DAY 8 of 30 FASHION CODES IN 30 DAYS

It would be great if we could just spend November repeating leather jackets, sneakers, attending Owanbes and dissecting amazing dishes but in reality, the hustle doesn’t halt when seasons changes. We also have work and meetings and conferences and stuff, and if you’re in making-moves mode, this week is for you. Today, we kick off the workwear portion of the 30 FASHION CODES in 30 Days series, and first up is what to wear to a job interview. For anyone who’s looking to land a new position, styling yourself for interviews can be a job in itself—but it doesn’t have to be. Let’s chat about how to put your best professional foot forward.

What's the best outfit to wear to a job interview? The answer will vary depending on the type of job and company you're interviewing with. You always want to dress to make the best impression, but the outfit you choose depends on whether you're interviewing at a company with a formal dress code, at a casual startup, or for an informal job or internship.

Dressing appropriately is important because the first judgment an interviewer makes is going to be based on how you look and what you are wearing.

If you wear a suit to an interview for a camp counsellor, or a T-shirt to an interview at a bank, it'll send the message that you don't truly understand what's involved in the role.

Generally, a job interview calls for you to wear professional, or business, attire.

For men, this might mean a suit jacket and slacks with a shirt and tie or a sweater and button-down. For women, a blouse and dress pants or a statement dress is appropriate.

You can also incorporate some modern style trends into your outfit. You should consider colour when selecting an interview outfit and avoid wearing anything too bright or flashy that will distract the hiring manager.

PROFESSIONAL INTERVIEW

Don't worry, you don't have to spend a lot of money or pour through fashion magazines to figure out what to wear to your interview. Fortunately, men's fashion is relatively straightforward. Using a few basic pieces, it's easy to put together an outfit that is stylish, professional, and tasteful.

MENS

A navy blue blazer is a breath of fresh air from the typical black suit coat and is a great addition to your interviewing wardrobe.

A navy blue blazer can be worn with a tie, or without, depending on the dress code. It matches numerous shirt colors and can be worn with khakis, chinos or grey slacks.

A pristine button down, grey or black slacks, and​ coordinating tie is a staple ensemble that works in nearly any office environment.

It's also an easy look to throw together. All you have to do is choose a tie, and you're ready to go. With the rest of the outfit so simple, you have some leeway to choose a patterned tie, which will stand as the centerpiece of the outfit.

Work with colours that are modest but still eye-catching, like light-blue patterned tie that matches a striped shirt. It adds a touch of urban sophistication without sacrificing professionalism. Grey suit coat and pants still lend to a formal look, yet is more modern than the dreary black suit.

Ties don't have to be boring. Although you should avoid anything too flashy, such as "novelty" ties with bizarre prints, don't be afraid to experiment with unexpected colours.

Adding texture to your outfit lends an instant sense of class, sophistication, and style to an otherwise ordinary ensemble.

A textured blazer, dresses up a button down and slacks without looking stuffy or uptight. A corduroy blazer accomplishes the same thing.

Pair the blazer with a tie for a more formal environment, or lose the tie for a look that is relaxed but professional.

WOMEN

The blazer and blouse combinations are great business interview outfits that consist of three pieces that are simple, yet extremely versatile. A navy blue blazer is a great addition to your interview wardrobe.

Not only can you wear a blazer on numerous occasions, but it also works well with many different outfits—over a button-down, with a blouse, and even with a dress, for example. The gray collarless jacket with three-quarter-length sleeves is a less formal look.

A matching skirt or slacks, or a khaki skirt or dress pants, round out the outfit. A khaki skirt is a good addition to your working wardrobe because it can be worn with many different tops. Like the blazer, it can also be dressed up or dressed down depending on the occasion.

Guess what? Button-downs don't have to be boring! And you don't have to limit yourself to the basic white, blue, or pink version. You can experiment with fabrics, like the sheer silk chiffon here, which works well layered over a camisole. Try being creative with colour, too. This shirt's colour works well, as it's more interesting than the usual colors but still tasteful and professional.

A tasteful "little black dress" is the hallmark of a simple yet refined business wardrobe. Invest in a quality dress today. A dress with a structured fit and nice details (like the capped sleeves here) is professional yet still modern.

Although it's important that your interview attire is professional and conservative, that doesn't mean you can't experiment with colour. A tasteful dress in an interesting colour, such as a muted turquoise, nude or deep red, is a good addition to your interview wardrobe. Be mindful of your heels too! Don’t wear heels that would make you walk like a crazy person, be comfortable as possible. Do flats if heels ain’t your thing.

Whether you’re a recent graduate or an industry veteran, make sure your arsenal of interview attire is in tip-top shape. You’ll undoubtedly amaze your interviewers with your impressive resume, but appearing polished and professional is a super important part of landing the job. It conveys competence, self-awareness and respect for your prospective employer. Remember, these people don’t know you yet, so be conscious of all of the verbal and non-verbal cues you’re putting out there.

Get forth and impress the hiring squad, I have every faith in you.