When I graduated from college wearing Doc Martins and dungarees, I couldn’t wait to throw myself into the world of work. I applied for jobs instantly only when it came to the interview process I came to a shocking realization… I am 22 and have no idea how to dress myself.
I had one or two shirts and had no idea what to pair them with and don’t even get me started when it came to my shoes. As a graduate, I didn’t have the money for a whole new wardrobe and yet no one would employ the cheeky redhead in dungarees.
Luckily, it is possible to dress like a real life grownup without needing to take out a second student loan. Here are our best tips for dressing for the job you want.
Make sure whatever you buy fits you properly
When you go in for an interview, the panel will unfortunately be judging you on how you present yourself. Getting clothes that aren’t too big or too small is essential for looking the part.
Get new shoes (or polish an old pair)
For some employers, the shoes are the most important part of an interview outfit. Make sure your shoes are in good nick and are polished up nicely.
Keep to the “legs or boobs” rule
When I was 14, my mum taught me that it’s fine to wear a cheeky V-neck or a short skirt, as long as you stick to one or the other. While occasionally a night out with the girls warrants abandoning that rule, it’s generally a good tip for dressing for an interview. While we’re empowered women who
Give yourself a manicure
I think I spent 85% of my time at college with chipped nails. If you’re going to have open-toe shoes or wear nail polish, make sure you wear top coat and do a good job of it.
And if you need inspiration for tailored looks which aren’t boring, here are the interview-ready looks we love (spotted during New York Fashion Week 2019):
