Getting Dressed: The Big Meeting
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Anything goes in the fashion world and on any given day you see it all: women in short pants, army fatigues, leggings, barely there lace tops – and sadly, we’re not talking weekend wear. If you have a big meeting, interview, presentation to make – get dressed.
Don’t obsess, but please do put a little pre-thought and prep in and around the big day. Make sure the laundry has been done, your clothes ironed or picked up from the dry cleaners, and that you’ve fixed any loose hems, missing buttons, or other tailoring issues.
I know, I sound like your mother.
But that’s the easy, boring part. Now, what to wear? Unfortunately, this can’t be simplified into a short list of fashion dos and don’ts. Let’s cover what we know for sure: you do want to look (and feel) confident and well put together. You do want to look like yourself, and you absolutely want to look like the best candidate for the job. What don’t you want? To look slutty, uncomfortable, or just plain inappropriate.
Don’t misinterpret, looks aren’t everything. But when I think of all post-college job interviews that I showed up for in the same boring black suit and blue Banana Republic tailored shirt… no wonder I didn’t get the job. I was interviewing for positions in extremely creative fields and I simply didn’t dress the part.
So, here are some tips to keep in your back pocket while shopping, outfit planning or closet organizing.
• Well-made, tailored pants are worth a million bucks. They always look elegant and you can wear them with or without a suit jacket, depending on the meeting and the industry.
• Dress shirts can look a teensy bit boring unless you make them more “you.” As with the pants, a well-made shirt can make all the difference. Pick a color you like (not too jarring) or a pattern. Feeling daring? I am a big fan of sweaters (and I’m not talking about twin sets!). Beautiful cashmeres or cotton, cowl necks or subtle v-necks can be lovely, professional and unique.
• Please wear shoes that you can walk in and are work appropriate. Nothing ruins a beautiful look like an awkward walk. And just think about if you tripped… Definitely not the entrance you were going for! The same philosophy goes for a handbag. Make sure it is a weekday bag, not a weekend clutch. If you are planning on taking notes, make sure your notebook and accessories fit inside your bag – you don’t want to look like a schoolgirl standing outside the restaurant with her spiral bound and pencil.
• Make sure your makeup is tasteful and think about your hair. I know when I’m nervous my habit is to constantly fiddle with my hair and push it behind my ears. For the big meeting it was pulled back. No nervous jitters for me!
Above all, make sure you feel good! Confidence radiates, and even if you don’t have the money or the time to spend looking perfect, if you’ve put good effort into yourself it will show.
Potential employers are hiring you. The more authentic you strive to be in an interview situation the better the match will be. This small investment in the seemingly superficial world of fashion just might pay off big time.