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Weekly Fashion Fix: Interview Wear

Make sure you stand out from the crowd in an interview outfit that’s classic, cool, and comfy.

Posted 27th January 2012, 8:30pm in Extra by Amy Rich
Weekly Fashion Fix: Interview Wear The job market might not be at its most buoyant, but that doesn’t mean you get to fade away, too. Make sure you stand out from the crowd in an interview outfit that’s classic, cool, and comfy.

First off, it’s this Camel Tweed Skinny Blazer for £80 from Topman. Featuring a slim-fit cut and brown cord collar, this jacket sets itself apart without shouting about it. What’s more, we love the fact it’s not in your standard jacket shade of grey or black. It’s like a surreptitious nod of an imaginary cap: subtle and we like.

When it comes to shoes fit for interview, you’ve got to consider more than just looks. Attending interviews usually means getting lost at some point: you’ll walk further than you intended and will probably trip over a pavement slab (these things happen when you’re a little nervous). So, that means you’ll need a pair of shoes that a) won’t fall apart easily, b) offer some form of protection from that constant pavement pounding, and c) look the business. Cue these cherry red Dr Martens from Office for £79.99.

Turn up to an interview in trousers anything less than standard and you can expect to be treated as though you’re a very strange character indeed. Crazy trousers = crazy person. Sane trousers = sane person. (And hell, you can let your mad side out after contracts have been signed). Take our advice, opt for something simple like these New York Smart Straight Leg Trousers for £20 from Matalan. Dazzle them with your answers, not your trousers… 

Your tie, meanwhile, is permitted to be a little bit edgier – just look at John Snow. Steer away from ‘humorous’ ties that feature Homer Simpson, Wallace and Gromit or any other TV character though, and opt for something a little more stylish like this Skinny Leather Tie in blue suede. It’s £38 by Little Pearl Button from Not on the High Street. 

Make sure you carry your interview-related accoutrements with you in style: a dog-eared cardboard folder will not cut the mustard. Stow away your bits and bobs in this Carhartt Olive Parcel Bag for £20 from Urban Outfitters. You’ll probably gain admiring glances from cycle couriers, too. 
Shirt-wise, plain old white can be a bit of a cop-out, for something a little different try this Lambretta Navy Shirt with White Collar Tipping for £15 from Burton. If you’d rather play it safe, this is also available in white with a navy blue tipped collar. Scaredy cat. 

And finally, make sure you avoid any embarrassing mishaps in the trouser department with this elasticated Navy Salford Weave Belt for £12 from Topman. Yes, some blokes think that boxers on show is a good look, but this is never the case at interview. Let that be your mantra and you shall go far.

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