As I have mentioned in past blog posts, Lilliana Vazquez wrote a book called The Cheap Chica's Guide to Style, a book about how to save money and style yourself on a budget, something that applies to my age demographic due to being in high school. In a core section of the book, Vazquez mentions "More than 70 percent of your wardrobe should be office appropriate." (Vazquez 82). To apply to a younger age, office appropriate, would translate into being able to wear to school. Out of that 70 percent, I would recommend around 30 of that, you should be able to wear that for an interview or presentation. Dressing for the occasion is very important for job interviews and occupations, something we will be discussing throughout this post.
These are some outfit choices for an upscale job due to their classy and sleek look
If you work in a very upscale environment, dressing sleek and non-distracting. Black, grey and white are always easy and safe options to go with. They instantly give off a professional and business look to whoever you are talking to. Vazquez also states, "Mature Blazers add a major sophistication to my wardrobe." (Vazquez 133). Just like she said, blazers are always a nice touch to add to an outfit to automatically make you look sophisticated. You want to reflect yourself off as what the epitome of the job its self, be what they're looking for.
These are some outfit choices for a casual or laid back working environment
If your work is a more laid back or street style job, you want to dress for the part. Such as if you worked at Pac Sun or American Eagle, they sell street style clothes, so you want to dress like what they sell. Now is when your ripped jeans, jean jackets, graphic tee shirts, and stylish hoodies all come into play. The customer wants to see that you are like them, you are both in this store or establishment because you are alike, which can be seen through clothing. Job-applications.com is a website that gives tips to those who wish to work at specific establishments and what they should do when applying, this one is a tip on what to wear to an American Eagle interview. "Interviewees should consider wearing an outfit made up of the dressier apparel sold in stores to show a personal connection with the brand." (Garcia). A customer wouldn't want to be sold a hoodie by someone in a blazer or slacks. They would want to buy that hoodie by someone who is wearing something in the same style category as that article of clothing.
Here, I am wearing a jean jacket, black sweater and black leggings. This would be an outfit for a very casual everyday job working as possibly a sales associate.
Sources:
Vazquez, Lilliana. The Cheap Chica's Guide to Style: Secrets to Shopping Cheap and Looking Chic. Gotham Books, 2013.
Garcia, Maria Fernanda, et al. “American Eagle Interview Questions & How to Get a Job Tips.”Job-Applications.com, 26 Sept. 2017, www.job-applications.com/american-eagle-outfitters-job-interview-tips/.
Katie, this is such a great post! It was really well thought out and full of great tips. To answer your question i have been in an interview before for an internship for the library and next time i have an interview i will definitely follow your fashion advice. A good subject of style for you next post could be active-wear!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the great comment Marley! I'm glad to hear that my post will help you possibly get an internship or a job some day.
DeleteKatie,
ReplyDeleteYour post was very intriguing and well done. While we've been doing this professional writing unit I've been thinking more about jobs/internships and the information you've provided has prepared me for those stressful interviews. Also, the theory you mentioned about dress the part to get the part was quite captivating and I could relate to your American Eagle Employee example, as that's where I purchase most my clothes. Anyways, it would be cool if you wrote about the ideal strategy for packing for vacations because, you know, you can't throw your whole closet in a suitcase... bummer.
Thank you for this well written comment Joey, it was very helpful and gave me great feedback for my next post. I will be sure to elaborate on your post idea so that I know what I post can be used effectively.
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