By MAEVE WALSH
COLUMNIST
You have got the resume, you are all Linked-in, and you scored an interview; now what on earth do you wear? Do not let all your hard work go to waste and scare away potential employers with a bad outfit. Just in time for internship deadlines and job applications, here are some do’s and do not’s on dressing for success.
DO Go Classic: Yes, Elle Woods won her first major case wearing a hot pink suit, but that does not mean you should wear one. Your future employer might not share your love of neon colors or skull prints, so in the interest of appealing to the masses tone down your personality just a tiny-bit and go with the basics. For shoes, a low heel, black or navy, and pointed toe are an absolute must. For the rest of the outfit, a palate of reds, blue’s, nude’s and grey’s have universal appeal, and are your best bet to seal a deal.
DO NOT Be Boring: While it is better to tone down the color palate, do not wear a navy pantsuit that looks like it is straight out of your parents’ closet. It is important to be memorable, so in a sea of black on black pantsuits, be different. Tie a patterned scarf around your neck Jackie-O style, or wear a nice pearl necklace. Take a reserved yet unique twist on the basic color scheme and switch out a navy blazer for a grey tweed one, or balance a basic black dress with a classic khaki trench. Find the perfect balance between funeral attire and casual Friday.
DO Find the Fit: if all else fails, just stay away from the bandage skirt. Fit is absolutely, without a doubt, the most essential part of interview outfits. Pay close attention to where the clothes fall on you. Are you wearing loose pants, or parachute pants? Is that skirt a little too tight? Does your blouse unbutton a little bit too far down? Just like you have those jeans that fit you perfectly, find a dress, skirt, or pair of pants that are the perfect medium between baggy and tight. Remember that if your clothing is ill-fitting you are distracting from the incredibly important things you have to say.
DO NOT Forget about hair and makeup: Leave the eyeliner at home ladies. Sleek and simple are the rules of the interview room, so make sure to ditch the sparkling nail polish. Try to keep your face clean and polished without looking like you just rolled out of bed. Aim for minimal eye shadow and bronzer, and use a neutral lipstick. It is also best to pull your hair back because nothing ruins an interview like constantly playing with your split ends.
Finally, DO NOT forget that you have got this. Considering all the hard work you have probably done to land an interview, it is likely you have got it in the bag. Business formal may seem difficult to master, but it does not compare to putting together a resume. Just dress for the role you are hoping to fill, and do not sabotage yourself on the basis of clothing. Just remember to leave the studded boots at home, and you will be fine.