Hello!
To the beady eyed amongst you, I've been off work for the past few months getting to grips with new medication and general depression crazy fun times. At last there's some light at the end of the tunnel; and I am job hunting! No sooner had I started but I have an interview on Thursday (pause for tv studio audience 'wooooo') for a shiny new job, back in the crazy biz we call SEO.
While on the phone taking down the particulars of my interview, before "smart dress code" had even been uttered my mind was transported to Helena Banks: Business Bitch.
I had a look for some job interview clothing tips for plus sizes, and obviously there wasn't much that didn't include some dour black sack. I'm not good at dulling down my look at the best of times, and I don't see why an interview should be any different. The thought of a polyester pencil skirt and blazer combo sends shivers down my spine. To my first tip-
1. IT'S MOST IMPORTANT TO FEEL GOOD ABOUT YOURSELF
It's so tempting to go out and buy an all singing, all dancing outfit. Seeing as most plus sized clothes exist solely online (another rant for another day), you can't bloody well try them on! You have no idea how these clothes are going to fit, and if you feel uncomfortable in your clothes it's absolutely going to show in how you carry yourself. Confidence comes from the inside and shines out (ooh get me), so wear your foolproof outfit for confidence. For me, leopard print just makes me feel like a ball breaking badass.
This wouldn't be much of a blog if my one and only tip was "wear what makes you feel good" so on I go...
2. SMART DOESN'T MEAN BORING!
So back to my hatred of "office wear". In an interview environment you might not want to let your freak flag fly too much, but I personally feel that you want to put across what makes you special. If you're going to be talking about fashion in any capacity, its so important to walk the walk and talk the talk. Playful accessories and statement pieces can inject some humour into your outfit without making you look like Linda LaHughes. Teal is one of my favourite colours ever, and I think that teal accents in an outfit keeps it smart but interesting.
3. TEAL ME MORE, TEAL ME MORE...
Back to teal, (the amy winehouse b side) and my never ending love for it. It's bright, classy and suits a variety of skintones. With other really simple accessories a teal accent can really make it POP! Chelsea boots are ALWAYS in season, and worth a good investment. Using them in this outfit gives the lace top a more androgynous edge. In this set I decided to make it look like the dress had a handbag as a head, because that is just the avant garde world I happen to live in.
So in conclusion, think a little bit outside the box with your interview outfits- just because it has to be smart it doesn't mean you're confined to boring clothing. Extend this to every part of your life, and be fearless and fabulous and they won't be able to do anything else but hire you!
I'll post pictures of what I do end up wearing, and wish me luck! xxx
