10 Interview Style Staples to Show 'Em Who's Boss

May 19, 2011 - by Lester Brathwaite

Spring is here which means one thing: time to get a new job. Going on an interview can be one of the most harrowing experiences of your life. And it damn well should be. A great interview can lead to a great job which can lead to you running the world (girls!), but it all starts with the right interview wardrobe. Below, are 10 style staples (5  for guys, 5 for dolls) you can and should add to your executive fashion portfolio.

Werqing Gurl

Ladies:

A bold shoulder - Women used to dress in power suits to emphasize their equality to men. Though the scales are still a bit uneven, bring out those shoulder pads to show the boys you're not only as good, but better.

Ball-buster heels- There's nothing better than a 5-inch stiletto to kick through that glass ceiling.

A pantsuit - Take a page out of Hilary Clinton's playbook and leave the skirts for the sluts in the intern pool.

An executive realness bag - Because you're not fooling anyone with that Dior knock-off and you don't need all that bag square-footage for a résumé and some business cards.

Jewelry, but to a minimum - A little zazz here, a little sass there never hurt anyone, but don't OD on the beads and bobbles. This is an interview not a night out at da club.

 

Werqing Boi

 

Gentlemen:

A tailored suit - Any schlub can put on a suit.  But if you're trying to run shit, you'll need to make sure the suit fits the aspirations so take it to a tailor.

A briefcase - You ever seen those guys with suits and backpacks and think, oh, I want him running my company? Didn't think so.

A pocket square - Aside from being a dashing accessory, that nifty bit of fabric in the breast pocket comes in handy when you don't want them to see you sweat.

Wingtips - Your career will take off on the wings of your tips. But since it's summer, pair them with a nude ankle -- it's less stuffy and you're not a woman of  the 19th century so no one will be scandalized.

A watch - Not only do you need to be on time -- or preferably 15 minutes early -- for your interview, a nice timepiece instills confidence in everyone around you. "Oh, that guy knows what time it is!" Yes, yes you do.

Good luck, out there kids! And remember, if you're going to go on an interview, make sure you go to werq.

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