Be fashionably ready for your interview

It’s probably no surprise that I spent my spring break shopping.  

But my week’s worth of shopping trips were not about leisure. Instead, I got down to business – literally.

Buying some proper business attire was my goal, from a sleek suit to the right pair of heels.

And I must say, this was a difficult task. I had my share of fitting room tears and price tag blues.

So, as a survivor, I thought I would offer some tips to make your experience a little less stressful.

If you have an upcoming internship or job interview, the first thing you need to determine is dress code. My interview process this past weekend lasted two days; the first required business casual attire, and the second encouraged business professional clothing.

If only it were that easy.

What exactly is business casual, and what upgrades your look to business professional?

For women, business casual can consist of a skirt or pants paired with a button-down shirt or nice blouse.

Usually, incorporating a cardigan or sport coat helps to complete the outfit, but always avoid cotton tops – you might seem too laid-back.

As for the men, a tailored pair of pants is always the right decision. Black, navy, gray and even khaki are traditionally the best color palette. Pair this with an oxford shirt and you will be set.

The button-down can be solid or striped, but stay away from outrageous patterns such as paisley. Not everyone may think this is an appropriate style.

Although patterns can be tricky, don’t be afraid to experiment with colorful tops. Not everyone has to go with the conventional white or blue. Men, change it up with a powder green, and women, dive in with a deep purple.

Since the word “casual” is included in the description, mixing neutral bottoms and tops is completely suitable for both men and women.

Follow these same simple rules for a business professional look, but crank it up a notch with a monochromatic suit – never mix and match the coat and pants in a professional ensemble. You can’t go wrong with black, navy or gray.

Shoes also play an important factor. For women, heels are a must. In my opinion, flats just look lazy. And men can’t go wrong with a pair of leather dress shoes.

To make a lasting impression, consider the type of job you are interviewing for. It might be smart to wear a suit to both a business interview for a corporate office and for a fashion design position, but you should obviously be trendier with the latter.

Once you have a basic idea of what you are looking for, it’s time to hit the stores. But be prepared for the long line of numbers after the dollar sign on the price tag.

The first store I went to was Macy’s, and I quickly found out that a $298 sport coat and $198 pant by BCBGMAXAZRIA was not within my reach.

Shopping for business attire on a college budget may seem impossible, but for men and women alike, Kohl’s, Sears and even Target offer a range of suits, shirts and blouses for a fresh business look.

If you want to invest in a higher-end suit without having to take out another student loan, try places like The Limited and Express. These retailers offer a nice middle ground between discount and designer.

Still, the most important thing is fit. An interview is a critical point to the start of your career, so please take the time to get your items tailored.

If the pants and arms to your suit are too lengthy, you may come off as young and possibly immature, looking like a kid playing dress-up in your mom or dad’s suit. If your outfit is too tight or too short, this may distract the interviewer from your true skills.

We always hear that interviews are all about impression, so we should be careful what we say and how we are perceived. It is a time to sell yourself and make sure employers know your value – and sometimes, clothes are everything. An outfit communicates the unspoken message about who you are and what you represent.

If your words inform interviewers you are a packaged deal, then make sure your wrappings reaffirm that message.