What TO Wear for Your Next In-Person Interview: Advice from a Top Stylist, Shani Breiman

Shani Breiman is a personal stylist and wardrobe organization specialist. With a childhood spent in sports jerseys and a signature green wig at every Celtics game, Shani’s journey from the soccer fields to the fashion industry proved an unexpected yet transformative transition! As the founder of Styled By Shani, based in Boston, she extends her expertise in person and virtually worldwide, empowering clients to unleash their unique personalities through fashion. Shani is dedicated to helping her clients navigate the evolution of their personal style, much like her own—an ever-changing, dynamic reflection of true self to live this life one outfit at a time!

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Job interviews have an innate ability to spark a fashion frenzy within us. Suddenly, every item in our wardrobe becomes subject to intense scrutiny, occupying prime realbuttoned-up living rent-free in our brains. While the landscape of job interviews is evolving in both virtual and in-person formats, the fundamental question of how to dress for an interview stays. The answer to this question however has remained the same in my playbook!

The #1 most important question to ask yourself is “Do I feel like ME in what I am choosing to wear to this interview?” While the occasion may demand a more polished and buttoned up rendition of your personal style, your outfit should always unleash a layer of your personality!

So where do we start? Ask yourself the same question asked on the Grammys Red Carpet: ”What story are you telling us with this look tonight” and trust me it doesn’t take a red carpet or glitz and glam moment to take some serious inventory on this! Reflect on the emotions you want to evoke and the impression you aim to leave. What is your unique vibe? Which pieces in your wardrobe make you feel empowered? Take inventory and select some of those items that resonate and line up with your answers for your initial set of options.

Unfortunately for me, the answer to this question is my Celtics leather jacket so I'm going to have to take that out. Let’s call this the interview “countrified” initial set of options.

How do we narrow it down and actually create an outfit?

Let’s face it there are definitely some do’s and absolute don'ts when it comes to what to wear for an interview. Before we get into my styling tips let’s lock down fundamental don'ts. Avoid logos and extremely flashy designs. You are reading from a girl who loves herself a chic branded piece, but wearing them to an interview can inadvertently shift the focus away from the most important brand in the room—YOU! When it comes to color it is best to stick with the following neutrals for the bulk of your outfit: blue, black, gray, and white.

Now I am not saying you can’t have any color. If color is an integral part of you, find ways to use your color as an accent. Maybe you have a burgundy or red power tote, or your blazer has contrast color stitching, or a shoe that adds a slight bit of pop to the overall neutral look.

Now that we have gotten the biggest don'ts out of the way here are my top interview dressing styling tips:

Style around a straight or wide-leg trouser.

A well-fitting trouser is my interview holy grail. Your pants should hit right below your ankle bone. Opting for a straight or wide-leg trouser instantly elevates your look while keeping you comfortable. Say goodbye to the discomfort of tight-fitting pants, worries about ripped tights, or overly short dresses or skirts. It removes unnecessary concerns, allowing you to focus on acing the interview!

Go Monochromatic.

My go-to interview outfit "recipe" is a monochromatic look. Monochromatic dressing epitomizes power dressing. It elongates your silhouette and offers a uniform, polished appearance in a chic manner. For example, pair wide-leg cream pants with a mock neck top or bodysuit in the same cream color.

A mockneck is a great option for interviews. You do not have to look down and worry about any sort of undergarment showing or fidget with the straps- you know that this fitted top is set in place. I always choose a tank version under my blazer or jacket because let’s face it interviews bring out the absolute sweats in me!

The key lies in proportions. A looser fitted trouser is always best paired with a tucked in tighter fitted top so that you can layer with a blazer over. If you are not a fan of a tighter-fitting top another option is to pair a straight-leg more tapered trouser with a looser-fit button-down tucked-in blouse. Here, you can infuse your personal style into the blouse by playing with texture and accents. Consider different materials, contrast stitching, or very subtle embellishments to add flair to your outfit.

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Finish the look with a blazer.

Adding a blazer to your outfit is an interview must as it is sure to elevate your look and instantly evoke sophistication. A blazer is a great way to incorporate your personal style into your interview look. Blazers have transcended the corporate scene and have become a trendy staple. While interviews typically call for a more tailored blazer, the possibilities are endless in silhouette, material, texture, stitching, hardware, and embellishment. In winter, you might opt for a tweed or leather blazer, while in summer, a satin or linen blazer could be your choice. The hardware or small details on your blazer can also speak volumes about your personal style; perhaps it features a unique toggle, is belted, has gold and silver accents, or shoulder pads.

Let’s talk about shoes and accessories.

I am a firm believer in prioritizing investing in high-quality shoes as they can elevate any outfit effortlessly. I often say that with great shoes and bags, the rest of the outfit falls into place seamlessly. Much like blazers in today's fashion scene, our “work” shoes are making a statement on city streets, with trends focusing on loafers and kitten heels. When it comes to pairing shoes with wide-leg pants, a pointed-toe kitten heel or pointed-toe bootie creates the ultimate elongated silhouette. For straight-leg pants, a classic loafer can enter the chat and make a sophisticated statement.

Your choice of shoe is a fantastic way to reveal a glimpse of your personality, especially when paired against your neutral interview look. As a finishing touch a structured leather tote is a must for me. The tote market is brimming with variety, featuring emerging brands across various price points, as highlighted in my interview must-haves catalog! If you opt out of a monochromatic ensemble, matching your shoes to your tote bag can provide a sense of cohesion and polish to complete your look.

Here is a link to a catalog of some of my holy grail interview pieces… https://hueandstripe.com/catalog/1870H&S3RFZ

There is no doubt the outfit selection process can feel beyond overwhelming. Remember, at the end of the day it is all about the outfit being an enhancer and showcasing the light that is YOU, and I am always here to help bring that out of you through fashion!

xx Shani

Work with Shani: Shani Breiman

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