Women's Interview Clothing #3!

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Glazedonutlove said:
If those buckles in the first pair are okay, then I would pick that one!
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Seconding these ladies. First ones look good and the buckle looks understated enough.
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So I know this is probably a Super Duper Neurotic-grade question, but it was bugging me last night:

Is it appropriate to cross your legs at the knee during interviews, or is that too casual a position?
 
Interesting question. The trouble with an above-the-knee cross is that, if you're wearing a skirt, it usually shows too much thigh. Just below the knee doesn't seem natural to me -- seems like a 'gotta pee!' response. :confused: An ankle cross is universally appropriate.

If you're in pants, showing thigh in an above-the-knee cross isn't a problem, but the posture does tend to be 'relaxed', confident, possibly over-confident. So I'd say, for some interviews, fine; for others, not so fine. Stick with an ankle cross to be safe.
 
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Thank for the input!
So I finally had some time to shop around for the shoes. Tried all kinds of different styles, with buckles, without and was about to get disappointed when I found these babies!
http://www.clarksusa.com/us/womens/womens-wide-width/Tempt-Appeal-Black-Leather/p/26062332
I swear its like i am in my sneakers. I barely wear heels because of their uncomfortableness , but these are so comfy! :banana: and also I found them in nordstrom rack for half of the original price. :banana::banana::banana:
 
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roseisaroseisarose said:
I know that patent leather pumps are generally considered inappropriate, but would these work with a navy pant suit since the patent part of the shoe would be mostly covered by my pants?

View attachment 195322
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I think those are fine; thanks for getting the cordovan to wear with your navy suit.

Someone is listening. Someone is listening.
 
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Ok, so I have a bit of an outfit puzzle I need help figuring out.
The pieces are:
BR dark navy pantsuit
Nine West black leather pumps
Kate Spade gold posts
Delicate gold necklace
Black bag

The missing piece is a short-sleeve or sleeveless top. A light blue Calvin Klein short sleeve blouse is coming in the mail, but I'm very suspicious that the v-neck on it will sail right past my chest into dangerous territory.
With gold jewelry, what are some conservative color choices and could anyone suggest some stores?
 
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finestein said:
Ok, so I have a bit of an outfit puzzle I need help figuring out.
The pieces are:
BR dark navy pantsuit
Nine West black leather pumps
Kate Spade gold posts
Delicate gold necklace
Black bag

The missing piece is a short-sleeve or sleeveless top. A light blue Calvin Klein short sleeve blouse is coming in the mail, but I'm very suspicious that the v-neck on it will sail right past my chest into dangerous territory.
With gold jewelry, what are some conservative color choices and could anyone suggest some stores?
Click to expand...


Rose pink. J Crew.
 
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Just FYI, The Limited is having an online sale right now, buy 1 get 1 free on full-price tops.
 
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For girls who don't wish to wear long sleeved scrunch-up goodness under their suit jacket - I circumvented that by getting myself a sleeveless collared mock button up shirt from LOFT. No, I do not plan on taking my jacket off at any point in the interview, nor was I going to with a long sleeved shirt anyway, so... that was my way of going about it.
 
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I'd love your input on my outfit.
Is it weird that you can see my blouse above AND below the clasp? Does the jacket need a button instead of the clasp mechanism?
Do I need a necklace?
The skirt came with a black belt, but the clasp on the belt is silver, does that look weird? Should I get a different belt that doesn't have a silver piece?
 

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idontknowwhatnametopick said:
I'd love your input on my outfit.
Is it weird that you can see my blouse above AND below the clasp? Does the jacket need a button instead of the clasp mechanism?
Do I need a necklace?
The skirt came with a black belt, but the clasp on the belt is silver, does that look weird? Should I get a different belt that doesn't have a silver piece?
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I would definitely walk around in that shirt for an hour or two to make sure it doesn't sink to dangerous lows.

You are a brave girl with a V like that!
 
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idontknowwhatnametopick said:
I'd love your input on my outfit.
Is it weird that you can see my blouse above AND below the clasp? Does the jacket need a button instead of the clasp mechanism?
Do I need a necklace?
The skirt came with a black belt, but the clasp on the belt is silver, does that look weird? Should I get a different belt that doesn't have a silver piece?
Click to expand...
1) I find it a little weird.
2) Would you, or someone you know, be comfortable sewing a button on to the jacket/making a button hole so that it closed more completely and didn't have the "peep" at the bottom? I think it would look much more professional
3) I don't think you need a necklace, but I think the shirt is a bit low cut (caveat: I err on the side of overly conservative on this issue)
4) I find the belt distracting, but it would be covered if the jacket closed properly. Alternatively, a plain black belt would be better if it is still visible.
 
starlite911 said:
1) I find it a little weird.
2) Would you, or someone you know, be comfortable sewing a button on to the jacket/making a button hole so that it closed more completely and didn't have the "peep" at the bottom? I think it would look much more professional
3) I don't think you need a necklace, but I think the shirt is a bit low cut (caveat: I err on the side of overly conservative on this issue)
4) I find the belt distracting, but it would be covered if the jacket closed properly. Alternatively, a plain black belt would be better if it is still visible.
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1) Thank you for your honesty ;)
2) Yes, so I will get it done ASAP
3) It is lower than I'd like for such a formal occasion but I spent hours at the mall on two occasions (my own personal kind of hell) and didn't find anything else that worked. Slightly too deep V beats no blouse :p
4) Good point. I'll think about this again after I get the button.
 
idontknowwhatnametopick said:
I'd love your input on my outfit.
Is it weird that you can see my blouse above AND below the clasp? Does the jacket need a button instead of the clasp mechanism?
Do I need a necklace?
The skirt came with a black belt, but the clasp on the belt is silver, does that look weird? Should I get a different belt that doesn't have a silver piece?
Click to expand...
I think you could try going up a size on the jacket to make sure it closes - looks a bit informal to me too!
 
My two cents. You definitely need a second button on your jacket, otherwise it looks too open and exposed. I like the length of both jacket and skirt. I would suggest pearl necklace with that shirt, the color is great but a little risky.
 
I agree - that blouse is too low cut and the material looks too casual (is it a jersey?).
I don't want to argue with you but I find it hard to believe that you spent two hours at the mall and couldn't find anything appropriate. I've spent many an hour shopping with people who claim the same but honestly just don't know what they're looking for or reject appropriate things out of hand. Another option is online shopping of course.

As for the jacket, I'm not sure about adding a button and whether that would work with the cut of the jacket. It's not traditional but I'm not bothered by it as much as I am the top.
 
Winged Scapula said:
I agree - that blouse is too low cut and the material looks too casual (is it a jersey?).
I don't want to argue with you but I find it hard to believe that you spent two hours at the mall and couldn't find anything appropriate. I've spent many an hour shopping with people who claim the same but honestly just don't know what they're looking for or reject appropriate things out of hand. Another option is online shopping of course.

As for the jacket, I'm not sure about adding a button and whether that would work with the cut of the jacket. It's not traditional but I'm not bothered by it as much as I am the top.
Click to expand...
I went to Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, Loft, and Tahari on this trip. The previous one was Nordstrom Rack, Marshalls, Tj maxx.
I found a few other things with higher collars but they were super bright colors, had prints, or were button downs.
I guess I'll just keep looking.
 
idontknowwhatnametopick said:
I went to Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, Loft, and Tahari on this trip. The previous one was Nordstrom Rack, Marshalls, Tj maxx.
I found a few other things with higher collars but they were super bright colors, had prints, or were button downs.
I guess I'll just keep looking.
Click to expand...

I totally understand. Maybe we're both crazy in the same way but it was very very difficult to find anything appropriate in-store for me either.

Do you have a Black and White store? I found a beautiful NOT SHEER (thank goodness) cream shell there a few days ago.

The limited also had a few not-button-down tops that were solids and quite tasteful.
 
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idontknowwhatnametopick said:
I went to Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, Loft, and Tahari on this trip. The previous one was Nordstrom Rack, Marshalls, Tj maxx.
I found a few other things with higher collars but they were super bright colors, had prints, or were button downs.
I guess I'll just keep looking.
Click to expand...
There is nothing inherently wrong with bright colors or button fronts; some women don't look good in button fronts and neon bright colors (which aren't in style so I have a hard time believing that's what you're seeing when you say "super bright") are inappropriate.

If you know what size you wear at Ann Taylor, why not order on-line? Not all stores carry all styles in all sizes. How about this: http://www.anntaylor.com/georgette-...Explode=false&catid=cata000010&priceSort=DESC Or this: http://www.anntaylor.com/crepe-zip-...Explode=false&catid=cata000010&priceSort=DESC

Banana is hit or miss with work appropriate wear; they have some nice suits and dresses but the blouses can be too sheer (this year), lots of utility/mixed media or cropped (this year as well).

Loft has a few things: http://www.loft.com/quilt-yoke-shel...rExplode=false&catid=cat640046&priceSort=DESC http://www.loft.com/pocket-blouse/3...rExplode=false&catid=cat640046&priceSort=DESC

Calvin Klein always does a nice cowl neck; as long as its not too form fitting it would be nice: http://www.calvinklein.com/shop/en/ck/womens-clothing/womens-wear-to-work/11152863-159 http://www.calvinklein.com/shop/en/ck/womens-clothing/womens-knits-tops/11155076

But you'll usually have the best luck at a department store: not an outlet, not a clearance store or a small chain. Try Macy's, Dillards, Nordstroms (not Rack), etc. they have tons of things and you can order on line if you don't have anything close by.
 
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Eccesignum said:
I totally understand. Maybe we're both crazy in the same way but it was very very difficult to find anything appropriate in-store for me either.

Do you have a Black and White store? I found a beautiful NOT SHEER (thank goodness) cream shell there a few days ago.

The limited also had a few not-button-down tops that were solids and quite tasteful.
Click to expand...
I forgot to list black and white, I went there too. Is cream just off-white? My suit is black so I was looking for light blue, mint, light pink, etc.
 
Winged Scapula said:
There is nothing inherently wrong with bright colors or button fronts; some women don't look good in button fronts and neon bright colors (which aren't in style so I have a hard time believing that's what you're seeing when you say "super bright") are inappropriate.

If you know what size you wear at Ann Taylor, why not order on-line? Not all stores carry all styles in all sizes. How about this: http://www.anntaylor.com/georgette-...Explode=false&catid=cata000010&priceSort=DESC Or this: http://www.anntaylor.com/crepe-zip-...Explode=false&catid=cata000010&priceSort=DESC

Banana is hit or miss with work appropriate wear; they have some nice suits and dresses but the blouses can be too sheer (this year), lots of utility/mixed media or cropped (this year as well).

Loft has a few things: http://www.loft.com/quilt-yoke-shel...rExplode=false&catid=cat640046&priceSort=DESC http://www.loft.com/pocket-blouse/3...rExplode=false&catid=cat640046&priceSort=DESC

Calvin Klein always does a nice cowl neck; as long as its not too form fitting it would be nice: http://www.calvinklein.com/shop/en/ck/womens-clothing/womens-wear-to-work/11152863-159 http://www.calvinklein.com/shop/en/ck/womens-clothing/womens-knits-tops/11155076

But you'll usually have the best luck at a department store: not an outlet, not a clearance store or a small chain. Try Macy's, Dillards, Nordstroms (not Rack), etc. they have tons of things and you can order on line if you don't have anything close by.
Click to expand...
You using the shirt that I'm wearing as an example validates my life choices much more than it should :love:
 
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lyana said:
@Winged Scapula
As always great tips and great examples, thanks!
Would these be appropriate under the navy blazer? I specifically love the blue one.
1.
http://www.thelimited.com/product/s...olorCode=272&start=29&prefv1=regular&ppid=c29
2.
http://www.thelimited.com/product/t...olorCode=175&start=39&prefv1=regular&ppid=c39
3.
http://www.thelimited.com/product/c...olorCode=250&start=22&prefv1=regular&ppid=c22
Click to expand...
Love the color of the blue one and think it would look nice with navy, but it might be too "bunchy" under a suit jacket since it looks like a lot of fabric.
 
Winged Scapula said:
There is nothing inherently wrong with bright colors or button fronts; some women don't look good in button fronts and neon bright colors (which aren't in style so I have a hard time believing that's what you're seeing when you say "super bright") are inappropriate.

If you know what size you wear at Ann Taylor, why not order on-line? Not all stores carry all styles in all sizes. How about this: http://www.anntaylor.com/georgette-...Explode=false&catid=cata000010&priceSort=DESC Or this: http://www.anntaylor.com/crepe-zip-...Explode=false&catid=cata000010&priceSort=DESC

Banana is hit or miss with work appropriate wear; they have some nice suits and dresses but the blouses can be too sheer (this year), lots of utility/mixed media or cropped (this year as well).

Loft has a few things: http://www.loft.com/quilt-yoke-shel...rExplode=false&catid=cat640046&priceSort=DESC http://www.loft.com/pocket-blouse/3...rExplode=false&catid=cat640046&priceSort=DESC

Calvin Klein always does a nice cowl neck; as long as its not too form fitting it would be nice: http://www.calvinklein.com/shop/en/ck/womens-clothing/womens-wear-to-work/11152863-159 http://www.calvinklein.com/shop/en/ck/womens-clothing/womens-knits-tops/11155076

But you'll usually have the best luck at a department store: not an outlet, not a clearance store or a small chain. Try Macy's, Dillards, Nordstroms (not Rack), etc. they have tons of things and you can order on line if you don't have anything close by.
Click to expand...
Thank you so much for the links. I will order a few.

Funny enough I own the CK cowl neck in blue. Someone taller than me definitely would see cleavage when I wear it.

I also own some really nice silk blouses but they are all orange (not neon, more like an orange sunset). I was thinking orange and black looks very Halloween-y.

I guess a light blue or light pink might be my best bet.
 
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idontknowwhatnametopick said:
I forgot to list black and white, I went there too. Is cream just off-white? My suit is black so I was looking for light blue, mint, light pink, etc.
Click to expand...
Yes cream is off white. There is nothing inherently wrong with wearing white; its just boring. Frankly, if you wear a black suit and white blouse you will be part of the 80% of women that will as well.
 
starlite911 said:
Love the color of the blue one and think it would look nice with navy, but it might be too "bunchy" under a suit jacket since it looks like a lot of fabric.
Click to expand...
Exactly my fears, definitely will try it on. But the material and color are very nice, I think it would look wonderful with a skirt or dress pants without a blazer.
 
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lyana said:
@Winged Scapula
As always great tips and great examples, thanks!
Would these be appropriate under the navy blazer? I specifically love the blue one.
1.
http://www.thelimited.com/product/s...olorCode=272&start=29&prefv1=regular&ppid=c29
2.
http://www.thelimited.com/product/t...olorCode=175&start=39&prefv1=regular&ppid=c39
3.
http://www.thelimited.com/product/c...olorCode=250&start=22&prefv1=regular&ppid=c22
Click to expand...
I think they are all fine.

The border/color block are non- traditional but I have no issue with it and think they look nice. You'll have to try them on with your suit jacket to make sure the neckline works for you.
 
idontknowwhatnametopick said:
Thank you so much for the links. I will order a few.

Funny enough I own the CK cowl neck in blue. Someone taller than me definitely would see cleavage when I wear it.
Click to expand...

Really? That surprises me as I own several as well and no cleavage is visible;maybe sizing is off?

I also own some really nice silk blouses but they are all orange (not neon, more like an orange sunset). I was thinking orange and black looks very Halloween-y.

I guess a light blue or light pink might be my best bet.
Click to expand...

Perhaps you are putting too much thought into the idea that "this looks like Halloween, this looks like Christmas"? Not to be ageist but I used to do that when I was younger as well; I don't see that as an issue in the adult professional work place. Obviously if you wore Halloween jewelry etc it would be a problem but there is nothing wrong with wearing orange and black together. Clearly if you own several of this color, you like it and feel confident in it.
 
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Winged Scapula said:
Really? That surprises me as I own several as well and no cleavage is visible;maybe sizing is off?



Perhaps you are putting too much thought into the idea that "this looks like Halloween, this looks like Christmas"? Not to be ageist but I used to do that when I was younger as well; I don't see that as an issue in the adult professional work place. Obviously if you wore Halloween jewelry etc it would be a problem but there is nothing wrong with wearing orange and black together. Clearly if you own several of this color, you like it and feel confident in it.
Click to expand...
Good to know, I will give them a try!
 
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Winged Scapula said:
Yes cream is off white. There is nothing inherently wrong with wearing white; its just boring. Frankly, if you wear a black suit and white blouse you will be part of the 80% of women that will as well.
Click to expand...

...sigh. Back to square one. Or, almost. I still do have one wine-colored shirt from The Limited that will work, I hope.

The frustration in this process is incredible, haha.

Is a navy suit with cream top just as bad as black?
 
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Winged Scapula said:
I think those are fine; thanks for getting the cordovan to wear with your navy suit.

Someone is listening. Someone is listening.
Click to expand...


Thank you! And as an update for anyone else looking for cordovan/burgundy pumps (which seem to be ridiculously hard to find), I got the shoes today and they're great! Any of the burgundy colored pumps by Clarks look to be a nice complement to a navy suit.
 
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So because my first interview is next week (!), I just wanted to confirm that a navy blue one button skirt suit (Ann Taylor's) with a coral pleated shell, pearls, and wine colored shoes is ok.

Still on the hunt for a bag in wine, which is proving very difficult to find at a decent price!
 
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chocoholicsoxfan said:
So because my first interview is next week (!), I just wanted to confirm that a navy blue one button skirt suit (Ann Taylor's) with a coral pleated shell, pearls, and wine colored shoes is ok.

Still on the hunt for a bag in wine, which is proving very difficult to find at a decent price!
Click to expand...

Hey, @chocoholicsoxfan--

I just ordered this one from H&M: http://www.hm.com/us/product/20036?article=20036-B

I also needed a reasonably priced burgundy bag, so I'm hoping it fits the bill. They are challenging to find!
 
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