Women’s fashion is an art. You don’t put on the perfect outfit; you craft it after a lot of careful planning. And one of the hardest kind of outfits to craft is the professional one for an interview. Because let’s face it- how you look during your interview is just as important, if not more important, than what you say. (Unfortunately, people are shallow and judge based on appearance.) And the hardest part of said interview outfit? The accessories.
Picking out the right dress, skirt, blouse or suit can be hard, but figuring out what earrings to wear, purse to carry and shoes to wear is even harder, so here are some tips on accessories for interview outfits because I don’t want you to be that girl- the one with the way-too high heels and gaudy jewelry that everybody’s secretly laughing at.
Shoes
1. Always wear closed-toe. Once you work there, you might be able to wear your peep-toes, but in an interview, it’s far too casual.
2. Opt for a pointed-toe if you can handle it. Pointed-toe shoes just make you look older. They tell an employer “Hi, I’m ready to work for you, and I already dress like I work at your company, not like a college student looking for a job.” Yes, the point of your shoes really can say all that.
3. Unless you’re taller than 5’9’’, always wear heels. It’s fine, and even preferable, that they have a low heel, but some kind of heel, unless you’re super tall is good.
4. But make sure that heel isn’t too tall. Shoes with a more than 4 inch heel, (and that’s already pretty tall) look like going-out shoes, not professional ones.
5. Choose a shoe with a skinny heel. Yes, a fatter heel can be more comfortable, but sometimes, you have to suffer to look more professional.
6. Bright-colored shoes can work, as long as the rest of your outfit is understated. Bright-colored shoes can act as your statement piece, kind of like a statement necklace. Remember this means no other big, bright pieces.
7. If you want a bright-colored shoe, make it one that’s very professional in every other aspect, essentially a pair of low-heeled, closed-toe pumps.
These black Nine West four-inch heels from DSW are the perfect safe interviewing shoe. They’re also available in tan and blush, which are both very professional as well.
These $60 Nine West two-and-a-half-inch heels are also great shoes for an interview. They come in traditional colors like black and blush but are also in different shades of red. My favorite is the lipstick-red ones because they’re not too bright, but they will definitely make a statement in a good way. Pair them with a black dress, and you’ll be unstoppable.
Jewelry
- Go for understated, unless you want one statement piece.
- Pearls will make you look so sophisticated. And isn’t that the exact vibe you want to give off?! Who doesn’t want to hire a classy woman? A simple strand and pearl-studded earrings can be the perfect jewelry accessories.
- Your earrings or you necklace can be attention-grabbing, but both cannot. Pick one thing to focus on.
4. Wear a watch. If you don’t have one, you don’t need to buy one. But if you have one, definitely wear it. As weird as it seems, a watch can tell a potential employer a lot of good things about you, like that you’re punctual, even if you’re not. It really just makes you look put together.
This statement necklace is bright, but if the rest of your outfit is understated, this is the perfect piece. The best part is the price; it’s sold on Amazon for only $2.31, plus shipping.
These Juicy Couture diamond studs are perfect professional earrings; they’re shiny, so they’ll draw attention to your face, but they’re simple enough that they won’t detract from the rest of your outfit and most importantly, what you’re saying.
Purses
1. Choose a structured bag. I’m a huge fan of slouchy bags, but they’re not very professional; instead, choose something with more shape.
2. Keep it simple. Go for a neutral-colored bag. Since you’ll end up setting your purse down, don’t bother making it your statement piece. It should be cute but mostly functional.
3. Choose a medium-sized bag. The last thing you want your potential boss to be thinking is- “I wonder why her purse is so small (or so big). What is she doing with a purse that big? Hiding something? Or what is she doing with a purse that small? She’s on a job interview, not going out to a club.”
This structured Coach bag can be yours for a pretty hefty price- $898, but you’ll probably want to find something cheaper. The point is this purse is so professional, so just look for something similar.
This brown leather J. Crew bag actually isn’t super structured, but it’s still so professional.
The most important thing is for you to feel confident because that’s how you’ll totally rock the interview. Also, these are general rules, but have some fun and cater your outfit to your potential employer.
