Women's Interview Clothing (thread #2)

[ar2388]

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i think perfume would be ok.. i always wear perfume so i will be for the interview.. something not overpowering and light.
my shoes will probably be at least 2.5-3 in and im not terriblly short - 5'7. lower than that and i think the shoes look weird

 

[Druzie]

Is tucking a must? I like when the bottom of the blouse peeks out just a little. I think it breaks up a dark, solid-color suit.

Also, I'm short, so I went with pointy-toe booties to elongate the leg. I see more people on here are doing round toes, which I tried, but I thought it just looked odd with the pantsuit.

I also have a pink trench from Ann Taylor. Is that too much? I guess I won't be wearing it around interviewers, and I think it's way more fun than a neutral colour.

Finally, what do people think about hair? I may get mine cut off completely by the time I get any interviews (if I get any), but if I don't... is straightening better? Most of the time I put some gel in and let it go wild.

 

[copperfrog09]

Is tucking a must? I like when the bottom of the blouse peeks out just a little. I think it breaks up a dark, solid-color suit.

Also, I'm short, so I went with pointy-toe booties to elongate the leg. I see more people on here are doing round toes, which I tried, but I thought it just looked odd with the pantsuit.

I also have a pink trench from Ann Taylor. Is that too much? I guess I won't be wearing it around interviewers, and I think it's way more fun than a neutral colour.

Finally, what do people think about hair? I may get mine cut off completely by the time I get any interviews (if I get any), but if I don't... is straightening better? Most of the time I put some gel in and let it go wild.

I think I'm going to straighten. (Mine's wavy/ curly and I do the same) It just looks more polished. I was wondering, though, is it better to put hair up than leave it down? Mine is pretty bright blond and although I just chopped it off to just past my shoulders the color can make it look a little "Barbie doll" and blond just doesn't seem like a color that is taken very seriously

 

[Druzie]

I think I'm going to straighten. (Mine's wavy/ curly and I do the same) It just looks more polished. I was wondering, though, is it better to put hair up than leave it down? Mine is pretty bright blond and although I just chopped it off to just past my shoulders the color can make it look a little "Barbie doll" and blond just doesn't seem like a color that is taken very seriously

I think down is the norm, as long as it is out of your face. We want to look serious but approachable, right? And don't touch or mess with it too much while at the interview. Very distracting.

 

[tessa108]

Finally, what do people think about hair? I may get mine cut off completely by the time I get any interviews (if I get any), but if I don't... is straightening better? Most of the time I put some gel in and let it go wild.

I'm going curly. I have very curly hair and never straighten it; I'm not planning on starting for an interview. (Not to mention that I don't have a straightener!) Granted, my hair is pretty short so it won't be all over the place or in my face or anything, but I certainly don't consider curly hair unprofessional (and it's not like you can't keep longer curly hair out of your face as well). Go with what you're most comfortable with.

 

[Druzie]

I'm going curly. I have very curly hair and never straighten it; I'm not planning on starting for an interview. (Not to mention that I don't have a straightener!) Granted, my hair is pretty short so it won't be all over the place or in my face or anything, but I certainly don't consider curly hair unprofessional (and it's not like you can't keep longer curly hair out of your face as well). Go with what you're most comfortable with.

I love curly hair, and I think some women wear it really well and professionally. I am not one of those women. I mean, I think I wear it well, but I like it to be all over the place. 🙂 It will probably come down to how lazy I am.

Thanks for the input, ladies!

 

[Revilla]

I have curly hair that will frizz if I don't straighten. I plan to blowdry straight (instead of using a straightener) and have the sides trimmed so I can sweep them back without a hassle.

 

[thesecretgarden]

How do you ladies keep your hair frizz-free? I'll be straightening my hair, but after walking around in the humid heat, my hair tends to get very frizzy.

 

[tessa108]

How do you ladies keep your hair frizz-free? I'll be straightening my hair, but after walking around in the humid heat, my hair tends to get very frizzy.

I just use a bit of gel stuff for curly hair, then air dry. Blowing it dry tends to exacerbate the frizziness, so I usually avoid that. My hair generally isn't too bad with frizz, though, since it's short; when it's humid, it just curls up tighter. Can't help too much with straightened hair, though...have you tried putting some anti-frizz gel in it or something?

 

[thesecretgarden]

I just use a bit of gel stuff for curly hair, then air dry. Blowing it dry tends to exacerbate the frizziness, so I usually avoid that. My hair generally isn't too bad with frizz, though, since it's short; when it's humid, it just curls up tighter. Can't help too much with straightened hair, though...have you tried putting some anti-frizz gel in it or something?

no, I haven't tried that. maybe i'll try putting on some pomade or something.

 

[beachblonde]

How do you ladies keep your hair frizz-free? I'll be straightening my hair, but after walking around in the humid heat, my hair tends to get very frizzy.

farouk biosilk silk therapy serum or bumble & bumble straight

apply to wet hair, blow dry, then flat iron. I also like chi's iron guard spray to help keep my hair straight and not totally ruined from my flat iron.

 

[thesecretgarden]

farouk biosilk silk therapy serum or bumble & bumble straight

apply to wet hair, blow dry, then flat iron. I also like chi's iron guard spray to help keep my hair straight and not totally ruined from my flat iron.

thank you. i'll try that out. 🙂

 

[BassPlease]

On the subject of hair... I'm in the process of growing mine out (from Katie Holmes-short) and it is just about at shoulder length. I also am growing out my sidesweep bangs and they are at the most painful length. I really can't wear them down without any clips because I will be constantly brushing them out of my eyes, and they are too short to be pulled back in a half-ponytail. What do you guys think about clips for restraining unruly bangs? I need to do something without looking childish... I guess this is all pending Sept/Oct interviews... any later than that and my bangs probably will be at a manageable length!

-BP

 

[Revilla]

How do you ladies keep your hair frizz-free? I'll be straightening my hair, but after walking around in the humid heat, my hair tends to get very frizzy.

Pick up a bottle of Frizz Ease Moisture Barrier hairspray. It's an anti-humidity spray. It works like magic on straight hair (not as good with curly hair, so if you have curly hair, straighten it if you want to avoid frizz). I straighten my hair with a blow dryer and then coat it with the hairspray and I'm good for hours.

 

[tessa108]

On the subject of hair... I'm in the process of growing mine out (from Katie Holmes-short) and it is just about at shoulder length. I also am growing out my sidesweep bangs and they are at the most painful length. I really can't wear them down without any clips because I will be constantly brushing them out of my eyes, and they are too short to be pulled back in a half-ponytail. What do you guys think about clips for restraining unruly bangs? I need to do something without looking childish... I guess this is all pending Sept/Oct interviews... any later than that and my bangs probably will be at a manageable length!

-BP

Maybe try bobby pins or, if those don't hold very well, clips that are close to your hair color. That way, they'll keep your hair out of your face, but be less noticeable.

 

[Revilla]

On the subject of hair... I'm in the process of growing mine out (from Katie Holmes-short) and it is just about at shoulder length. I also am growing out my sidesweep bangs and they are at the most painful length. I really can't wear them down without any clips because I will be constantly brushing them out of my eyes, and they are too short to be pulled back in a half-ponytail. What do you guys think about clips for restraining unruly bangs? I need to do something without looking childish... I guess this is all pending Sept/Oct interviews... any later than that and my bangs probably will be at a manageable length!

-BP

Do you know how to tease without looking like you belong in a 1980s poster? If so, you should tease the bangs with a comb while they're still falling to the front, spray them, then smooth them and push them back by running a regular brush over them. Pin them to the side or the top of your head with one of those miniature bobby pins no one will notice. If you do it right, it'll look professional and sophisticated. Just remember to practice to get it just right.

 

[StaceLynn7]

I also am growing out my sidesweep bangs and they are at the most painful length.

-BP

Bobby pins that are the same color as your hair. Most beauty supply places have them. Wal-mart often has a few options.

 

[MilkmanAl]

This thread is even more vaginal than I expected. Nice work, ladies.

 

[ar2388]

i will probably keep my hair up only because if it really is an interview and a tour i worry the wind outside and the long time without being able to brush my hair back into decency will not turn out well. i usually just put my hair up in a messy bun type thing.. although saying that makes me think maybe i should not do it...
i am thinking that as we get closer to actual interview dates, we should post photos of us in our outfits.
btw, black, opaque tights with a black suit should be ok right? i think im going to go with a "wild strawberry" colored shirt underneath my black suit. but if i wear the navy suit and a lavender shirt, should i just go with nude tights? black shoes still ok? lol ahh!! decisions and i dont even have an interview yet

 

[lol.psych]

i will probably keep my hair up only because if it really is an interview and a tour i worry the wind outside and the long time without being able to brush my hair back into decency will not turn out well. i usually just put my hair up in a messy bun type thing.. although saying that makes me think maybe i should not do it...
i am thinking that as we get closer to actual interview dates, we should post photos of us in our outfits.
btw, black, opaque tights with a black suit should be ok right? i think im going to go with a "wild strawberry" colored shirt underneath my black suit. but if i wear the navy suit and a lavender shirt, should i just go with nude tights? black shoes still ok? lol ahh!! decisions and i dont even have an interview yet

Black tights would be okay, but I personally think nude ones look much better. And wild strawberry + black = totally awesome. And yes, black shoes match EVERYTHING (I think?)

 

[foster033]

i will probably keep my hair up only because if it really is an interview and a tour i worry the wind outside and the long time without being able to brush my hair back into decency will not turn out well. i usually just put my hair up in a messy bun type thing.. although saying that makes me think maybe i should not do it...
i am thinking that as we get closer to actual interview dates, we should post photos of us in our outfits.
btw, black, opaque tights with a black suit should be ok right? i think im going to go with a "wild strawberry" colored shirt underneath my black suit. but if i wear the navy suit and a lavender shirt, should i just go with nude tights? black shoes still ok? lol ahh!! decisions and i dont even have an interview yet

Technically lainapox is right and black shoes match everything since they're a neutral...
I always think black and navy look funny together though b/c they're so close it looks like you tried to match them but it didn't work out so well...

I really like burgundy with navy...although the heel on these shoes is probably too high but the color is nice, very subdued.
or you could try something like this depending on the shade of navy this may or may not look good.
you could also just get navy shoes.

 

[beachblonde]

Technically lainapox is right and black shoes match everything since they're a neutral...
I always think black and navy look funny together though b/c they're so close it looks like you tried to match them but it didn't work out so well...

I really like burgundy with navy...although the heel on these shoes is probably too high but the color is nice, very subdued.
or you could try something like this depending on the shade of navy this may or may not look good.
you could also just get navy shoes.

ahhh! black and navy is one of my biggest fashion pet peeves! it ranks right up there with vpl!

 

[Doctorverardoll]

On the subject of hair... I'm in the process of growing mine out (from Katie Holmes-short) and it is just about at shoulder length. I also am growing out my sidesweep bangs and they are at the most painful length. I really can't wear them down without any clips because I will be constantly brushing them out of my eyes, and they are too short to be pulled back in a half-ponytail. What do you guys think about clips for restraining unruly bangs? I need to do something without looking childish... I guess this is all pending Sept/Oct interviews... any later than that and my bangs probably will be at a manageable length!

-BP

I'd get a cute tortise-shell looking or black headband. Get plastic, as the fabric ones are too casual.

 

[Doctorverardoll]

i will probably keep my hair up only because if it really is an interview and a tour i worry the wind outside and the long time without being able to brush my hair back into decency will not turn out well. i usually just put my hair up in a messy bun type thing.. although saying that makes me think maybe i should not do it...

For my interviews, I wore my hair in a low ponytail with a distinct sidepart. I stole the idea from a pic of Gwyneth Paltrow. I little hairspray to keep the part sleek and you are good to go.

 

[Carlin]

For my interviews, I wore my hair in a low ponytail with a distinct sidepart. I stole the idea from a pic of Gwyneth Paltrow. I little hairspray to keep the part sleek and you are good to go.

This is what I always do for professional-type occassions. It's a really good style for people with long, straight hair. Practical and polished 🙂

 

[beachblonde]

For my interviews, I wore my hair in a low ponytail with a distinct sidepart. I stole the idea from a pic of Gwyneth Paltrow. I little hairspray to keep the part sleek and you are good to go.

I like low ponytails as well...a bun is really easy to manage with a few bobby pins and some hairspray for another simple hairstyle.

I left mine down, straightened, and just brought a brush with me (a mini one from sephora). It's a bit on the long side, but it's not so long as to look silly or unprofessional. I didn't have any major problems with wind...I was just mostly cold because I refused to put on a hat and ruin my hair!

Headbands are good, too....jcrew always has some nice ones.

 

[Adnama]

I love this thread - so helpful!

So I am pale/blue eyes/light hair. I have yet to own a suit and I am hesitant to go with black considering my complexion.

Do you guys think blue or gray or what? Also, are pin-stripes in?

 

[beachblonde]

I love this thread - so helpful!

So I am pale/blue eyes/light hair. I have yet to own a suit and I am hesitant to go with black considering my complexion.

Do you guys think blue or gray or what? Also, are pin-stripes in?

I'd try on grey, blue, and brown suits and see which ones look best. there's usually a range of shades, so find one that looks good on you. I got my colors done a few years ago, and I bet you can look up online some sort of guide to tell you what kinds of colors to avoid. you can also look for lightly patterned suits-pinstripes or plaids (I swear, you can find nice ones that don't look as dumpy as it sounds).

a friend of mine got a pinstriped calvin klein suit last year for her interviews, and she looked darn sharp in that outfit. so definitely yes to pinstripes if you find a nice suit with them.

 

[admitER]

this thread is awesome!!!!

where are you guys buying your suits???? I know a bunch of people said vicki's, but online shopping never seems to work well for me - i really always have to try stuff on (never enough room up top)

so, any advice? I went to a few department stores, but everything looked so matronly. then I went to express, and everything was too trendy/flashy.

anyone else having such a dilemma? or am I over-analyzing?

 

[SarsMO]

I had the WORST time finding my suit in malls...so I eventually gave up and bought my suit from J.Crew online (they sell suits in tall - pants and jackets - this is another reason I went online...stores don't really carry tall sizes). I would suggest trying on suits (even ugly suits) in stores so you have a better idea of what stance/how many buttons you'd like on the jacket, then buy online...

Most places online have great return policies, so it's not too big of a deal if you need to return them. Good luck. I feel your pain.

 

[beachblonde]

this thread is awesome!!!!

where are you guys buying your suits???? I know a bunch of people said vicki's, but online shopping never seems to work well for me - i really always have to try stuff on (never enough room up top)

so, any advice? I went to a few department stores, but everything looked so matronly. then I went to express, and everything was too trendy/flashy.

anyone else having such a dilemma? or am I over-analyzing?

I understand completely; I'm tiny and look young, so it was hard for me to find suits that not only fit, but didn't make me look like I was wearing my mother's clothes.

places to find nice, youngerish suits: jcrew, banana republic, ann taylor/ann taylor loft

if you live near a outlet place: tahari, theory, barneys, saks, and neimans are good places to look and not have to spend too much.

clearly, I'm going to miss a few places in my list, but those are some stores I trust.

 

[tessa108]

I understand completely; I'm tiny and look young, so it was hard for me to find suits that not only fit, but didn't make me look like I was wearing my mother's clothes.

places to find nice, youngerish suits: jcrew, banana republic, ann taylor/ann taylor loft

if you live near a outlet place: tahari, theory, barneys, saks, and neimans are good places to look and not have to spend too much.

clearly, I'm going to miss a few places in my list, but those are some stores I trust.

Express and the limited are also good places to try. Some nice suits, and pretty reasonable prices. I had good luck at Express.

 

[lol.psych]

I got mine at Anne Klein, and my other (not as awesome) skirtsuit at Daffy's.

 

[lainey234]

So, I'm not usually a shoe person, but I saw these at Dillard's and fell in love. I'm basically building my interview outfit around the shoes!

I figure they will look incredible with a drak grey suit. Now i just need to get lucky and land an interview!

 

[lol.psych]

So, I'm not usually a shoe person, but I saw these at Dillard's and fell in love. I'm basically building my interview outfit around the shoes!

I figure they will look incredible with a drak grey suit. Now i just need to get lucky and land an interview!

Those are so cute!

 

[lainey234]

Do you think they're okay for an interview though? I just wanted a splash of fun, nothing too dramatic.

 

[Lacheln]

Do you think they're okay for an interview though? I just wanted a splash of fun, nothing too dramatic.

Those are cute. 🙂 I think they're fine for the interview as long as you keep the suit and accessories very simple.

 

[lol.psych]

Do you think they're okay for an interview though? I just wanted a splash of fun, nothing too dramatic.

I think so! They're not brightly colored or anything, and they aren't covered entirely in sequins... you'll be fine 🙂 Just get an averagely-flashy suit (meaning: not flashy) and your shoes will act as an adorable accessory

 

[lol.psych]

Do you think they're okay for an interview though? I just wanted a splash of fun, nothing too dramatic.

Also, try wearing a red shirt under your blazer, to match the shoes. I think that would look good

(also, it might be a bad idea to take any kind of fashion advice from me - I regularly wear men's pants, and only occasionally have a chick-like streak where I wear ultra-adorable girly clothes. I do, however, think that my ultra-adorable girly phases involve wearing clothes that are well-coordinated and look nice)

 

[lol.psych]

I hate tights.
Hate, Hate, Hate.
As a result of this hatred, I have no idea which tights are best.
So:
Which tights are best?

Edit: By "which tights" I meant "which brand of tights"

 

[ar2388]

im kinda thinking black tights with a black suit and the bright, wild strawberry shirt im gonna get will be what i do. for the navy suit, iwill wear nude tights, probably black shoes to match a black bag, and the lavender shirt..

 

[thesecretgarden]

im kinda thinking black tights with a black suit and the bright, wild strawberry shirt im gonna get will be what i do. for the navy suit, iwill wear nude tights, probably black shoes to match a black bag, and the lavender shirt..

I've heard skin-color tights are best for a professional look and tights that are darker than your skin tone are best for evenings. I doubt it matters much, but this is what I've heard. Everything else sounds great!

 

[TheVerve]

anyone know where i can get cheap shoes? im going broke.. i tried payless and burlington but couldnt find anything.. help!!

by the way, what about purses/handbags... besides looking professional, are there any rules about them? i think im going to buy a hobo/work tote kind so that i can put handouts and extra shoes inside them..

 

[beachblonde]

I hate tights.
Hate, Hate, Hate.
As a result of this hatred, I have no idea which tights are best.
So:
Which tights are best?

Edit: By "which tights" I meant "which brand of tights"

I would recommend you look for hose, not tights-tights are thicker and unless you're 1) 5 years old, 2) a ballerina, or 3) Blair Waldorf, you probably won't get much use out of them.

Hanes, L'eggs, and spanx are all good brands that aren't ridiculously expensive.

 

[Carlin]

anyone know where i can get cheap shoes? im going broke.. i tried payless and burlington but couldnt find anything.. help!!

Try DSW. They have a great selection, and usually some pretty good sales.

 

[lol.psych]

I would recommend you look for hose, not tights-tights are thicker and unless you're 1) 5 years old, 2) a ballerina, or 3) Blair Waldorf, you probably won't get much use out of them.

Hanes, L'eggs, and spanx are all good brands that aren't ridiculously expensive.

I have NO idea what the difference is between hose and tights =P
Thanks though! You definitely answered my question 😀

 

[Keona]

I just found a really nice pair from Gordmans, I'm not sure if everywhere has that store though. My shoes only cost $13, they were comfortable to wear for about 5 hours standing up, and they look professional. Off Broadway shoes also has some nice, not ridiculously expensive shoes.

 

[copperfrog09]

I just found a really nice pair from Gordmans, I'm not sure if everywhere has that store though. My shoes only cost $13, they were comfortable to wear for about 5 hours standing up, and they look professional. Off Broadway shoes also has some nice, not ridiculously expensive shoes.

Okay, maybe you can answer the burning question in my town: What IS Gordman's? We currently have, in the center of town, a new Target going up right next to a new building with this mysterious "Gordman's" printed on it, and we've all been dying to know what it is.

 

[SarsMO]

It's just a discount dept store...kind of like Kohl's...

www.[B]gordmans[/B].com/

 

[Keona]

Okay, maybe you can answer the burning question in my town: What IS Gordman's? We currently have, in the center of town, a new Target going up right next to a new building with this mysterious "Gordman's" printed on it, and we've all been dying to know what it is.

I don't think Gordman's is like Kohl's. Gordman's has some name brand stuff, american eagle, and others for much cheaper than you would pay in those stores. Kohl's doesn't sell the brands from other stores, at least not the ones around me🙂 It is very cheap, so nice if you're shopping on a budget, but you often have to look very hard to find the quality items. I love the store, it has a little bit of everything in it. There is also bedding, pet supplies, and lots more random stuff. It's a fun store to explore in your spare time.😀