When dressing for an interview there are two things to consider. First, that your outfit shows that you care about securing the job and second, that you feel like you in your interview outfit. 

Suiting pieces are an investment, whether you’re a girl boss that wears a power suit daily, or your suit hangs in the back of your closet until a big meeting or interview. Invest in a capsule wardrobe of suiting pieces that represents you and will never go out of style. One suit can be paired with different blouses, bags, and shoes that will serve to create different outfits if you’re called back for a second or third interview.

Darker suits in navy or black are more formal and work for all seasons. That light pink or khaki suit may be enticing in the Spring, but what if you have an interview in February?

Look for suiting pieces in stretch fabrics, and blouses that don’t fit too snugly. If you only wear your suit for big interviews, you don’t want to reach for it only to find that you’ve gained five pounds and it’s out of commission.

Here are my go-to interview outfits to help you build a collection of your own.

Classic

A white silk shirt with a dark suit and oxfords

You can never go wrong with the classic combination of a white shirt and a dark suit. My classic suit is comprised of a J.Crew Parke blazer and Cameron slim crop pant, both in bi-stretch cotton, worn with the Slim Fitted Stretch-Silk Blouse from Vince. I like to pair my classic suit with Freda Salvador Laceless D’Orsay Oxfords in Black Embossed Croc and a shiny leather Comme des Garcons Wallet to add some edge.

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Chic

A black silk shirt with a black suit and a pair of mules

I’m guilty of wearing all black on a regular basis, and adding a black silk blouse to my suit instead of a white one helps me to feel more myself. I pair my all-black suit with a Coach Parker Top Handle bag and Theory Leather Slides.

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Bold

A black jumper and a pair of heeled boots

If a full suit isn’t appropriate for your job interview, a jumper can be a sophisticated-cool alternative. A dark color is more formal and says that you’re serious about the job. Make sure your jumper has a defined waist- you don’t want to wear a sack to your interview! I love this effortlessly cool goop X Universal Standard Brushed-Back Jumpsuit. I pair mine with a Comme des Garcons Classic Pouch and a pair of The Boss Boots from Everlane.

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What about heels? If your style leans more femme than mine and you want to pair your suit with heels, you can’t go wrong with the Stuart Weitzman Leigh 45 Pump. They are both beautiful and easy to wear.

Where will I put all my stuff? If you need a carry-all bag for your presentation or interview materials, I suggest The Transport Tote from Madewell. The simple leather bag won’t detract from your outfit, and its seemingly bottomless interior will hold whatever you need.

An interview outfit calls for formality, but that doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your identity. Build a collection of functional pieces that are sophisticated enough for an interview and reveal your personal style. You’ll feel more yourself, and that ease will translate well in your interview.

*Featured image adapted from Pepamack