.  But since it’s a more relaxed atmosphere, feel free to add a little more color into your look.  Stick to neutral tones of subtle brown and bronze, blushy pinks, and peach.  Some great examples to follow are Emma Stone and Ashley Olsen.

 
Hair should be loosely pulled back or worn down, either way making sure to secure stray strands with bobby pins or a headband — nothing looks sloppier than hair in your face.

 
Creative
 
Again, you want to look polished and professional, but you can use your makeup as another way to showcase your creative personality.  Bolder makeup and hair is acceptable, but only in moderation.  If you do a stronger eye (like a cat eye) use smoky browns and greys instead of harsher blacks, and keep the rest of your makeup minimal.  And likewise with lips – stick to a bold classic red or trendy hot pink, but keep the rest of your makeup toned down.  A great style to follow is that of Lily Donaldson.

As for hair, you can try a trendier style, though simpler styles are always best, especially if applying to the fashion industry.  You want your clothing to stand out, so your hair should compliment, not overpower, the rest of your look.  Try a casual braided up-do or loose fishtail braid.  When in doubt, go with a ballerina bun at the crown of your head or a high and sleek ponytail (both are no-fail, no-fuss choices).

Hopefully, with your job interview wardrobe out of the way, you will be a step ahead of the rest with one less thing to worry about.
 
Happy job hunting!