Whether the interview is for a business profile or you are applying for a job at an advertising firm or a fashion magazine — a few basic sartorial rules remain the same. A clean, crisp look is always a winner and breaking a few fashion textbook rules can also win you a few brownie points besides of course the confidence that you project.
Grooming is paramount
Designer Nikasha Tawadey says, “For any interview, the basics are well-ironed garments, nicely groomed features like short nails with neutral polish, hair tied in a neat ponytail, toned down or minimal make-up, light perfume and check your breath and also shoulders for no stray hair or dandruff. You may go Indian in a khadi kurta or a cotton sari. Alternatively, a pair of well-cut pants with a crisp white shirt work well. Please keep mobiles and accessories to a minimum. Your portfolio and handbag should look polished and well-kept including your shoes.
You would be surprised as to how many interviewers check the choice and the condition of shoes.”
Menswear designer Javed Khan says, “For a corporate job interview usually everyone advises to dress formal. However, I feel these days boundaries between formal and casual are blurring. You needn’t wear a pair of formal trousers. Combine raw denim with a cutaway Oxford shirt from Hackett. Wear your Oxford shirt with a pair of khakis and a black belt.
You can also never go wrong with the white and navy combo. Layer up with a structured blazer either knit or woven. Knit blazers usually give a great fall. Add a pop of colour by wearing vibrant stripped socks. Pointy shoes and colourful watches are a strict no no. Opt for brogues or Oxford shoes and invest in a classic timepiece. Don’t try to be too experimental. Shave off the beard or if you have goatee or a French beard, trim it up. Invest it in a dapper black leather bag. As they say you don’t have to rob the bank to look good.”
Designer Amalraj Sengupta of the label Hive-In cautions, “Avoid too much make-up and stick to basics, which defines your facial features. One can team a sari with a jacket or a shirt with a knee-length skirt or trousers. Avoid high heels and opt for flat pumps or small pencil heel shoes depending on your comfort level.”
Cultivate your own style
Amalraj Sengupta says, “Don’t imitate anyone else’s style but cultivate your own. For a creative job interview, body language is more important than the garments. Carry a light weight jacket and invest in a dapper bag. Wear a cotton shirt in pastel colours with cotton chinos while a tie is optional. Accessorise with a nifty leather bag or a briefcase, a simple wrist watch and a pair of neat polished shoes.”
Nikasha says, “The norms for dressing in an advertising agency for a copywriter will be very different as compared to say a fashion stylist or a hairdresser. So, you need to figure out what works in your preferred profession. Having said that, you can always add a bit of spunk or show your personality by adding that one element what makes your look stand out like a bright printed scarf, or a witty t-shirt, or a handmade accessory like a necklace or a handbag.
Please remember go with anything that is a natural representation of you and nothing that you have to try too hard for, and avoid exposing your pierced belly button or the tattoo on your lower back, save that for your personal time!”
Javed Khan feels that a creative job interview is all about your personal style. “The rule is that you have to feel comfortable and not out of place. You need to understand what looks good on you and which colours you can manage to pull off,” he says.
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