Last week I had my first ever in-person, corporate internship interview. Due to the pandemic I managed to graduate with a finance degree and go my entire life without ever having a corporate, in-person interview. I interviewed at a luxury fashion label’s head offices in London and had no idea what to wear. I channeled my inner finance Alicia for outfit inspiration and wore a classic black power suit. I felt very confident walking around the head office in my outfit and felt like I fit into corporate London. I may have been over dressed considering most people in the office were wearing business casual attire; however, I felt confident and believe that you can never be over dressed for a job interview. This blog post will show you what to wear to a corporate fashion job interview to make a great first impression.
Classic, Black Power Suit
No matter what job you are interviewing for, you cannot go wrong with wearing a classic, all black power suit. My first year at university I bought a black pant suit from Banana Republic and it has been my go-to interview outfit ever since. It is super easy to swap out your top for either a formal or business casual look. Black is also a super sleek look for jobs in the fashion industry.
Scarves
Scarves are my go-to accessory and can add flare to a formal interview outfit.
Where to Shop
During the pandemic many fashion brands pivoted away from advertising workwear. Classic workwear brands have brought back “wear-to-work” clothing lines, but it is still hard to find workwear advertised. In the US I would shop at Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, or Club Monaco for workwear. UK alternatives to these fashion brands include Hobbs, Jigsaw, and Reiss. Below are curated interview looks from each brand.
Hobbs
Hobbs’s website offers workwear, desk-to-dinner, and smart casual edits where you can find interview outfits. This is a classic look that will never go out of style.
Ophelia Blazer £159
Jigsaw
Jigsaw is more expensive than Hobbs and does not focus as much on formal workwear. Jigsaw does have a workwear edit, but it is smaller than Hobbs’s workwear edit.
Paris One Button Suit Jacket £199
Reiss
Reiss is the most expensive store out of the three options. If you are looking for tops, Reiss has the best selection. I love the black detailing on the white blouse pictured on the left. Reiss’s website has a workwear edit with lots of business casual looks.
Taylor Ruffle Collar Shirt £158
Good Luck Interviewing!
XO, Alicia
As always, I feel your choice of “interview” clothes is appropriate. Of course, the models are standing straight and confident. Very good.