STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

MissMee · Kate Spade

What to wear for an interview for an interior design assistant?

Hermes

a suit with flair - you need to show you have a sense of style. you will be dealing with clients, and they too will want to see a person with a sense of style -- it's all about representing the design firm in its best light. If they said professional, they're looking for whether or not you understand professional attire - go with the suit for sure.

I would do a suit with an interesting blouse or necklace and interesting accessories including shoes and bag. Take a conservative suit and punch it up a bit.

What do you have to work with?

Collette · Chanel

I agree with D here. Definately wear a suit (can you post a pic of what you have?)
And add a couple of really interesting pieces. A blouse with a bit of punch or a real statement necklace.

gossipgirl · Dooney & Bourke

MissMee wrote:

AAAAKKK! This will be my first interview in about 9 years. I'm very excited to possibly break into the interior design field by way of starting out as an assistant. I have an interview TOMORROW MORNING but have no clue what to wear. The email I got just said to look professional. That's such a broad spectrum!

Should I wear a 2 piece pant suit? Pen-striped pants and a button-up shirt? Strictly conservative? Semi-conservative w/ a bit of funky mixed in?

HELP!!!!!!!!

I agree - always best to stay conservative for the interview, but since it's a creative position, add the flair. It wouldn't have to be a strict suit - if it was stylish, you could get away with a gorgeous jacket and pant combo and a pretty blouse.

Boots · Gucci

I'm with all the other girls. Err on the side of conservative with the suit but show your personality with accessories. And a pair of really good shoes. Remember to throw in some color since it's a creative field.

Good luck!!!!

MissMee · Kate Spade

Crap!!!!!! Crap, crap, crap! I don't have a suit! And a lot of y jackets are still in my old house! I have my slacks and button up shirts here, though. Would that be more business casual?

MissMee · Kate Spade

Okay, I have a pair of St. John slacks that I was thinking of pairing with a melon-y orange button-up jcrew shirt and a tweed Chanel-type jacket that has some of that orange color in it. I was thinking brown patent t-strap heels that have a bit of metallic snakeskin trim around the foot opening. How does that sound? Does it sound professional, or still too casual?

Hermes

MissMee wrote:

Okay, I have a pair of St. John slacks that I was thinking of pairing with a melon-y orange button-up jcrew shirt and a tweed Chanel-type jacket that has some of that orange color in it. I was thinking brown patent t-strap heels that have a bit of metallic snakeskin trim around the foot opening. How does that sound? Does it sound professional, or still too casual?

That doesn't sound bad. Just pants and a shirt is business casual. The addition of a jacket will give it the professional element it needs. I think what you have put together sounds good.

How do you feel about it? Do you think it looks professional? If you hired a designer and they showed up to your house wearing what you are wearing, would you consider them polished, professional, and stylish?

MissMee · Kate Spade

Well, here's the thing, D. I won't be a designer. I'm just going to be the assistant. At least for now. That's why I'm having a little difficulty. I want to look professional for the job I'm going in for but I also don't want to look too stuffy. I still want to be "me."

But to answer your question, yes, I'd be happy if a designer showed up in this outfit. But I'm not super picky as long as it looks like there was some thought put into it and it looks pulled together and current.

Now accessories: I have a multi-strand gold chain and pearl short necklace that I was thinking of attaching an antique brooch to. Since the shirt is orange, I don't want to add more color. Or I could put on a white shirt under it instead of the orange. Just wouldn't be as bright.

Hermes

MissMee wrote:

Well, here's the thing, D. I won't be a designer. I'm just going to be the assistant. At least for now. That's why I'm having a little difficulty. I want to look professional for the job I'm going in for but I also don't want to look too stuffy. I still want to be "me."

But to answer your question, yes, I'd be happy if a designer showed up in this outfit. But I'm not super picky as long as it looks like there was some thought put into it and it looks pulled together and current.

Now accessories: I have a multi-strand gold chain and pearl short necklace that I was thinking of attaching an antique brooch to. Since the shirt is orange, I don't want to add more color. Or I could put on a white shirt under it instead of the orange. Just wouldn't be as bright.

I understand that, but you'll still have client interaction. I've always felt it was important to dress to fit the role you endeavor to have. From your employer's point of view, I'm sure they're more interested in your potential to stay with the company and eventually become a designer that will help build their business than your ability to fit in and look like an assistant. Besides, do you know what their assistants dress like? I'd err higher than lower on your look...

I would go with either the orange shirt or the white shirt with the necklace.

Boots · Gucci

Have you tried it on all together? Sat down in it? Leaned over to make sure that the top doesn't fall too far down (as if you were shaking hands with somebody sitting down)? Also, do you feel confident in the outfit? I think half of an interview is your ability to sell yourself to the interviewer.

Without having seen the outfit, I think you'll be fine with either the white or orange top. Personally, I'd try them both on today and see which I like better. That way tomorrow AM there will be one less thing to worry about.

MissMee · Kate Spade

Okay, my roommate has a black pants suit. The jacket, however, is long (on purpose long, not just too big).I could wear a white button up under it (or maybe even the orange-y one for funk) and put on my heeled loafter booties (don't know what to call them - mens style but with a high heel) and wear a cool scarf tied around the neck.

How would that compare?

Hermes

MissMee wrote:

Okay, my roommate has a black pants suit. The jacket, however, is long (on purpose long, not just too big).I could wear a white button up under it (or maybe even the orange-y one for funk) and put on my heeled loafter booties (don't know what to call them - mens style but with a high heel) and wear a cool scarf tied around the neck.

How would that compare?

I like the idea of a white shirt and your statement necklace with the suit...

Boots · Gucci

I agree. The white shirt, black suit and a great necklace will look very professional. I wouldn't do the orange under the black suit (could read Halloween to the interviewer.)

MissMee · Kate Spade

how about pale blue button-up under the black suit? w/ a funky Missoni scarf tied around my neck?

Boots · Gucci

That sounds good.

MissMee · Kate Spade

okay, I am going to go w/ the black suit, black loafer booty things (what are those called?), white shirt, and statement necklace w/ an antique brooch pinned to it.

Now for the hair......