Step onto any college campus and one will see students walking around campus in ill-fitting suits and shiny new dress shoes. This is a scene that can only be described as interview season. It’s easy to hear the term “business wear” and immediately head towards an all-black wardrobe. In reality, business dress, for both guys and girls, is an opportunity to express yourself and leave an impression with color, shape and texture.
A great way to incorporate different colors and textures is to layer. Multiple pieces made of different textiles are no longer just for casual wear. Girls generally wear a nice printed tank or collared top under their blazers. Add a few more pieces like a cardigan or second shirt before pulling on a favorite blazer or jacket. Guys should also keep this in mind and can opt for a shawl-collared sweater instead of a blazer to take some of the stiffness out of a suit.
Experimenting with color can also have a great payoff when trying to get noticed and be memorable. Leave the black at home and try out a navy or brown color scheme. Try to stick to a palette of three colors, two darker and one lighter. This rule will liven up a look and allow for colors like green and purple to fit seamlessly into interview attire. Only own black dress pants? Don’t wear white or black on top. Instead add brightness with an unexpected color like red or bright pink.
Dressing professionally while also making a splash is all about trade-offs. When wearing unusual or bright colors, stick to traditional shapes and tailored fits. When using a more traditional color scheme, one can experiment with shapes and details like ruffled collars or sweater jackets and hardware. Keep one aspect of the look familiar, but find one way to express a wow factor.
Speaking of hardware – jewelry is a great way to make a statement through fashion. Make sure the pieces add to the outfit and don’t distract from the interview content. Sometimes a more casual ensemble can be pushed into the business formal category simply by adding some professional and clean-looking jewelry. Guys can use these same rules for tie clips or collar clips. If they feel natural and add to the look, go for it. Just don’t force a look or piece of hardware that doesn’t look cohesive and natural.
Business dress is great at showing possible employers or graduate schools that you know how to dress the part. Unfortunately it also leads to everyone looking the same and makes it difficult to be memorable. Aim to have an interviewer not only remember your personality and wit, but also a face, which becomes easier when your appearance stands out in a good way. Stay confident and work a suit that is personalized to edge ahead during interview season.
