Dressing the part can be hard to figure out, the risk of being over dressed or under dressed is also stressful. What is appropriate? Is this too flashy? How do I show my style and dress professionally? Should I wear heels? etc. etc. etc. These questions all flow through our heads and can cause anxiety.
A few tips I have chosen to follow are..
-Be comfortable and confident: If you like heels and feel confident in them, wear them, if not... don't pretend you do. I personally will take ANY excuse to wear heels since campus is not the ideal location for them and that is where I normally am.
-Dress above the part: It is ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS better to be over-dressed than under-dressed. I promise. (In all aspects of life-not just interviews)
-Coordinate with the job you are wanting: I was interviewing at a Bridal Store, so I was classy, sophisticated, and wore white with a little sparkle. When I interviewed at J.Crew I wore staple J.Crew pieces, not pieces that screamed "I'm wearing J.Crew!" For example I wore a clean color that looks best on me (a silk navy ruffled tee) with a simple gray cardigan and a dark denim pencil skirt with a gold necklace. Each item was J.Crew but (minus the silk tee) could have been found some other place. Also, research the company-if they have a dress code, follow it.
-BE YOU!: If you love sparkle, wear it. If you love jewelry, wear it. If you hate skirts-don't wear one. Skirts and pants are both appropriate for women and can be dressed up accordingly.
-Always bring a resume and if fashion related-your portfolio.
-It is okay to be fashionable!!
(I was taking an interview course at FIT and it truly amazed me what some people considered "professional dress" fyi-holes, leggings, over sized tees, chunky heels, are all fine for everyday wear but they are NOT professional. Be conscious and fashionable-not necessarily trendy-I say stick to wools, silks, and woven fabrics-they are crisp and professional. Stay away from jeans, cotton t-shirts, and knits as your main pieces.)
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