What to Wear to a Professional Interview

One question I get asked over and over is what to wear to a job interview for a corporate / professional setting. Since it is almost graduation season- and many young women are interviewing for their first professional / office job- now seemed like the perfect time to do a post with style tips for dressing for an interview.

Blazer // Heels // Handbag // Watch // Bracelets (20% off with code LegalLee) // Lipstick (shade is "Anita")

What to Wear to a Professional Interview:

1. Suit Separates

 This is pretty straight forward; for a professional interview wear a suit. Find a blazer that you love (these are my favorite affordable blazers) and then get and wear the matching skirt, dress, or pants (whichever you feel most comfortable in). An interview is not the time to be bold, fashion wise, so stick with black, navy or dark gray.

2. Functional Handbag

For an interview you want to be prepared for anything the day may bring at you. I always recommend having a second copy of your resume, a granola bar, gum, band-aids, safety pins (you never know!), a pair of flats if you are commuting or walking around a lot, and a bottle of water. To fit all of this stuff, you need a handbag that is actually functional - no cute little clutches! I highly recommend the York tote because it is spacious, has a laptop compartment with a zip top, (perfect to throw a resume in to keep it safe), and it is simple & classic in it's look.

3. Comfortable Heels

I cannot emphasis enough the importance of comfortable heels. Not only will you be happy and more comfortable but it sends a message that you prioritize functionality such that your 'style' will not detract from the work your future employer needs you to do. As pretty as stilettos are, they don't exude practicality and the ability to run around and get your job done. If you haven't read my guide to the best heels for work be sure to check that out. Last thing- I recommend a pointed toe over a round toe as it gives off an older, more professional vibe. 

4. A Watch

So many of us rely on our cell phones now (.. I am so guilty of that) but for an interview, it looks professional to have a watch on. Plus, if you're phone dies while you're on route to your interview (or interviews) you're covered.

5. Simple Jewelry

Some people will even advise that you should wear no jewelry to an interview. I think that is an outdated recommendation, and that in today's job market it is more than acceptable to wear some simple jewelry - just don't go over board. I would recommend a simple pendant necklace or a bracelet.

Let me know if you have any questions! If you are interviewing for a job this season, good luck!!! I am sending you postive vibes through the interwebs :)

Shop My Outfit:  

linking up with: mix it mondays // hello monday // #howispring // creative mondays

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The Top 10 Office Wear Essentials

~original photo c/o pink pot~ 

Work wear for women is such a unique & interesting area of fashion because of it's comparative 'newness'. What is considered 'work appropriate' has changed so drastically as women have taken over the work force the past few decades and have, in turn, challenged traditional dressing norms. That being said, it can be tough as a young woman to build up your wardrobe of wear-to-work basics. Today I I am bringing you 10 essential items for dressing for the office.

The Top 10 Office Wear Essentials

1. Black Pumps 

Ivanka Trump "Carra" Pumps

A comfortable, quality pair of black pumps is a wardrobe staple. You don't need to spend a fortune on pair, but you do need to find ones that are comfortable to you. Check out my Guide to the Best Heels for Work.

2. Well-Fitted Black Blazer

Theory Blazer

Black blazers are the jeans of the office world. They go with everything. The key is making sure your 'staple' black blazer is an excellent fit on you. The look of a polished blazer makes all the difference in a work day outfit. If you're struggling to find the best cut of blazer for your body, be sure to read my guide on How to Find the Best Blazer.

3. Comfortable Flats

 

Sam Edelman Flats

As much as you need good pumps for work, there will always be days where you just want to give your feet a break and wear flats. The good news is that with all the stylish options out there now, you can wear flats and still look completely professional and polished. I recommend sticking with a pointed toe shoe to keep the look professional. Having a black pair (like the one above) and a nude pair (I adore these) is ideal. You can also have fun with your flats. I like these & these to add a bit of drama to your outfit!

4. Nude Pumps

Charles by Charles David Pumps

I firmly believe that if you have a pair of black and a pair of nude pumps you are set to match any work outfit you can come up with. I love the Charles by Charles David pumps above, because the nude color is perfect on my skin tone. There's a ton of great nude pumps out there so you can find one that is actually 'nude' on you. Again, refer to my guide to comfortable heels for work if you need to find a comfy pair!

5. Pencil Skirt 

Elie Tahari Pencil Skirt

A black pencil skirt that hits just above the knee is ideal for any office environment. Go for materials with a bit of stretch to give yourself comfort and a flattering fit. There are also great options for wrinkle resistant pencil skirts (this one is a favorite of mine) which are a life saver during busy work weeks!
 
6. Trench Coat

Burberry "The Kensington" Trench

A basic tan trench is a classic piece that just does not go out of style. The Burberry (above) is the dream - such an iconic piece - but there are also affordable options that will keep you stylish and professional looking. I love this one (under $100!) and this one (with a hood!).

7. White Button Down (Cotton or Silk)

Talbots Poplin Button Front Shirt 

Many people will say you need the 'classic' white button down shirt - meaning a stiff cotton shirt. In my opinion, you need the look of a white button down - it is timeless afterall - but there is more flexibility today in terms of material. As someone with a larger chest, I constantly face the 'button gap' problem, so I find a silk button down shirt (like this one) to be a better closet staple.

8. Structured Handbag

Tory Burch Zip-Top Robinson Tote

A structured handbag looks professional with any outfit. One that fits a laptop is essential for work. If you have followed LLB for a while you know that I cannot get enough of this bag - I use it nearly every day for work!

9. Cashmere Sweater

Barney's Cashmere V-Neck

 

Offices are notorious for being over air-conditioned. A light cashmere sweater will ensure you stay warm but still look professional (leave your baggy hoodie at home!). They also make a great layering piece - I love wearing a plaid or checkered button under a cashmere sweater in the winter.

10. Sheath Dress

 Diane Von Furstenberg Sheath Dress

A black sheath dress is another timeless piece that you can turn to over and over for a classy work day outfit. I love the DVF one (above) but in general, I've also had luck finding sheath dresses at affordable prices at both J Crew Factory & Banana Republic. 

linking up with: let it shine // creative mondays // OOTD // shoe & tell // hello monday // #howispring // garay treasures // oh hey girl
  

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How To Pick Your First Suit

*original outfit post here*

I try to showcase a lot of wear-to-work outfits that are work appropriate, but go beyond just a basic suit. However, suits are a must have in your closet if you are a young woman working in the professional / corporate world. Even if you work in a laid back industry, there are times where a classic suit is just a necessity. 

Today I wanted to share some tips on how to select your first suit. Suit shopping can be a daunting task - especially for women - so these tips should help make the process easier! I'll also link up my favorite places to buy suits.

1. Know your Industry 

Do you work in a 'big business' accounting firm, a boutique law firm, a tech start-up? Knowing your industry is essential to determining the type of suit you need. For more 'corporate' industries you will want to to stick with a classic shape. The more relaxed, the more you can experiment with cuts/shapes. Personally, I live in 'skinny pant' suits. 

2. Decide on Color 

For a first suit, stick with the basics - navy or dark charcoal gray or most common. Traditionally the rule was to shy away from black as it is too harsh. Personally, I think that rule is outdated now and I see many young lawyers with black suits as their first/primary suit and it looks great. 

     3. Decide on Skirt vs. Pant            

If you are in a more strict environment, or are planning on going to numerous interviews in your first suit, skirt suits are still recommended as the most appropriate style for women. That said, it's 2016. If you feel more comfortable in a pant suit, go for it. I personally don't like skirt suits and did every law firm interview I had following law school in a pant suit. 

4. Try on Different "Fits"

Suits can be as diverse as jeans. Take a ton of suits into the change room to see how different fits sit on your body type. Longer vs. Shorter blazers will look different on different bodies, as will one, two or three button blazers. Try them all on to see what look suits you best before narrowing your search to suits in that particular fit.

 5. Where to Shop

Luckily, it is becoming easier to find stylish women's suits. My personal favorite brands/stores, by price point, are below.

Affordable ( >$200):

- Banana Republic

- Express

- Halogen (available at Nordstrom)

Mid-Range ($200-600):

- Ann Taylor

High End ($500+)

- Classiques (available at Nordstrom)

- Theory

- Boss (available at Saks)  

- Club Monaco

 

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The 5 Blazers Every Working Woman Needs

~original outfit post here~

As a young professional it is tough to build up your wear-to-work wardrobe. You want to put your best foot forward in your career, and that includes looking & feeling your best. Blazers are a wardrobe staple for young professionals, so today I have got your guide to the top 5 blazers every working woman needs.

(1) Fitted Black Blazer

~original outfit post here~ 

A fitted black blazer is the absolute staple of any young professional's wardrobe. It's a timeless piece that can be worn with just about anything. I recommend keeping a well fitted black blazer in your office at all times. Think of it as your professional looking security blanket - thought you had a casual day and then suddenly an important meeting is thrown at you? You can add a fitted blazer to whatever you are wearing to make your outfit appropriate for any work event. You can shop my top picks for fitted black blazers below.

(2) Menswear Inspired Blazer

~original outfit post here~

Every woman needs a powerful blazer in her arsenal, and a menswear inspired style is perfect for that. A tuxedo jacket, similar to the one I am wearing here, is a great style that carries both the confidence of a menswear inspired blazers and the fashion forward element that every working fashionista wants. You can shop my top menswear inspired blazer picks below. 

(3) Good Quality Blazer

~original outfit post here~

While you are starting out in your professional career, you may not have the budget to go crazy on work wear. In my opinion you don't need a ton of expensive blazers, but you do need one really good quality blazer. My personal favorite blazer is the one pictured in the above photo from Citzen's Mark. The fabric and tailoring are so high quality and so beautiful!

(4) Cropped Blazer

~original outfit post here~

A cropped blazer is an important item of wear-to-work clothing that pairs well with those wide-leg trousers you've been seeing on-trend this year, as well as office appropriate dresses. Below you can shop my personal favorite cropped blazers.

 (5) Bold Blazer 

~original outfit post here~

Every working woman needs one bold or bright blazer they can wear to work that is their "stand out" item. I love wearing a bright blue, emerald or red blazer with basic black to brighten up my work wear. Below are my favorite bold blazers; and all are under $200! 

linking up with: let it shine // #ootd // #howispring // mix it mondays // friday faves // fabulous friday // WW // creative mondays

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Professional Patterns

Similar Blazer // Pants // Wedges // Similar Necklace, (2) // Handbag
photography by: jayjay photography

This plaid blazer is a few years old, and every fall I find myself reaching for it again. Incorporating prints and patterns into your work wardrobe is a great way to update your look and embrace the trends of the season. Below are my tips for how to wear patterns to work. Before I get to that though; I have some announcements for you:

1) Today is the last day to enter the giveaway to win a pair of Kendra Scott earrings and $105 gift card to Sephora! If you haven't entered yet, you can do so here.

2) Starting today every Monday I will be sharing a "Monday Must Read" on Facebook & Twitter. Be sure to follow along to catch some great articles aimed at all of you amazing women working hard to achieve your goals! The "Must Reads" will be articles I found interesting each week ranging from fashion, to business, to career advice.  

Tips for Wearing Patterns at Work:

1. Stick with one color scheme 

You'll notice with this outfit the plaid is in wine shades with hints of black. The rest of my outfit is therefore black.

2. Stick with one pattern at a time  

If you are wearing a patterned blazer, generally stick with a solid colored blouse. Print mixing is awesome; but rarely will it work for the office.

3. Pick a feature item 

Your patterned item should be the focus of your outfit. Don't let the rest of your outfit compete with it- that can look too "busy" for the corporate world. My personal favourite item for patterns, are blazers.
 

4. Experiment with pattern size 

Depending on the pattern, you may find that a smaller print or a larger print looks more professional. Once you’ve picked a pattern you want (say, polka dot); find a large print and a small print and try them on with the rest of your outfit – you’ll often find one feels more professional!  

Have a great Monday everyone. I'll be busy with back to back meetings today, but that will make a nice change from being in court all day!

Linking up with: shoe & tell // Let it Shine  // #howifall  // creative mondays  // hello monday //  a lovely little a la mode // sophisticated style  // mix it mondays // beauty by miss l // on trend tuesdays // garay treasures // style sessions // style swap // tuesday fashion party // trend spin linkup // the mummy chronicles // How I style It (Plaid) // throwback thursday // #wiwt // what i wore to work // casual friday 

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