Hi all … it’s been awhile since I’ve done one of these! Just a reminder that if you’re having trouble finding something / anything, please reach out to me and I can help! It’s what my friends tell me I do best 🙂
This latest plea for help comes from Samantha, who writes:
“Hi! I love your blog and it was very helpful when I had to buy dresses for two recent weddings I went to. However, now I have a big issue. What do I wear to job interviews in the sweltering summer heat? I actually had a teacher job fair today that I won’t be going to because it’s so hot and I realized my clothes are all dark, winter interview outfits. Do you think you can create a blog post with interview outfit ideas and shoes? I don’t know where to start. I usually go to Macy’s, but I’m stuck in the pointy collar/black pant rut. Please help when you can : ) I’m also interested in blouses that I won’t sweat in, since I’m a rather nervous interviewee and teachers often interview in hot, non-A/C schools.”
Thanks so much for reaching out to me, Samantha! My sister and several of my friends are teachers, and I just have to say that y’all are my heroes. You guys work so hard to help shape kids’ futures, and rarely do you get the credit or compensation that you deserve. And I’ve heard about the exact problem you are describing from my sister, who often has to deal with a sweltering classroom at both the beginnings and ends of the school year. I have no idea how she does it!
Fear not, I am hear to help …
First off, speaking as someone who went through the whole interview process in the dead of summer in NYC not too long ago, there are a few things to consider when picking out clothes for interviews:
1) Pay attention to the length, neckline, fabric and silhouette … make sure what you’re wearing isn’t too short. Knee length or just above is really best for the workplace. Necklines are oh so important, too. No cleavage … it’s not for work. When it comes to work in the summer time, fabrics like cotton and jersey knit are your friends. Fit is super important, too. Too loose and it’s falling off your shoulders; too tight and you look like you’re about to pop.
2) Think about where you’re interviewing … Is it a funky publishing house or an investment bank? Figure out what the corporate culture is there first, and then dress accordingly. But also remember that you can never go wrong with the classics, like what I’ve highlighted below.
3) Grab the right bag … Make sure that your bag has the right color / size / silhouette / functionality. Think Goldilocks and the Three Bears: you don’t want it too be too big, too small, too bright or too boring. You want it to be just right.
4) Choose simple accessories … Don’t wear loud jewelry or shoes. And by loud, I mean jewelry and shoes that jingle, slap the tile floor or squeak. If it announces your presence five minutes before you’ve arrived, it’s too loud.
5) The right shoes are so important … Speaking of shoes … you want to make sure your shoes look super polished, that you can walk in them and that they just make sense.
Hopefully those tips give you some good parameters to work within. To show you examples, here are some pieces that I think would be great for summer interviews in the city … or, heck, working in the city during those brutal summer months, too.
First up … this dress from Modcloth. I like it because it still has color and a lot of visual interest, but isn’t too flashy or clingy. I love the bow detail at the shoulder and the fact that it looks like an expertly matched blouse and skirt. I’d feel totally put together wearing this to an interview.
(Image courtesy of Modcloth)
Take a look at this bag from Ann Taylor … doesn’t it just look like it means business? But at the same time, I love the playful straw panel, which ensures it’s not too stuffy.
(Image courtesy of Ann Taylor)
Next … these patent flats from Ann Taylor. In terms of a work shoe, you could not ask for more of a staple than a nude ballet flat. You can basically wear this with anything.
(Image courtesy of Ann Taylor)
This top from Nordstrom is a great example of how you don’t have to shy away from color or pattern when looking for work clothes. A classic, fitted blouse like this, with twist-front detailing and a small, dainty floral print would look really nice at the office.
(Image courtesy of Nordstrom)
Just like the nude flat, a pencil skirt in a neutral like this gray skirt from Ann Taylor is a great basic to have. You just absolutely cannot go wrong with a piece like this.
(Image courtesy of Ann Taylor)
If the thought of a neutral shoe is really depressing to you, then fear not. Pastels like this pale pink pair from J. Crew can be really unexpected and eye-catching for work — but in a good way.
(Image courtesy of J. Crew)
I think for the purposes of interviewing, you can never have too many chic shift dresses like this blue dress from Ann Taylor. The best part? The jersey knit fabric, which is perfect for summer.
(Image courtesy of Ann Taylor)
Another must-have is a super fab, rich-looking handbag. But there’s no need to go broke. This satchel from Macy’s is under $100. Definitely big enough to carry everything you need for your work day.
(Image courtesy of Macy’s)
God, these block heels from Ann Taylor are gorgeous. This is a shoe that will still look so very “now” in 5, 10 and even 15 years, I dare say. They’re a classic shoe.
(Image courtesy of Ann Taylor)
Blouses like this tie-neck blouse from Modcloth are perfect for both interviews and work. They’re sweetly sexy without showing much skin at all.
(Image courtesy of Modcloth)
If you’re going to wear jewelry on an interview, make sure it’s understated like this rose gold necklace from the Kate Hudson for Ann Taylor collection. It’s a definite statement piece, but it’s delicate and simple.
(Image courtesy of Ann Taylor)
Again … no need to shy away from wearing patterns on interviews or at work. Just make sure they’re simple and understated instead of “shout-y.” This lattice print dress from Ann Taylor is perfect.
(Image courtesy of Ann Taylor)
Samantha — I hope this post gives you some great ideas!
xoxo
NYC Recessionista
PS — can you tell I like Ann Taylor? I think for career gals, they are one of the best places to start a classic and timeless workplace wardrobe.