When I started interviewing for new jobs I had a little bit of a dilemma. My current job was soooooo casual that to walk in with something remotely looking business kind of makes things look obvious. And while my employer knew I was looking for other work I really didn’t want to look out of place.
So this is how I took my interview outfit and made it casual. First off my interview outfit.
I always choose a dress for an interview. I work in production so wearing a suit for the position I want is a little too corporate. It’s really important to be familiar with the work setting you are going into and when in doubt better to dress it up! A dress and a blazer is always a safe bet for me. Also, I’m not as comfortable in pants! I really recommend going to an interview in an outfit you’re comfortable in and still expresses your personal style.
(blazer-zara’s NOTE to reader: I don’t shop here any longer; dress-romeo & juliet via loehman’s; shoes-steve madden; all jewelry gifted)
Yes, I am wearing nude tights. I actually typically would not have done this, but when I looked in the mirror I thought my bare legs made the outfit looked a little unpolished, since the hemline is a little shorter on this dress than my other interview dresses. The tights made my outfit look cleaner and more “I’m here for an interview” to me. It’s was a really simple, simple fix. I like interview outfits to have as little distraction as possible. You don’t want the interviewer to be staring at something you’re wearing (something that happened to me with a ring) you want them to be listening to you.
I also always try to start with a dress I will like outside of the interview. I love this dress by romeo & juliet. It’s really simple but with the little skirted waist it has a bit of a fashion edge.
Now making it casual! So after my interview I slipped on some flats and my vest from Rachel Roy (on sale at the moment here) and poof(!) ready for work ready or play :).
By the way friends, I landed the jobby! So you will probably see my outfits change a bit from what I usually wear. My new job is still casual but it’s definitely not as casual as my previous job. So expect a little more polished look and sadly no more leather shorts to work.
Do you guys have any tricks from going corporate to casual?
What an excellent transformation! Both look fabulous and NOT out of place. I can definitely see you in both situation.
Now the “ring-stare” {and other accessories-stare} IS a great idea! I never really thought about it until you mentioned it.
Also, I might have missed something ..why do you not shop at Zara anymore?
That really happened to me! The ring stare! And then I got distracted because one of the interviewers was sooooo distracted. She really could not stop looking at it.
Anyhow, I don’t shop at Zara’s anymore b/c one of their manufacturers in Brazil was accused of terrible labor practices, just this past August and I have yet to hear about any kind of reform in their choices of manufacturer so till then no Zara’s for me. If you’d like to read about it here ya go: http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/08/17/zara-brazil-idUKN1E77G18N20110817. Also! I’m just coming from your blog and it is goooorgeous :).
OH yikes, I certainly am out of the loop about the whole Zara thing. That is really too bad. It is usually my go to store to shop. I haven’t been there lately, simply because I don’t have any money to spend…but now I have to think twice before going there. At least not until they do something to improve the condition!
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I think this is probably how I might approach the situation as well. Layering is always good for quick change ups in an outfit! I think the blazer (which is a fab color btw) creates the perfect polished look for an interview! Can I ask why you don’t shop at Zara anymore? Is it an ethical issue? Please share 🙂
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It is friend. I was so sad about it too because I really think their clothing is always good. But you can read more about it here: http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/08/17/zara-brazil-idUKN1E77G18N20110817. Love you pretty!
I HAVE INTERNET BACK!!! EEEE!!!
I love how versatile that dress is! I always get the best fashion ideas from you =) come dress me!!!!
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LOVE the new bloggy design btw! ee!
Jenn L @ Peas and Crayons recently posted..What I Ate Wednesday #36 [What I Ate… at FSU!]
OHHHH EMMMM GEEEEE!!! SO HAPPY YOU’RE BACK!!! Missed you Jenn!
Yes, knowing your work setting is absolutely important. I love how you managed to create such a changeable look. The black dress with the peplum is beautiful on you. Congrats on the job dear.. Great news! 🙂 -xx
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I live the way you transitioned this outfit from casual to corporate! The blazer us the perfect way to dress it up and the vest is the perfect way to dress it down. Congrats on your new job! 🙂 Also, jealous that you used to be able to wear leather shorts to work!
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You did a fantastic job putting these outfits together! I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in a blazer either, you look amazing! Love that color brown on you 🙂
Congrats on the new gig Jamillah!!!! Love the dress and I love how you paired it with the green vest and flats. I also did not know about the Zara situation. Thanks for the info.
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Thanks Veronica!!! My new job is CRAZY but a good crazy! I’m super happy.
I didn’t actually know how to handle this info. I blog about a lot of ethical fashion b/c I really believe in it and I do ban companies that I find out to have unethical practices. But with that said I also am not a perfect shopper and didn’t know about this either until the reuters article. BROKE MY HEART! I felt so bad. But I am a practical person and I am not going to burn every piece of Zara’s clothing. I had thought about not putting it on the blog but I thought if I was just honest about it and transparent when questions were asked it would still be true to me. I really don’t judge anyone for having traditional retail in their closets, I’m not so much the preachy kind. But I do want to show readers how I am working to being an ethical shopper, by educating myself and also being conscious that there is a story behind the dollars I spend and the clothes on my back. Ok! Long response! I ramble when I’m oh so tired. Heart you Veronica! Hope you come to NY soon!
I am with you on that. I am practical I am not going to burn things or go out and protest with a sign outside of a store. However, if I find out something shady about a company it will definitely influence how I perceive them and 98% of the time I will never give them my business. I just think it’s bad karma and if I support their business, I am somehow part of that karma? Or supporting the cause of other people’s suffering. Just can’t.
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Oh sweetheart, you look wonderful! I especially love the ruffled waist on your black dress. I am so so so proud of you, as you know. You sweet trailblazer you. Also, I love that I know what the rest of your kitchen looks like! I am so glad I got to see and enjoy your wonderful home my darling friend. I am thinking about you so much, and daydreaming of living in the big apple. Sorry for being a stranger of late, am struggeling, but not giving in by any means. I love you to bits! Hugs to you and your man. xo oh, and one more thing. Your site looks great!
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I’m thinking of you all the time my dear friend. I emailed you an article. I hope you enjoy it. LOVE YOU! And thank you so much for your encouragement and friendship. I know you are in a difficult place sweetie so don’t apologize…I hope you know I’m here for you if you need me. Love you to bits and pieces galore!
Love that oversized blazer!
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Congrats lady!! So exciting to start a new job, I hope all goes well. Clearly your outfit was a hit in the interview. I always wear dresses in interviews, they are so easy and make you look polished with minimal effort. I’ll have to try some nude tights too- you made them look so modern with the nude heel.
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You look great, lady! I love the dress with the little flair at the waist. Really gives it a nice oomph.
Luckily, my job has casual Fridays (jeans!!!) so it’s not terribly difficult to try go from work to play. I’ll usually just add on a few accessories or sometimes it’s as easy as just taking off my blazer. Also, a little makeup helps 🙂
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