Hi lovelies,
When I think back to my very first job interview after graduating Georgetown University, I cringe at what I wore. I somehow scored an interview at Louis Vuitton for a public relations internship even though I had zero fashion experience and zero connections in the industry. All I had was my instincts, a killer cover letter, and a will to succeed.
I turned to my older sisters for guidance on what to wear, since I had never interviewed before. Mind you, my sisters all work in corporate America and are much more conservative than I am in the fashion department. We trucked it to the local mall and headed into the Macy's women suits department. After trying on long grey skirts, a bunch of blazers and button-ups, I settled on a black power-suit: a conservative black blazer, a silk crème top, and tailored black pants with black pumps.
At a mere 4'11'', I looked like a 12-year old girl that had dressed up like Mommy for 'Take Your Child To Work Day.'
When I showed up at the interview, the lovely ladies joked if I was there because of a corporate career change. My power-suit stuck out like a sore thumb amongst the pencil skirts, printed designer tops, DVF wrap dresses, Louis Vuitton bags, and red-bottom pumps. But as a fresh-faced college grad that had never been exposed to the fashion world of NYC, except for being obsessed with The Devil Wears Prada, I didn't know to be self-conscious. I just knew to be myself, to trust my instincts, and to know that I would succeed.
When I sat down for the interview, I took off my blazer, smiled, and just answered the questions as myself. Not as someone that needed to prove herself or to fit in. Then I was brought into the showroom and I swear that there was an angelic glow that radiated from the room as the door opened.
This was my final test. How would I arrange the showroom? If Vogue called and needed looks for their jungle-themed March issue featuring Jessica Alba, what pieces would I pull? I kicked off my black pumps, (figuratively, not literally) and got to work. And this is where my instincts kicked in. I didn't need to be wearing the latest Marc Jacobs dress or carry a Birkin bag, I just needed to trust my eye for the art and storytelling aspects of the fashion world and not be afraid to bring it to life.
Needless to say, I got the internship and I haven't looked back since. Now I fearlessly rock acid-wash leggings, 5-inch wedges, and statement shirts, but my black power-suit still hangs in my closet at my mom's house as a reminder that there's really one thing that I ever to need wear, and that's my confidence.
But if I had to do it all over again, these are the current looks that I would rock during my interview:
SHOP THE THE PERFECT FASHION INTERVIEW OUTFIT BY CLICKING HERE:
Violeta by Mango Satin Collar Crepe Blazer: The silhouette of this blazer is timeless and can easily go from day-to-night. Wearing it in white shows off your fashion sense while still looking professional.
Chicnova Fashion Slim Fit Round Neck Sleeveless Dress: Peplum was so last season. This dress is reminiscent of one of the looks from Dolce & Gabbana's Spring/Summer 2015 Ready-to-Wear runway show but without the embellishments to make it more office-appropriate.
Rosantica Bianca Gold-dipped Necklace: Add a bit of bling to your look without going over-the-top. Fashion designer, TV personality, author, and stylist, Rachel Zoe was seen wearing a chunkier version of a gold necklace while sitting front row at the Calvin Klein Collection Spring/Summer 2015 Ready-to-Wear runway show.
Lipsy Maxy Cross Strap Heels: According to the Pantone's Fashion Color Report, cobalt blue was the it color for Fall. Adding a pop of this color to your interview outfit shows that you can incorporate trends without being too matchy-matchy.
Pre-owned Prada Saffiano Luxe Tote: Ok, so maybe the devil does wear Prada, so why can't I?Since this would be an investment piece for me, I would get it in nude so I could wear it with as many different outfits as possible. It also says to my future employers that I'm stylish yet practical.
What was your most memorable job interview? Have you ever had any Devil Wears Prada moments?
Photo credit: ApunKaChoice
