Post written by Kelly Allen
You get the call from the summer internship or employer of your dreams asking you to come in an interview. You try to muffle your squeals of excitement and calmly say “yes.” You hang up the phone and, for a moment, you are over the moon with excitement. Suddenly, the 100-watt smile on your face flickers and panic sets in. You have nothing to wear.
Relax. It’s not like you are going to arrive at the interview naked, holding nothing but your resume. There’s a solution to your fashion woes. Play it smart and strategize your ensemble before running to the mall and swiping your credit card to the point of exhaustion. Wait until you land a job to do some shopping. At the interview, take note of how the employees dress so you know what to shop look for if you end up getting the job.
I looked back on my own my internship and work experience and realized that all my interview outfits are a combination of five different pieces. Here’s what you need in your closet, armed and ready for interviews and your first day on the job.
1. Basic Jacket and Pants/Skirt.
Since most offices are business casual, you don’t need to spend upwards of $200 on a business suit. Pair a slim cut jacket with a pair of trousers or pencil skirt to pull off a sleek, professional look without the hefty price tag. I suggest sticking to black to look simple and refreshing. If you want to add a punch of color then stick to khaki, blues, and light green. Steer clear from bright reds, which may make too bold a statement. You want to make sure that your clothes don’t overshadow you as a person.
Look for suit separates at stores like Express or department stores. You will need a suit if you are interviewing for a job in finance or at a law firm. If you do need a suit, try and find one on sale at Banana Republic, designer outlets, or stores like Marshalls and TJ Maxx. The jacket pictured can be found at Target for under $50.
2. LBD: Little Black Dress
A single piece of clothing that is the definition of chic. Take your pick: wrap dress, collared and button down, or shift dress. We found this one at Old Navy. Channel Michelle Obama and Jennifer Aniston who constantly reinvent this look in a fresh, new way. Wear a plain black sleeveless dress with a basic, pale colored cardigan for a no-nonsense, business look.
3. White Collared Shirt
One word: Classic. This shirt is a staple in professional dress across the world. The crisp white only makes you look sharp and capable of the working world. Make sure that it fits well in your shoulders, or you might risk looking younger than you are.
4. Black pumps
Whether you get this job or not, no closet is complete without a pair of black pumps. Choose a height and style that you walk strong in—nothing is worse than hobbling over to the interviewer. Watch for sales at department stores, Aldo, Nine West, or Steve Madden. These stores always have a variety styles in stock and won’t blow your budget.
5. Resume Portfolio
This was the best $13.99 I’ve ever spent. I grabbed a black leather folder at CVS before I went on my first internship interview, slipped in my resume, and felt ready to go. It’s an easy way to keep your resume, cover letter, and writing samples nice and neat, in case you need an extra copy or have multiple interviews in one day. Plus, employers usually hand you their business card before you part ways. You can find these folders near the desk planners at most office supply stores. Also, college bookstores sell these binders with a school logo, if you want to add a personal touch to your look.
Be sure to check out Kelly’s extremely entertaining blog, Making it After All, and follow her on her job hunting adventures!
Images via Target, Old Navy, Zappos, & CVS
