Interview Wear: How to dress Up Appropriately?

Office Wear

Most people think that landing an interview call is the hardest thing when it comes to work. However, the scene changes as soon as you start thinking about the work wear and more importantly, what are you going to wear to your interview?

A lot goes through the mind when it comes to selecting the clothes for work. First, you do not want to come off as someone who has little knowledge of work fashion and second, you have to keep it subtle, soft and yet impactful. This becomes even more critical if you are a woman since you are expected to look smart (and let’s agree, somewhat hot) and decent at the same time. Hard? Definitely, it is. Nevertheless, we know the struggle, we understand the struggle and this is why we decided to write down a few points that will help you learn office fashion and create your own style of work wear.

Understand your position

The most important part is understanding your position at work. Are you going in for a clerical position or will you be appearing in front of a panel for a managerial position? Every position in an office demands a certain authority and a certain personality. If you are a future manager, you are expected to show up in the smartly tailored suit. Whereas if you are going to appear for a clerical position, you will be judged based on the pattern of your tie. Same goes for the ladies.

When unsure, keep it conservative

Since you are going to be in the new office for the first time, you definitely do not know the work wear trends being followed in the workplace. Therefore, the best bet here is to dress conservative and go for lighter shades. I would recommend a well-tailored suit for both the genders. Why? Because nothing yells ‘sophistication’ as much as the greys and blacks of a suit do.

PRO TIP: Always opt for a white shirt/blouse.

Solid colors are the best

Checks and dots look hot, I agree but are they being followed freely by the people in their daily office fashion at your new workplace? Mostly, NO. So, what remains? Solids. Again, when it comes to making the first impression, the dark colors are always the best. However, in some cases, if your industry allows, you could opt for more subtle colors like pink and light green (and I am not saying Pink suits for Men). Ladies think in terms of pastel colors. These are totally on trend for the season.

Flashy Ties and Socks

Most men lose all their brownie points as soon as they enter the room thanks to the red tie with a Superman logo on it. You need to ‘straighten’ your workwear game Bro! In a professional environment, sophistication is worshipped. You need to understand it and fine-tune your work fashion sense. Another thing that you should keep a check on is the color and pattern of your socks. The red, yellow, green, flashy ones – throw them out of your work wear closet. Ladies, opt for no-show socks; or thigh high stockings (black or nude) because they are just so authoritative.

Finally, the shoes.

Since we are discussing safe work fashion for the interview day and since we have already agreed on dressing impactful, it is time that we do it with our shoes too. So, open toe shoes for men? OUT. Open toe shoes for women? Sure, but only if they have a little heel and your nails are in a good shape. So, what would be considered as a trendy work wear for men? Try black or brown (match it with your belt) oxfords, brogues, formal loafers or if it is a casual workplace, sneakers. Ladies, its time to wear those work heels that haven’t come out in a while. No stilettos unless you know what you are doing and strictly no 6-inch heels. We are going to be soft with our work fashion, at least on the interview day.