When looking for a job or internship, the entire process can definitely be overwhelming. But arguably the hardest part? Figuring out what to wear. It can be nerve-wracking when there is so much pressure to dress the part and not only seem professional but also express your own personal style at the same time—especially if you’re trying to land an internship in a creative industry. To crack the code on the foolproof formulas our College Fashionista Community Members turn to, we asked 10 students the interview outfits they wore that landed them the jobs. From wrap dresses to the basic pants-and-blouse combination, here are the looks that got them hired.
“I interviewed to be an event banquet server at a country club and wore a slim-fitting pair of patterned trousers pants with a white top with pretty billowed sleeves. I also wore black shiny flats.” — Nicole Buttrick, University of Central Florida class of 2021
“I interviewed to intern at a startup fashion company and I wore a cobalt blue high-waisted A-line skirt with a white silk V-neck top and a loose black blazer. I wore black strappy low-heeled sandals.” — Megan McSherry, University of Southern California class of 2019
“I interviewed for a sales position for a payroll company. When I think of business, I think of black. I wore a black turtleneck tank tucked into black high waisted paper bag pants, a black blazer over top paired with detailed black flats.” — Mackenzie Hammons, Central Michigan University class of 2018
“I interviewed for a position as a stylist at Free People. I wore high-waisted flare jeans paired with a blouse with a high neck lace detailing in white. [For shoes], I wore nude loafers.” — Madison Michaels, Fashion Institute of Technology class of 2020
“When I interviewed for Rhode Island Monthly, I wore a black and brown houndstooth jacket with a black turtleneck, slacks, and flats.” — April Federico, Roger Williams University class of 2019
“I wore [a] simple wrap dress in a periwinkle color with nude heels and gold dainty jewelry. I thought it showed that I was fashionable, but also professional.” — Abigail Watson, University of Minnesota class of 2020
“I interviewed for a marketing internship position with Curtsy with the CEO. I wore a silky royal blue Express blouse with a black cardigan and a black pencil skirt. I also wore kitten heels that had black bows on them. Subtle, but still stylish.” — Emily Langtiw, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign class of 2020
“I interviewed for a customer service position at Rent the Runway. I wore a black button-down A-line skirt that stopped mid shins, and a mesh top. I also wore a pair of black heels to top it off.” — Aidenamy Winter Davis, Berkeley College class of 2018
“When I interviewed last spring for my current job as a beauty advisor at Ulta Beauty, I wore a white blouse with a red lip print. I paired it with a black corduroy skirt, black tights, and black Oxford shoes.” — Callie Bisset, Emerson College class of 2019
“I interviewed for an art internship at Encyclopaedia Britannica. I wore heathered gray dress pants that cropped just above the ankle, a striped blue and white top underneath a blue dress shirt (that I left open) that had cute pearls on the cuffs. For shoes, I wore black Mary Jane flats. I accessorized with a couple rings and a simple gold necklace.” — Catherine Bixler, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign class of 2020
What was the interview outfit that you wore that got you the job? Let us know in the comments below!
Opening image by Dia Oborna.
