Practical Advice For What To Wear On Your Major Job Interview

Photo: Craig Barritt/Startraks 

In addition to festival, wedding and all-white season– the spring is a time for career growth. Students are graduating and looking for opportunities in their field. And while school prepares them for the formal job training, it doesn’t necessarily give guidance on what to wear.

Marshalls is fully aware of this challenge, and they’re also aware that women from all economic backgrounds need support. In conjunction with Dress for Success, the mega-retailer put on an event in NYC’s The J Room at Manhattan Club to educate, motivate and shop with women from the revered program.

Photo: Craig Barritt/Startraks 

On hand for styling tips was celebrity stylist Estee Stanley, whose client roster includes Jessica Biel, Lea Michele and the Olsen twins. Stanley educated the ladies on how to get the job of their dreams by presenting themselves appropriately.

Stanley also took time to chat with StyleBlazer about dress etiquette and how they apply to the spring season.

On one accessory every girl can feel confident with on an interview: “If you’re going into an interview or any situation where you want to dress to impress – it’s important to dress how you want to be perceived. I always tell my clients to play the role your outfit deserves. You won’t show confidence if you aren’t comfortable. Ignore trends and stiff power suits to portray an image, and dress for your body type. Your posture will improve during the meeting and you’ll be able to focus on the questions and not your itchy pants! Women always feel more powerful in a pair of killer heels, so I recommend in investing that staple and fortunately with places like Marshalls you can find designer shoes for great prices to help you look and feel your best as you go for that job. For an accessory, a really stylish portfolio or notebook can make a powerful statement – it shows you gravitate toward the creative, are organized, and have your own personality.”

On if flats ever acceptable for an interview: “Your shoe can be the first thing people look at – it help tells the full story of your outfit. You’ll want to look like you aptly prepared for the interview, and the shoe choice is a part of that. My advice is to invest in shoes for work that are comfortable yet stylish. I always defer to heels but flats are acceptable if the rest of your outfit is tailored and professional. Flats are best with a suit versus a dress, as they can make the outfit feel too casual for an interview.”

On how to incorporate spring trends (florals, bold colors, lace) into a professional look: “Choose one at a time, and build from there. There is such thing as trend overload. Trends will come and go every season – so you should choose bold colors and prints because they complement your body and make you look and feel confident. I love the floral trend this season – to keep it professional and not like a picnic, you can pair a flowy, floral top with a more structured pant or blazer.”

On hard and fast rules on wearing white: “White is a beautiful tone and can really brighten your energy. It’s hard to wear skin tight white, so I suggest keeping it loose, not body hugging. If you choose to rock a white piece, pick some smart accessories to dress it up – every woman fits into shoes and bags, and you can find tons of options of impeccable quality at Marshalls.”

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