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

Tuesday 25 September 2012

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.

31 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thankyou! I got them from a US store last Christmas but I think they're in UK in Office now :)

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  2. I love this 'job interview' outfit! The shoes are so pretty :)
    Daniella x

    http://daniella-r.blogspot.co.uk/

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Daniella! A fashion related job is the dream, the reality is very different! ;)

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  3. Such a cool interview outfit! You nailed it! :)

    callmemaddie.blogspot.com

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  4. Thank you for your nice comment on my blog!
    I am happy to being visiting yours! I am totally crazy about your lilac hairs! And what to say about this kitten platforms!!! They are AMAZING!

    Maybe we can follow each other? Let me know!

    xoxo

    Julia from aboyeur.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for visiting Julia, thanks for spotting my hair, it needs redoing but I'm kid of liking the faded look!

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  5. Very smart and i love these shoes!
    Cara x

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  6. Nice dress!
    Check out my new blog:http://www.asparklyhanger.blogspot.ro/

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  7. I love the cutesy collar on this dress even though i can never rock them myself! *CRYFACE*

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    Replies
    1. I don't believe you, you could definitely rock a collar?! :)

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  8. Lovely outfit!! Love those shoes!! 0_0

    Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment! Keep in touch!

    xo - Sheila

    sheislovelyblog.com

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  9. Perfect outfit, its sophisticated yet still chic! You could literally pull off anything!

    www.missiffa.com

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  10. You seriously look fabulous and rock that dress. Those shoes are frikken amazin!

    xx

    http://confettifashionblog.blogspot.com.au/

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  11. Very cool outfit for an interview, loveee the dress!

    xoxo Bree
    The Urban Umbrella
    http://www.theurbanumbrella.com

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  12. I really like your blog dear!
    Keep up with the good work! :)

    XO

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  13. Perfect interview outfit, I'd hire you in a second ;)

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  14. so glad i found your blog! :>
    those cat details are so adorable!!!
    btw, new follower here :D
    ❤ misskatv.com

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  15. Amazing shoes! I love them!

    I've a giveaway now, please check it out!
    caughtinvogue.blogspot.com
    xx Viola

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  16. Love how you've styled this dress, the boots are fierce!

    http://littlebigobsession.blogspot.co.uk/

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  17. Very chic! Love the shoes <3 I'm sure you aced your interview!

    Hannah
    hannahsfashionblog.com

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  18. I love your outfit and these pictures, you look so good and that dress is really beautiful, the color, the shape, the length are all perfect also you are really beautiful and your shoes rock! Your have a lovely blog by the way and I am a new follower on GFC and Bloglovin! Hope you will like my blog and follow back!

    Pop Culture&Fashion Magic

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Hey there, thanks for taking the time to follow and comment! Pop your thoughts here and we will come take a peek at your blog/profile too. :) T and J xo