I’m going to a job interview. I have polished something and still need comfortably, with exactly the right amount rack – Something that says, “I get it” without screaming: “I think about it.” Is there an alternative to a business suit? – Tali, Boston
Don’t completely write off the business suit. I understand that you want to use every possible lever to convey who you are to a potential employer in the short time available, and clothing is an important unspoken part of that, but there is a thin line between wearing something that Trust suggests and independence of thinking and something that becomes a distraction.
Remember that when it comes to organizations, they often judge them in a good way and otherwise between different ones. In general, they are looking for someone – whether it is a senior leader or a junior staff member – who seems to perish with the corporate culture. Or who will establish a new, positive corporate culture. And some of those judgments have to do with whether someone looks the role.
If you can first explore the landscape and get an idea of the office ‘uniform’, great. That can be your guide. But if not, it might be better to play it somewhat safely – with some important exceptions.
Indeed, only because the idea of a pack of yawns seems to be known, this does not mean that it should be boring. It’s what you wear of The suit – the details – that matter, largely because they show attention to detail. I think of the suit, especially the pantsuit, as a professional canvas that you can decorate according to taste. Or, in that regard, to display your taste.
This is where shoes, jewelry, watches, scarves – even shirts – become important. Catherine Holstein, Khaite’s designer, said that as far as she is concerned: “You can never go wrong with a great pair of black pants, a black sweater or a crispy white shirt and a belt with a cool buckle.”
An explanation can also be crucial, said Mrs. Holstein, but if you use jewelry as a talk point, keep it one piece: earrings or a chain or a bracelet, but not all at the same time. The idea is to suggest hidden depths and out-of-the-box, not to stock up on your interviewer.
If jewelry is not your thing, Mrs. Holstein suggested wearing colorful shoes to only offer a touch of color. Samira Nasr, the editor of Harper’s Bazaar, went one step further when I asked her opinion.
“Really lean in color,” she said. Wear a suit but not one “in a typical business shadow, such as navy, black or beige,” she said. “Make it a red suit or even a green suit.” That way you also have personality and polishing.
Whatever you decide, make sure it does not require your attention if you have attracted it. There are few things worse than messing around with your clothes – pulling it on, adjusting them – during an interview, when the point is to present the most together version of yourself.
And you don’t want to wear clothing that is wrinkled, stained or dangling random threads for obvious reasons.
“I once interviewed a potential employee and she had a stack of bracelets on one arm,” said Mrs. Holstein. “Every time she moved, they cried around and towards the end of the interview they were everything I could think of.” She didn’t get the job.
Your style questions, answered
Every week on Open Thread, Vanessa answers the fashion-related question from a reader, who you can send her at any time via E -Mail or Twitter. Questions are edited and condensed.
