“What do I wear to an interview?”

“Where can I get professional clothes at an affordable price?”

Many students struggle dressing for important meetings or interviews; this is largely because students don’t know where to find professional clothing options at their price point. Let us help you! Below you will find a guide to professional dress lingo and get tips on buying your next interview outfit.

Business Casual

Casual in day-to-day life and business casual for an interview are two very different things. Denim jeans should never be worn to an interview (black jeans may be acceptable depending on the company environment.)

• A conservative skirt or dress paired with some type of hosiery and close toed shoes is appropriate attire for a business casual interview dress code. If skirts and dresses aren’t your speed, a pair of slacks and a nice blouse also works. Typically, bright patterns should be avoided for an interview. Jewelry can be a little more bold in a business casual look.
• Slacks and a button down is a-ok! If you want to spice it up a bit, a nice sweater can be paired with your slacks and dress shoes.

Smart Business Casual

A newer type of professional dress, smart business casual is a half step above traditional business casual. This style is a smart (hence the name) take on business casual.

• A nice blazer paired with slacks and a nice blouse is considered ‘smart’ business casual because it has the extra professionally of the blazer to pull the outfit together. Per usual, close toed shoes are a must. Accessories and perfume should be more subtle in this style.
• Khakis or slacks with a button down and a tie is suitable for this style. (see what I did there? ‘suitable’) Although solid colors are usually recommended, wearing a simple patterned button down works for this less dressy style.

Business Professional

Ah, business professional- the big kahuna of professional dress. If an interview dress code is business professional, break out your suit.

• Solid colors (shirt, pants, hijab), neat hairstyles and very limited jewelry are required of this style.
• Other interview styles allow for a variety of footwear; business professional does not- dress shoes are a must.

Buying Professional Attire

Buying professional clothing doesn’t have to break the bank. Check out your local thrift store for good business finds. If you’ve checked your local thrift stores and had no luck, below is a list of places that may be in your price range. Although these options are much more affordable, remember that typically the quality is lower on these items.; so, those $5 slacks may not look as sharp on month 7 as they did upon buying them.

• Target
• Old Navy
• H&M
• TjMaxx

Get creative! If you buy a nice blazer or a new pair of dress pants, try pairing these items with those already in your closet. A new blazer with that solid colored blouse your aunt Linda gave you a year ago can work. A pair of slacks with your favorite button down can be spiced up with a nice leather belt and BOOM- you’re interview ready. Dressing well for an interview is important, but it doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated.

 

Questions? Email careersw3@stcloudstate.edu