Dress for Success: Women

While it may seem like a simple task, dressing for interviews is
more complicated than one might think. There’s a fine line
between formal and stuffy; hip and slovenly; and it’s your
task as the interviewee to find the perfect harmony. Jessica Huang,
the Diversity captain of Columbia’s recruiting team and an
analyst at Citigroup advised that, “anything you have to
question, you shouldn’t wear.” On a very basic level,
she said that one of the most important things is simple grooming:
“Your shirt should be ironed. A lot of people fail to realize
that.” Of course, what you wear to an interview depends on
where you’re heading, but here are a few general tips to help
guide you.

Keep it simple and don’t over-accessorize.

While it may be interesting to wear a few conversation pieces,
going overboard may cost you the job. Coco Chanel once said that
after getting dressed, you must remove one item from your ensemble.
One necklace and a simple bracelet will do just fine.

Footwear should be modest and functional.

As winter approaches, open-toed and white shoes are off limits.
Try sporting a Sabrina-esque kitten heel so as not to detract from
the real subject of the interview—you. You might even try to
take the shoes to a shoemaker beforehand so they can put a thin
rubber sole on the bottom. This prevents embarrassing clicking and
clacking as you’re walking into the office as well as
slipping on a smooth floor. Also, if your suit is black, your shoes
shouldn’t be; you don’t want to be loud, but you also
don’t want to be boring.

Don’t show too much skin.

Skirts should be knee length and pantsuits are always a solid
choice. You may be very fond of that belly button ring you’ve
recently acquired, but your potential employer won’t be. On
the other hand, you don’t want to look like a nun. Covering
up too much can imply a coldness and rigidity that most businesses
can do without, so put your turtlenecks away. You need to strike a
balance that makes you feel comfortable. If you’re
uncomfortable in your clothes, your interviewer will be
uncomfortable with you.

Wear tights.

Unless you’re wearing a pair of pants, your bare legs are
not where you want to direct your interviewer’s attention.
Steer clear of white or brightly colored tights as well as fishnet
stockings. And no matter how cold it is, ditch the leg warmers.
Instead, consider investing in two pairs of tights: one opaque
black, one nude. These two will open up a plethora of possibilities
as they go with nearly everything. Be careful though: check your
legs before you leave home. If you spot a run, stay calm. Grab some
clear nail polish, and dab the polish on and around the afflicted
area. Things will heal nicely in a matter of minutes.

Think of yourself as a chameleon.

If the job you covet is at an alternative music magazine or in
the independent film industry, check your pinstripes at the door.
Instead, go for a slightly more eclectic look, with whimsical
accents. Try pinning a vintage brooch purchased at a flea market to
a simple cardigan or use some lace to add glamour to an ordinary
suit. In a less mainstream environment, your best bet is to stay
away from the all black cliché—it can be monotonous
and a little austere.