what to wear to a fashion interview

Granted, fashion interviews are the only types of job interviews I’ve done (besides the one for first job at Pei Wei Asian Diner that happened in a trailer outside of a construction site…), but putting together a HIRE ME ensemble is fairly straightforward. In fact, if you’re truly passionate about fashion and have a strong sense of personal style, it doesn’t take much energy to compose an appropriate fashion interview outfit. Steps as follows:

Less is more:
This isn’t the time to show off all the rad pieces in your closet. Find a few stand-out pieces in classic cuts. I"m wearing the easiest combination—a classic A-line dress with an interesting print under a blazer. ’Cause blazer = professional. Duh.

No distractions:
While I know that my glasses are hella fly, I know that a lot of people think “WHAT ARE THOSE” when they see them. I’m not going to risk a great job opportunity if people can’t see beyond a thick pair of coke-bottle hornrims. This applies to you all with hat fetishes, a penchant for purple lipstick, or a unibrow issue.

Trend spotting:
To make it obvious that you keep up with the latest trends, don one item that’s seasonally appropriate. In my case, I’d usually say no to skin-tight latex at interviews, but hey. Black classes everything up a bit ;-)

Play their game:
If you’re interviewing for a buying position at Barney’s, you don’t wear a thrifted retro dress. If you’re interviewing for an editorial position at Teen Vogue, you’re not going to come in a skirt suit. If you’re going to be doing PR work for Rick Owens, wearing anything but black leather will get you laughed at. Know your employer’s fashion philosophy, then do it.

Don’t wear:
Nude pantyhose, a miniskirt, an exposed bra, sweatshirt material, denim, a low-cut shirt, bedazzled extras, things with text on them, false eyelashes (I knew this girl who regularly came into the office with a false set on and it was the most ridiculous thing ever). Also, make sure you eat a breath mint and lay off the perfume.

The most important accessory:
YOUR PORTFOLIO. Keep all your clips, copies of your resume, lookbooks, etc stored away in a heavy duty portfolio. Mine’s black and leather (don’t act surprised) and filled with old articles, interviews and write-ups I’ve done.