Seasonal Trends: Job Hunting and Dressing Professionally
It is quickly approaching that time of year when interview offers are filling ambitious students' inboxes. Whether applying for an internship or a job or even better, preparing for the real thing this summer, there is one key element that mustn't be overlooked - attire. While theoretically simple, professional attire is one of the vaguest and therefore trickiest dress codes. For a tech job in California, that might mean nice jeans and a vest, while for a law job in London, employers will expect a full suit.
The first step to dressing professionally is to always overdress. Appearing overdressed to an interview or the first day on the job will give the impression that you are committed to the position and willing to work hard. Showing up underdressed on the other hand will imply that you don’t take the job seriously enough to put in any extra effort and immediately start you off on the wrong foot. Fortunately, business casual style has been a frequent visitor in mainstream fashion trends so it can be very affordable and easy to find and purchase a new “work-appropriate” wardrobe.
For the most casual of positions, such as a work-from-home role, the dress code will be the most relaxed. Because everything below the waist is invisible to your employer and colleagues, this is a great opportunity to wear fun sweaters and tops. Because only part of you is visible, a work-from-home job opportunity is an excellent reason to get your colours done. For those unfamiliar with this, it is a process where your most flattering colours are selected by comparing your skin, hair, eyes, and personality by a trained colour consultant. This will ensure that you look your absolute best no matter what form of lighting you have rigged up.
For a typical business casual dress code, the first place to look is Aritzia. They’ve gained popularity for their comfortable and trendy wide-leg slacks and oversized blazers, seen all over Instagram on the most popular influencers. However, trends and professional styles are not mutually exclusive. By replacing a tight-fitting bodysuit or lace bralette and platform boots with a button-down and a pair of loafers, you immediately have a work-ready business casual look. For those looking for something a little more comfortable, a maxi dress is a great alternative for those days when you just want to throw something easy on.
Another brand worth checking out for more business casual styles is Sezané. The French brand has a wide range of high-quality sweaters, coats and pants which are perfect for those with a bolder personal style. Their unique colour combinations and prints allow you to have fun with your style while simultaneously appearing professional and put together. For those with more petite figures, Sezané is a great place to shop for cigarette pants. When paired with a blouse or sweater and a nice blazer or bouclé jacket, which can be found anywhere from Chanel to Marks and Spencer, it creates a slightly more fitted, yet still work-appropriate look. Sezané also sells a variety of pantsuit sets that play with colour and fabric but are tailored in a way that feels cool and professional.
For those whose jobs have a business formal dress code, that usually is limited to a well-fitted, black or blue suit. For women, some of the best places to find these are Ann Taylor (for those based in the US), Hawes & Curtis or Ted Baker (for those in the UK). Generally, these suits would be expected to be paired with neutral-coloured shoes: close-toed heels, loafers or flats, and a simple button-down top. To add a personal touch, you can add meaningful jewellery, however, it is preferable to keep it simple with pearl or diamond earrings and gold or silver necklaces and bracelets. Although a popular way of expressing personal style, an excess of large rings or bracelets, unless holding some sort of cultural significance would generally be frowned upon as unprofessional and distracting to the neutrality and seamlessness of the look.
While an essential part of starting or getting a job, dressing professionally doesn’t have to be ugly or hard. I hope with these tips, you have fun finding new ways to style yourself while simultaneously working hard and having fun!