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Q: Do I have to wear a blazer on an interview?
A: If possible, ask around to find out what people typically wearing the office you are looking to join, particularly the person or people you will be interviewing with, and let that be your guide. People are more likely to respond positively to someone who mirrors them, and if you dress in line with the rest of the office, it will be easier for the person hiring to see you as a member of the team. If blazers or suits are common, then its a good idea to wear one to the interview. But if not, there are lots of other options available that look just as professional.
1. Form-Fitting Sweater or Cardigan
Make sure the knit is thick enough that your undergarments do not show through, but steer clear of anything too chunky or boxy so it doesnt start to look like weekend wear or loungewear. Layer the sweater over a blouse or wear it on it's own. It should be long enough to cover the waist band of your pants, but not so long that it covers your butt. Only tuck it in if you are wearing a high-waisted pencil skirt and only if the skirt is thick enough that the sweater line won't show through.
If you have a large chest, buy a sweater that fits your chest and then take it to a tailor to have it tapered at the waist.
Black Grid Sweater, , $47; Blue Sweater With Side Buttons, , $69; Orange Striped Cardigan, , $46
2. Matching Top and Skirt
These outfits are sort of like a cross between a dress and a skirt suit, but cooler and more modern. It is a very fashion-forward look, though, so you need to make sure that's appropriate for the place where you're interviewing.
Now, before you freak out, I am not encouraging anyone to flash midriff on an interview. That would be a definite no-no. But given that models are about four to seven inches taller that the average woman, who is usually around 5-foot-4, a top that looks cropped here may not appear cropped on you. That said, if youre planning to rock this look on an interview, the top and bottom should overlap slightly when you are standing, and you definitely want to wear a fitted camisole or bodysuit underneath to make sure you are fully covered.
Pinstripe Crop Top, , $35; Pinstripe Pencil Skirt, , $35; Coral Houndstooth Top, , $69; Coral Houndstooth Pencil Skirt, , $40; Pink and Black Patterned Top and Skirt Set, , $69
H&M;H&M;HALOGENHALOGENPIXIE MARKET
3. Boxy Jacket
If youre not comfortable going to an interview without some sort of jacket, a boxy, collarless crew-neck jacket is a great alternative to a traditional blazer. Its especially good if you have a larger chest and find that blazers dont lie properly. Wear it like you would a blazer with a pair of coordinating pants or a skirt and a clean, simple top.
Fuchsia Blazer With Bow, ASOSBANANA REPUBLICCLUB MONACO
, $53; Navy Jacket With White Piping, , $130; Peach and White Jacket, , $249
4. Back-Zip Tops
Higher necklines are great if you want to make sure you're on the right side of professionalism, and back-zip tops allow you to wear high necklines without stretchy fabrics, which can feel a little casual for an interview. Wear them untucked with a slim pair of pants or a fitted pencil skirt and dress the look up with pointy-toed pumps and a simple jewelry.
Multicolored Floral Top, , $95; Green Top, , $98; Pink Jacquard Top, , $99
KATE SPADE SATURDAYSAM & LAVICLUB MONACO
5. Structured Dress
The dress shouldn't be skintight, but it should be fitted no drapey fabrics or loose silhouettes. Add a simple waist belt to break up the look, but nothing too wide, since it can be distracting.
Navy Dress, , $150; Coral Dress, , $35; Black Sheath Dress With White Detail, , $98
KATE SPADE SATURDAYFASHION TO FIGURELOFT
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Photo Credit: Diego Zuko
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