The M&S Style Challenge - What To Wear For A Job Interview - Outfit 1!

Ever had the thrill of an impending interview for that dream job only to have nerves set in when you think about what to wear? How should I present myself? Should I find out if they have a dress policy at the company and lean towards that? What is the best way to make an impression for all the right reasons? Well, we know exactly how that feels, so when M&S invited us to be part of their latest blogger style challenge - What To Wear For An Interview, we jumped at the chance!

Marks & Spencer have challenged 10 bloggers (guys and girls) to take one M&S dress or suit, and style it to four different interview scenario briefs over a month. I chose a gorgeous, super chic Contrast Collar & Cuff Shift Dress, £39.50. This dress is classically cool, it's just the right length and skims my curves without being inappropriate - perfect! Plus, contrasting collar and cuff dresses were all over New York and London Fashion Week, and I thought this one was very Victoria Beckham-esque with good potential for lending itself to any interview situation with some clever accessorising!

This week's brief is 'Creative but classy - create an interview outfit for a fashion role at a well-known UK fashion brand (e.g. a design role, salesperson, marketing exec, buyer).'

And this is how I would bag that job!

I think when it comes to a fashion role, you should make a bit of a quiet statement! You want to convey an obvious knowledge of fashion and a killer personal style, but you still need to keep it formal so this dress is an ideal base to make my mark in.

 

So how have I styled this up to stand out in the interview room? Starting with my grooming, I'd make sure my make up was light and natural, but with a pop of personality - in this case, my bright pink lipstick. This bright colour also looks great against the monochromatic dress!

 

 

Secondly, I think it's important to keep jewellery to a minimum. You don't want to be jangling around like an Accessorize trolley dash with every gesture! I would keep it to either one statement piece, or the bare minimum, say one ring or one necklace, and earrings should ALWAYS be discreet at any interview! The collar on the dress means I can go without a necklace, and as the cuffs are also a snappy feature I decided to just go with a smart watch. The bag, also from M&S, looks professional and modern. I'm loving the size of this one, and the stud and zipper features are trend led whilst not being over the top. To add a touch of my own personality I've added my fave designer scarf to the handle, it also matches the strap on my watch and I think someone in the fashion industry would notice and appreciate the effort.

   

My boots are quirky yes, but they are still very smart, confidence inducing and they are going to help me stand out. I would rather be 'the girl with the cat boots and the black dress', than just 'the girl with the black dress', should they come to discuss us quickly inbetween interviewees ;)

   

Outfit Details : Dress - c/o Marks & Spencer. Bag - c/o Marks & Spencer. Boots - Jeffrey Campbell. Watch - Daniel Wellington. Scarf - Vivienne Westwood. Lipstick - MAC Viva Glam Nicki Minaj.

 

My dream job would be in the fashion industry, so I hope my interpretation of a stylish 'give that girl a job' look makes the cut! 

 

Stay tuned next week for another interview outfit starring our new fave M&S dress!

 

J - Working Girl.