[fashionista-ta]

I don't work in fashion (my industry is more conservative), and when it's cold, I always wear black tights to interviews. I got tired of spending money on flimsy hosiery, so tights are all I own now. It hasn't kept me from being a productive citizen

[deemary]

i have to do a presentation on fashion merchandising for a business course I'm taking, we have to look like we're interviewing; does a plain black tee and pencil skirt sound good with ankle strap pumps and a polished silver necklace of chains? i want to go for edgy but basic.

[Miss-V]

what to wear when your working in the fashion cupboard of a top fashion magazine?
its been so long since i last interned!

[Cicciolina]

Smart casual - if you're in the fashion closet wear flats (or put them in your bag if you really want to wear heels).

ie something like:
- cool, casual blazer, stripey/grey marle tshirt or blouse, tapered pants with a belt
- shift dress and cardigan

Just always be well groomed and neat - you never know who you can bump into But being in the closet you have to be comfortable and be able to run around and carry things too.

[nonies]

Hello Everyone,

This is my first post...I absolutely love this forum and hope you can help
I have 2 interviews this month for marketing/pr positions both with two big name, high-end fashion labels. I would really love some advice as to what is appropriate and not appropriate for an interview. I thought I could do my typical black suit, but now I am thinking I should be a bit more trendy. Any advice?

[BornToBe]

I'm not an expert but I think that the best thing is not to go over the top or try too hard to be trendy. Be yourself cause it's pretty easy to tell when someone is trying too hard.

[fashionista-ta]

I believe we already have two threads on this topic ... one is in Personal Style, let me find it ...

Merged with the other thread in this forum; here's the PS thread: http://forums.thefashionspot.com/f58...view-8074.html

I think a black suit sounds fine, but I would add a bit of flair, perhaps with a colorful scarf. One thing I've done is to wear subtle black lace/openwork tights. My winter interview jacket has origami bows. That look has been successful

[Cicciolina]

For a business side position in a fashion based company, I'm more into wearing pieces like a pencil skirt (could be a 'fashion' pencil skirt - like tiered, or other details, but it shouldn't be a mini or short in length of course!), and nice blouse with a jacket/cardigan, tights if it's cold, neat hair, minimal jewellery (ie studs rather than anything dangly obviously). You need to look professional but it's fine to show a bit of your personal style

[from: sophia]

I just posted this in the internship thread but it might be more appropriate to post it here. I just got an interview with a fashion stylist for an internship its on Wednesday. And I wanted to know how I should dress for the interview? The application said casual and the job description is as follows: "An interest in fashion and styling. Must be articulate, polite, well dressed, well mannered, can think on your feet and multitask." He's seems to be very trendy and works for some pretty big designers. I feel like I should dress nice.

[Cicciolina]

Have a look at the suggestions in the thread Basic gist is wear jeans if you're comfortable with it, dress in something that you're comfortable in - nothing too fussy to make you nervous or fidget, and be 'fashionable' but not too OTT, but still yourself! Good luck!

[lexyehh]

Hey TFSers,

I have an interview later today at H A T C h showroom, and I wanted to know what would be appropriate to wear? I have never been to H A T C h, but I have researched it thoroughly, and have gathered that I should wear all black.

quick answers will be appreciated

[seamnoir]

I have interviews for some show rooms in the NYC's garment district. I'm also being considered for Production Assistant gigs for fashion manufacturer's (my field). However, I'm not sure what to wear to the interview and I'm sure this has been covered, but I'm wondering if I should be cautious/safe and go with biz casual or be daring and go with my personal style.

Second concern: I recently completed research for industrial psych on discrimination based on "natural" hair styles. Let's just say that it occurs, a lot. Especially against Black women. I happen to rock natural braids and am afraid that they could deter my chances at a job/internship. What do you think? Would changing my hair be compromising my personal preferences too much?

TIA!

[BetteT]

Moved your post to this thread, where it's more on topic.

I would think that what you wear to interviews for each type of job would vary. Rule of thumb ... wear what the other people would wear in that job, but a notch up (just a bit more like the boss). Make it look like you are ready to work at the job you are applying for, but a bit nicer than what they would expect from you on a daily basis.

I would think that in showrooms you'd probably need to look more fashionable and/or trendy (depending on their lines) ... something like a pencil skirt and heels or a nice dress and maybe a jacket ... and a couple of tasteful but current accessories. You didn't say what your personal style was ... but it if matches the type of lines they carry in the showrooms, go for it. Whatever you wear, I'd say that you should try to emulate what they are selling: dressier and more expensive for a higher end line, a bit more simple for a lower end line, and trendier for juniors, etc. In showrooms they are either selling to retailers or helping stylists pull ... so look like you are in retail sales for that type of clothing.

For a production assistant, which I'm guessing is more about the dirty work of getting things manufactured and shippped, I'm thinking that maybe a just a bit more casual and more like you are ready to do the job ... jeans (if it's common that even the bosses wear jeans) or pants and more comfortable shoes. No fancy accessories (maybe just a watch and one other simple thing like a small pendant. a gold bangle or simple and conservative earrings like small hoops) especially if you are going to be doing physical stuff. If your work is just office stuff, you can be a bit showier, I would think ... but don't go too far ... it's production, not design or retail. Whatever you wear, show them that you are there to work.

Do some research if you can ... to determine what the usual "uniform" is at that company and/or in that line of work. Then use that as you jumping off place.

Re: your hair. Only you can decide if you are "compromising your personal preferences too much" ... I wouldn't want to advise on that.

I will say that I suspect that some interviewers may not like your natural braids ... but some will think it's just fine. It will depend on their own innate ideas about it, plus the general company atmosphere and how they perceive it will impact thier clients, if you are out in front of the public. If thier own image is conservative ... then then might not like it. But if they percieve their company as forward thinking and creative, it might actually be a plus. I suggest, as I did regarding dress, that you research these companies to see how they present themselves to the public and that might give you an idea about how they expect their employees to look. Being informed will help you decide what you want to do.

It depends on how badly you want the job. In general, I would say that if you want to be "safe", change it. An interview is a two way street ... they are determining how you will fit into their organization ... but you also need to figure out if this is the company where you will be happy. If you can't be happy if you cannot express yourself this way, just go as you are. Then if they hire you ... they hired the "real" you ... and you won't have to compromise.