Today would have been “How-To” Fashion Friday on The Seven: how to wear denim on denim; how to wear high-waist pants; how-to mix prints and patterns; etc, and I was going to dole that out here today.  But an interview came through late yesterday afternoon so I thought “Dressing For an Interview” would be more appropriate.  

In the creative professions, an interview outfit isn’t as simple as throwing on a suit - you’ll look like an ass.  And since I didn’t get the last two gigs I interviewed for wearing pants and blouses, I sought the Internet for a remedy.

Enter Lucky Magazine’s video: Foolproof Interview Outfits.  I’d first like to say that my fashion segments on The Seven were way more entertaining, useful and beautifully produced than these, but we never dove into interview outfits (when your audience is 18- to 24-year-olds, count your blessings if you can, at the very least, get them to stop wearing Uggs).  But Lucky has some useful tips, especially for interviews in warm weather.

First, for the corporate candidates, a light blazer, polished blouse, cropped trousers and standard t-strap heels.  (Too structured for the television industry.)  Then, for those in the non-profit or education sectors, light colors and sweet pieces like a cardigan and a skirt no higher than two-inches above the knee.  (Too conservative for the television industry.)  Finally, for those in creative fields, a structured, still conservative dress in an unexpected color, with accessories that give a nod to individual creativity.  Bingo.

My attempts (after realizing that I don’t own a structured, still conservative dress in an unexpected color):

(First: silk dress by Dolce Vita via Gilt, white and gold belt from H&M (from pants), beaded necklace from Anthropologie. Second: dress from ModCloth.com; my mother’s belt; necklace from Forever 21. Third: dress by Eskell via Gilt; blazer by Taikonhu via Anthropologie; necklace from Forever 21. Fourth: dress by To the Max via Macy’s; vintage belt from Zachary Smile; necklace from Forever 21. Shoes from J. Crew.)

The light blue suede and patent pumps are all I have so I’m working outfits around them.

First, a silky navy blue, double-breasted, collared dress (that’s a little too big for me) with a fun colored and patterned beaded necklace and a white belt with gold buckle that I swiped off a pair of pants (I usually hate when belts come with the pants but I actually really dig this one).  That necklace falls nicely in the picture but not on my body in this dress so I moved on.

Second, a more structured navy blue dress (why do I have so many navy blue dresses?) with pleated silky sash, vintage black belt with gold buckle and a multi-strand metal necklace.  I’m really into this outfit but I’m scared the sash screams “cocktail party.”  A possibility.

Third, a simple (not navy) blue dress that’s cut-out in the back so I thought I’d throw the blazer over it and spruce it up with the metal necklace but the dress and blazer action felt a little too Kate Middleton (see: Royal Fashion Friday.  I took those pictures and shopped for those outfits and dressed those models and basically killed myself for that piece).  Moving on.

Fourth, a mauve, drapey, Grecian feeling dress tied in by a creme elastic cord belt and gold bow buckle, with a colorful multi-strand necklace.  Pushes the boundaries a bit paired with the blue pumps but I like to push boundaries and I like unexpected color combos.  I’m feeling this.

I have about half an hour to decide between options two and four and to really convince myself why I shouldn’t wear shorts, no matter how much I want to.