Dress Guidelines

Dress Code for a Fashion Industry Interview

Figuring out what to wear to a job interview in the fashion industry can be more stressful than the interview! The best tip to knowing what is appropriate and what will make you stand out is researching the company and their culture. Looking at how your interviewer and other employees within the company dress in the office will give you an insight into their personality and what they are looking for, then plan your outfit to be just a bit more formal than the norm for the interview. All offices are different, some more corporate and conservative, others casual or very creative. We have listed some tips below on what to wear and what not to wear to an interview in either of these offices. A Casual Office  Even if a company’s dress code is casual “wear whatever”, you should always present yourself well and not take this as an invitation to wear workout gear, sweats etc. What you could wear:
  • Clean denim in darker colours
  • Button down shirts
  • Simple blouses
  • Crewneck sweaters
  • Dressy flats or boots
  • Low to mid height heels
What you shouldn’t wear:
  • Sweats
  • Workout clothes (tights, leggings, joggers etc)
  • T-shirts with holes or rips
  • Printed/edgy t-shirts
  • Sandals
  • Distressed/ripped jeans
A Creative Office  This is where you can wear more fashion- forward pieces to an interview, but don’t go overboard. You don’t want to look like you are trying to wear too many trends and not look put together. What you could wear:
  • Tapered wide leg trousers
  • Colour combinations
  • Mixed prints
  • Tailored dresses and skirts
  • Leather
What you shouldn’t wear:
  • Sleeveless shirts or dresses
  • Baggy/sloppy styling
  • Sheer or see-through clothing
  • Miniskirts
A Corporate/Conservative Office  If you are interviewing in a more corporate and conservative office, this doesn’t mean you have to wear something boring like a boxy, monochromatic suit. The trick is to mix and match traditional pieces and add subtle details with your accessories that show more of your personality. What you could wear:
  • Tailored blazers
  • Subtle prints
  • Silky blouses
  • Simple heels
  • Classic pencil skirts
  • Vintage jewellery
What you shouldn’t wear:
  • Above the knee hemlines
  • Sheer clothing
  • Leather
  • Sleeveless dresses or tops
  • Bright or bold print suits
 

General Work Wardrobe Tips 

Although what you should wear to work varies in areas of the fashion industry,  you should always dress appropriately. Here are some basic tips on what to wear and what not to wear in the office. Women What you should be wearing:
  • Blazer – Make sure they fit your body and shoulders correctly.
  • Button Shirts or Blouses – Choose a wrinkle free cotton or silk fabric.
  • Trousers – Wide leg, tailored, cropped style in a wool blend, silk or linen fabric. Avoid knit or jersey fabrics, they are too casual.
  • Skirts – A pencil skirt, pleated skirt, full skirt or wrap skirt at a knee to mid-calf length always works a treat.
  • Closed Toe Heels or Flats – Pointy stilettos, ballet flats and oxfords are timeless.
  • Jewellery – Simple pieces are better, avoid bold statement earrings.
What you should not be wearing:
  • Low cut tops, Tank tops, Spaghetti Strap tops or Midriff or Cutout tops.
  • Short skirts or dresses.
  • Loud Prints.
  • Bodycon or Bandage skirts or dresses.
  • Shorts (Culottes are acceptable).
  • Fishnet stockings.
  • Denim jeans or shorts.
  • Hats
  • Sandles, Thongs or Sneakers
Men What you should be wearing:
  • Suit – Tailored Blazer and pants
  • Suit Jacket – Depending on the position, you may not be required to wear a full suit, but a Blazer always works well.
  • Button Shirts – Choose a wrinkle free cotton or silk fabric.
  • Dark Jeans or Chinos – Depending on the position, you may not be required to wear suit pants, however make sure if you’re wearing jeans or chinos, they look brand new and are a dark colour e.g. navy or black as it looks more professional.
  • Tie with Tie Pin
  • Belt
  • Closed Toe Shoes – Oxfords are great especially polished!
  • Socks
  • Watch
What you should not be wearing:
  • T-Shirts, Singlets or Ripped Tee’s
  • Light denim, ripped jeans or shorts
  • Scuffed shoes, sneakers, thongs or sandles.
  • Hats
  • Loud Prints
  • Wrinkled clothing