The way you dress for an interview is so important, not just because it affects your confidence and the interviewer’s first impression of you,’ Amanda Augustine, careers expert at CVApp.de stresses. ‘In summer, you’ve got the added risk of overheating in formal clothes, which affects your concentration and increases the risk of everybody’s worst interview fear: your mind going blank during a question.’
With their experience of applicants’ worries about interview outfits – the dreaded sweat stains, looking unprofessional in shorter garments, or not looking memorable enough – experts at CVApp.deinterviewed fashion expert Hailey Rizzo from feelinggoodashail.com on their most sought-after questions.
How should people dress for interviews in summer in general?
Hailey Rizzo: When dressing for interviews in summer, you want to opt for a balance between comfort and professionalism. Lightweight fabrics and layers are two things to consider in order to stay cool and also comfortable, especially if the interview is being held in an air-conditioned office. Your go-to interview style should start at the base with something like a blazer or cardigan and build up from there.
In general, you want to aim for items with a well-tailored fit that will help give you a put-together appearance. Depending on the job you’re interviewing for, don’t be afraid to add your own unique spin to your interview outfit. Things like statement earrings and colourful nail polish can help show your personality without being over the top.
What colours work best to get people hired: are there trends people should go for or things they should avoid?
Hailey Rizzo: Neutrals and earth tones are always a safe bet for interviews. Beige, brown, black, and navy are universally flattering and help create a neutral visual first impression. If you have more colour than neutrals in your wardrobes, opt for a soft pastel or jewel tone. Both of these hues make a subtle yet bold statement while adding a touch of sophistication to your outfit.
You want to avoid overly bright or distracting colours. Remember, that’s where fun accessories and accents can come into play.
Which types of fabric are best to stay cool & professional at the same time?
Hailey Rizzo: Linen is the best fabric to stay cool and look professional. Linen is made from a loose weave which allows for air to circulate more easily, keeping your body cool. It also has a natural ability to wick away moisture, perfect for keeping you dry on those humid summer days. Not only is linen incredibly functional, but it allows for a crisp and polished aesthetic making it one of the best fabrics for professional settings.
Other than linen, cotton is another great option because of its breathable and lightweight nature.
What advice have they got for people wanting to go for “dress code business casual”?
Hailey Rizzo: For those wanting to go business casual, go with a delicate balance for business on top, casual on the bottom, or the opposite. For example, a blazer layered above a French-tucked tee and black chinos as a great example of casual on top and business on the bottom. For the opposite, opt for a tucked-in satin button-down on top and relaxed wide-leg trousers on the bottom. Loafers are the perfect shoe for a business casual dress code as well.
What types of clothing people should wear/avoid?
Hailey Rizzo: A blazer is almost always a must for any interview. Underneath a blazer, I recommend either a silk blouse or a t-shirt, depending on how casual you want to go. On the bottom, I recommend wide-leg trousers, straight-leg chinos, or a satin skirt (which is an upgrade from a boring pencil skirt).
In terms of what to avoid wearing to an interview, you want to avoid jeans and sneakers. These should be avoided no matter how casual the environment may be. I also recommend making sure the outfit is properly tailored to you in order to avoid anything too tight or loose. You may have to visit a tailor for this, but this is a good way to have 1-2 perfectly tailored outfits on deck for any interviews you may have.
How to best stand out/look memorable with your outfit in an interview without looking extravagant?
Hailey Rizzo: This comes down to subtle details that add a touch of uniqueness to your style without being overly extravagant. This can include a delicate pattern, textures, or even a tasteful pop of colour. If you want to stand out in a different way, I highly recommend statement earrings. While you don’t want anything too loud or flashy, wearing abstract or colourful earrings will add a touch of memorability to your outfit, especially since the interviewer will be looking at your face the entire time.
So in a nutcase;
1) opt for a balance between comfort and professionalism
2) Consider lightweight fabrics and layers
3) aim for items with a well-tailored fit
4) add your own unique spin, such as stand-out accessories
Images
Andrey Popov-Shutterstock
Caterina Trimarchi- Shutterstock
Volodymyr Tverdokhlib- Shutterstock
