Dressing the part for an interview

Dressing for an internship or interview can be very perplexing. As first you are excited, just because you have an interview or a chance for an internship and then fear comes over you. "Will I look the part or what do I wear to make a good impression?" you begin to think. \nFortunately, we are in college so dressing the part largely depends on how much money you have to spend on your "costume." Yes, I called it a costume, because for most of us that is what a suit or wearing panty-hose is equivalent to. Dressing for an interview can be a pain in the neck, or at least it is for me. I absolutely hate it. You get all dressed up in this monkey suit so someone you don't know can give you the third degree.\nOf course, for some of us it isn't all bad. To make a confident choice, I went to my favorite fashionista Chelsea Breed, a senior in interior design, supervisor at Dial America and recipient of the Most Professional Student award in 2003, for advice on dressing professionally. Breed, who is known for stunting to work in circle skirts, tailored feminine sweaters and heels, said there are certain modes of dress people should avoid. \n"I would say if you are going into a professional field you should always have a black suit," Breed said. "Black looks professional, and you can wear the pants or blazer with or pieces." \nI am fan of black suits from The Limited, because they are not that expensive and they have a long life span. But be warned before going out of the house for the interview in the black suit -- make sure the trousers and the sleeves of the jacket are the right length. Many people tend to just buy a suit and wear if off the rack, which is okay if it fits correctly. But most suits need a little tweaking from an alterations shop. \nWhen I had an internship interview at Fairchild Publications I went crazy wondering what I should wear. I was so nervous because I was featured in their publication and I was going to be interviewed by fashion editors. Ooh, the horror! In my fit of anxiety I called Meenal Mistry, fashion editor for W and Women's Wear Daily magazines, and asked her what I should wear. \n"I don't think you should worry too much about what to wear to an internship interview. I would just keep it simple and clean," Mistry wrote. "As long as you look neat and professional, you should be fine. You certainly don't have to wear a suit or anything crazy like that. A nice skirt and sweater should do the trick." \nI was relieved, until I went to the interview and many of the people there had black suits, though they looked like they were dressed up in monkey suits it was still weird. What was even more surprising is the fashionable spin others put on their outfit. When you are interviewing for a position in the fashion industry, the pressure is doubled because the goal is to look professional and fashionable. For instance, one woman wore jeans, a Channel knock-off jacket and blouse. A man wore a velvet cranberry blazer, gray dress pants and a nice shirt. \nOf course, how you dress for the interview depends on the field. Business interns should dress conservatively, while fashion and entertainment magazines have a more relaxed dress code. Though every office or company is different, Breed said there are some universal rules. \n"Skirts are one thing you have to be careful about," she said. "No matter how nice your legs are, short skirts are unprofessional. Women have a hard enough time trying to be taken seriously in the work place." \nBreed had some advice for buying skirts that are meant to be worn to work. \n"To the knee or just below the knee is appropriate and professional, plus it is flattering on most body types," she said. \nBreed also said when it comes to men, she couldn't say enough about the importance of well-manicured hands, "because you have to put you best hand forward." \nAlso, remember to never dress above your boss and keep jewelry at a minimum. If you have to do a lot of standing, wear comfortable shoes; lace camisoles worn with a blazer is now acceptable at work.\nNow let's hope after the styling, we all get the job.