Career Development and Katie’s Closet collab
When going to any job interview, it is customary to bring your resume, a cover letter (if needed), and a bright personality. But often overlooked is the way you appear. Your best outfit can seal the deal on the type of employee you are. Building an outfit can often feel overwhelming and stressful, but with the right tips and tricks, you can put together an amazing outfit. In this article, I am going to offer key strategies for designing an interview outfit that allows you to feel confident and leave a lasting impression on the opportunities ahead of you with minimum stress. To make this guide easily accessible for St. Kate’s students, I have partnered with Katie’s Closet to come up with some job interview outfit pieces that will help you shine in the interview room.
Color Scheme
To start putting your interview outfit together, let’s examine the color scheme. You want to have a balanced showcase of colors that will make your outfit look professional and cohesive. Here are some recommended colors: cream, grey, dark blue, dark red, black-brown, and baby pink or purple. You can incorporate whichever colors your heart desires, just make sure they complement each other well.
Choosing softer, neutral colors frequently displays professionalism and confidence, which are important in a job interview. Additionally, colors like dark blue and grey may evoke views of trustworthiness and dependability, making them ideal selections for prospective employers. Ultimately, a well-curated color palette contributes to a polished appearance that allows your personality to shine without overshadowing your qualifications.
Incorporating accessories (Shoes, jewelry and bags)
In addition to choosing a color palette for your interview outfit, adding accessories such as a stylish pair of shoes or jewelry can take your outfit from standard to remarkable.
I would recommend wearing shoes that are both charming and comfortable for your interview. A well-chosen pair of shoes, such as cute flats, small heels, or a stylish pair of tennis shoes, will not only ensure your ideal comfort but also show your attention to detail. Having a comfortable pair of shoes will help you feel more relaxed during the interview and will also prevent your feet from hurting throughout the process. A well-chosen pair of shoes form an essential component of your ensemble, sending a powerful message about your dedication to looking your best.
As for jewelry, subtle jewelry can enhance the elegance of your attire. A simple, delicate necklace or a small pair of stud earrings can enhance your clothing without taking unwanted attention away from your professional approach. Gold jewelry offers a subtle warmth and glow, making even the most basic outfit feel elegant, while silver provides a modern, polished finish that can elevate a contemporary ensemble. Both materials can be simply mixed and matched, providing you a greater freedom in creating a cohesive and well-styled look.
Accessorizing doesn’t stop at classy shoes and jewelry. Adding a stylish handbag or briefcase not only serves a practical purpose for the materials you need for your interview but also adds a polished touch. Using accessories can truly elevate your interview outfit and convey your commitment to the opportunity at hand.
Collaboration with Katie’s Closet:
To help you find the perfect outfit pieces that reflect your personality, professionalism, and style, I am excited to share the outfits that I have prepared with our collaborator Katie’s Closet. We have curated a small selection of interview outfits designed to make you look and feel your best for any job interview. Make sure to check out these pieces and many more at Katie’s Closet on the 3rd floor of the CDC.
Outfit 1: (A dark blue pinstripe blazer with blue accessories)
Top and Jacket: The jacket is a classic navy-blue pinstripe blazer, and it can be paired with a white shirt or even a light gray one. The blazer gives a professional and polished look at this sure to impress the interviewer.
Bottom: For the bottom I paired it with a matching navy pinstripe skirt that fits perfectly with the blazer, creating a cohesive suit ensemble suitable for business or formal settings.
Accessories: I added a bold blue pendant necklace to the outfit, with a pair of squared blue earrings to match. Adding these pieces into the outfit adds a touch of sophistication and elegance to the outfit, while making sure that the outfit colors are cohesive to each other.
Bags and Shoes: Finally I added a brown leather handbag and a tan open toe heel. These accessories bring the outfit together in a stylish way.
Outfit 2: (Gray pantsuit with floral lining)
Top and Jacket: For the jacket I picked out a gray blazer with a floral-patterned inner lining, which adds a playful and stylish touch. I would suggest pairing it with a cream top for a neutral base or a white floral top to add some flare.
Bottom: A matching pair of grey pants with a sleek and modern fit. If you aren’t really into the style of the pants you can always match the blazer with a gray skirt.
Shoes: A cream colored pair of flats with a flowery detail adding a cohesive floral pattern to the look. The flats will provide you with comfort all day without taking distraction away from the outfit.
Outfit 3: (Bright Pink Jacket and dress)
Dresses: The first dress I paired with the pink jacket was a vibrant pink dress that matched perfectly with the cropped blazer. The second dress I paired with the pink blazer was a multicolor pattern dress that has subtle hits of pink.
(If monochromatic is not really your style, you can pair the pink blazer with the light grey pants we used in outfit 2. Mixing and matching different components of the outfit can help you figure out what fits the style you are going for. )
Each outfit is stylishly curated for specific professional or formal settings while incorporating subtle details that reflect personality and functionality.
Conclusion:
In summary, a job interview is not only a remarkable opportunity to showcase your hard-working qualifications and skills but also a chance to present yourself in the best possible way. A well-defined outfit can elevate your confidence. As the saying goes “If you look your best, then you will feel good about yourself.”, having this kind of mindset is more likely to boost your confidence when going into the interview. Remember that first impressions are critical and having your well-thought-out interview outfit can set the tone for a successful interview.
Thank you again to Katie’s Closet for helping our viewers find the perfect interview pieces that will enhance their looks and help them shine in any interview setting. Don’t hesitate to explore the different opinions they have. Good luck, and remember to walk into your interview with style and confidence!!
