Let’s be real here: As students who are just joining the workforce, most of us own more sweatpants and tees than we do formal business wear. Yet as we progress through college, interviews and internships become more frequent, creating quite the dilemma when attempting to dress to impress (especially when you’re in a creative industry like fashion). But don’t fear—with a few key items you already have in your wardrobe, you can easily create a work-appropriate outfit that will work for even the most professional occasion. The five styling tips ahead prove you don’t need to spend your entire paycheck to look interview-ready.
mix a blazer with a bright print
A good blazer is another piece you can’t go wrong with for an interview. Luckily, plaid blazers are everywhere right now and are super fun to style. Try pairing yours with a brightly printed piece for a look that’s completely unexpected. Want to really impress your interviewer? Wear a pair of chic kitten heels to show you’re both stylish and sensible.
layer a little black dress over a crisp blouse
Who doesn’t love a little black dress? If you’re unsure of how to style yours, try throwing a sleeveless one over a crisp button-down to create an outfit that’s both polished and trendy. To elevate the look, add some bold-colored accessories.Â
tuck a basic t-shirt into stylish trousers
Though T-shirts may seem unprofessional, I’d argue that they can be office-appropriate when styled with key pieces. Can’t figure out what to wear under your blazer? Slip on a white T-shirt and tuck it into some high-waisted trousers, then finish the look with a pair of statement heels. Glam it all up with a bright red lip.
wear black pants under a long coat
Finding the perfect pair of black pants will change the way you dress. They can add an element of sophistication to any outfit and require very little effort to style. I love cropped, wide-leg pants paired with ankle boots, a turtleneck, and a coat. It’s a stylish and easy way to layer when you’re dealing with freezing-cold weather and an unexpectedly warm office.
add a button-down under a chic jacket
A simple button-down shirt is essential to your wardrobe and one of the easiest pieces to wear for a professional look. If you don’t already own one, I recommend starting with a plain white button-down shirt. This piece is incredibly versatile, so you can truly pair it with anything. Go for a classic look by tucking it into a pair of jeans or wearing it under a chic blazer. You can also pair it with some black pants and flats for an elegant look. Bottom line: You can’t go wrong with a button-down shirt.
How do you style your casual pieces for an interview? Let us know in the comments below!
Featured photo by @freehandednonsense.
