How to mix and match clothing for interviews with your current wardrobe.
13 Feb, 2020
By Tan Li En
You are standing in front of your wardrobe, frantically flipping through every single piece of clothing you own. Panicking, you realised that you have nothing to wear for your upcoming interview. You wished you knew how to style your clothes to look prim and proper.
Most students do not have the means to invest in formal wear in their teenage years and early 20s as they have yet to enter the workforce. Hence, it might be challenging for them to mix and match their existing clothes for interviews, when they have to attend one.
However, it is actually easy for students to mix and match the staple clothing they already own for interviews. Here are some recommendations from two experts.
Fitted blazer
Ms Leah Shannon, 26, video team lead at ZULA, is most well known for producing and featuring in the videos of ZULA’s YouTube channel related to fashion such as styling, shopping, and thrifting. She says,
“I think no matter what, it's good to invest in a fitted blazer as it immediately makes your outfit look more put together, ideally in a neutral colour.”
Instead of investing in typical blazers that are “cinched at the waist”, she suggests students go for longer lined straight cut, slightly over-sized blazers.
These kinds of blazers can be used for both casual and formal wear, allowing you to wear it more often.
Ms Ho Jia Wen, 18, wearing her over-sized straight cut blazer paired with a classic black midi dress, based on the tips given by Ms Shannon. Photo by: Tan Li En
Overall outfit
Ms Shannon suggests sticking to soft solid colours that are more muted, such as pastel greys, pinks, nudes, and creams for the outfit. “You can go with monochrome but colours will have a bit of personality, and yet still stay professional,” she says.
Additionally, avoid prints because it can come off as too casual. If you only have mostly printed pieces, choose those with patterns and colours that are not too “loud and jarring”.
Ms Ginette Chittick, 43, programme leader and lecturer for Diploma in Creative Direction For Fashion at LASALLE College of the Arts, suggests avoiding anything of denim material, as that is informal.
Tops to pair with blazers
“If you have a blazer, your inner outfit can afford to be slightly more casual,” says Ms Shannon. She says that you do not have to wear the classic white button-up shirt, as a “nice blouse or turtleneck” would suffice.
Ms Ho Jia Wen, 18, a student who tried to mix and match the outfits in her wardrobe based on these pieces of advice, says, “I always had the impression that turtleneck tops are only worn during winter hence we do not usually see people wearing it Singapore. However, by matching it with a blazer, it surprised me that such a combination made me look smart yet fashionable at the same time.”
However, avoid wearing t-shirts or tank tops inside blazers as it would look unprofessional.
You should also always tuck in your tops into your bottoms for a sleek finish.
Based on Ms Shannon’s tips, Ms Ho matched a nude turtleneck tucked into a pair of formal pants, then paired with a cream coloured blazer. She was pleasantly surprised to find out that she can utilise her turtleneck shirt more often now, not just during winter. Photo by: Tan Li En
Tops to wear without a blazer
You can still look formal for interviews even if you do not have a blazer. Select tops with sleeves that are at least slightly above the elbow, three-quarters, or long sleeves.
Bottoms
Pair your top with long pants or midi skirts, and try to avoid skirts above knee length.
High-waisted wide-leg pants and paper bag pants are good alternatives to tapered formal pants.
However, avoid jeans, and materials like cotton or knit which are less structured and can potentially look like sleepwear.
Ms Angela Tang, 18, student, wearing a full black outfit consisting of a high-waisted wide leg pants and a formal blouse with a blazer which was matched according to the tips given by Ms Shannon.
Dresses
One-piece dresses that are not made of cotton or linen work as well. “Choose dresses that have structure, rather than flowy or body hugging pieces. Keep it at the knee or midi in length,” says Ms Shannon.
Shoes
Finish the look with appropriate shoes: pointed toe heels or flats. Avoid open-toe shoes.
Accessories
Ms Chittick suggests avoiding bringing cotton or tote bags, and bags which are too colourful. Ms Shannon also suggests adding earrings and a necklace to pull your outfit together.
Ms Angela Tang, 18, a student who tried to follow the tips given, shares,
“Overall, it was surprisingly easy to follow the tips given because I had most of the essential clothing. I just needed to pair them up! It was fun to come up with a few outfits that can boost my confidence.”
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