Do you work in legal, finance, or anther conservative environment?  If so, your interview suit needs to be more traditional.  A couple of weeks ago we discussed interviewing for positions in creative and retail atmospheres where your outfit can be more trendy.  Today we are going to cover interview suits and professional looks suitable for these more conservative offices.  We also have a Q&A with Debra Snider author of A Merger of Equals to help you handle the tough questions during the interview process.

For business professional go with a traditional suit, pinstripe or solid.  If you have a shorter frame a one button may be best, otherwise we recommend a 2-3 button jacket.  The extra buttons will stabilize the jacket and keep it in place.  Keep in mind a tailor is your best friend with a new suit.  Many times you need to do more then sleeve and pant hems. Look for suits with princess seams so that it can easily be tailored to your unique body shape.  Check out our Tailor List to find someone in your area.  Some classic suit colors include black, navy, and charcoal gray.  Since we are going into the warmer months you can also look at taupe and medium grey.  Feel free to wear pants or skirts, it’s about what you are most comfortable in. Though if you go with skirts, nylons are a must for interviews in this environment.

At Brooks Brothers we found a nice black wide stripe option available in regular and petite sizes.  If you will not be wearing suits to work everyday, purchasing one jacket with two different bottoms is nice.  It will be easier to pick accessories for one suit option and varied bottoms will be great once you get on the job.  The blazer will still be available on days with big meetings.  We are going full on classic with this option, add a textured white blouse, and mid-heel alligator pump.  Stick with simple and sophisticated jewelry, stud earrings and a watch are perfect. For a little added personality try a gold necklace with delicate beads.

At Banana Republic we found a coal suit, this shade is often more flattering then true black.  The collection is available in petite and tall with many bottom options including straight leg pants and a universally flattering A-line skirt.  With suits we are recommending a sophisticated shell with simple printed pattern.  We recommend tucking it in and adding a classic belt.  A medium sized shoulder bag just large enough to hold your resume is the perfect last minute accessory.  Not that anything should be last minute about your interview suit.  Remember this is your chance to make a lasting first impression.

In the last few weeks, many of you who didn’t already know about, probably learned of Twitter.  It was mentioned on The View, The Daily Show, and many news station after The President’s Speech.  For us, Twitter has been come a great resource in helping us expand our network of Savvy Women.  That’s where we met Debra Snider.  She has years of experience in legal and financial markets, but her true love is helping to give women the tools to succeed.  You can learn more about Debra here.  We of course had some more pressing questions to ask here.

1. What is a typical outfit in your industry?
   There is not so much a typical outfit as an overall polished and professional look.  Women who want to be taken seriously and to succeed in more conservative work environments like the finance and legal worlds must take care to dress like serious, capable experts and not like they’re heading out to bars or picnics.  Women are lucky to have a lot more flexibility than their male counterparts where dressing appropriately is concerned.  There’s no need to be boring or unimaginative, but we do need to recognize the lesson inherent in the “classic suit, long-sleeved shirt, and tie” uniform traditionally required of men.  We, too, want our appearance to convey our intelligence, our professional standing, our dedication to our work, and our understanding of the rules of the game.  Natural fabrics, well-made clothes that fit properly, and high-quality shoes and accessories are essential.  With this guidance in mind, suits work, separates work, dresses work, even skirts or pants and sweaters work.
    

2. Do you have a go to suit for interviews or meetings?
   I once did - it was a gorgeous navy blue Armani pantsuit.  I felt like a million bucks in it, and that feeling always carried over into the interview or meeting.  At one point, though, I realized that the suit was great not only in and of itself, but because it was easy to wear, comfortable, always appropriate, and a color and style I looked great in.  It suddenly occurred to me that getting dressed would be a lot simpler if ALL my clothes met those standards.  Bit by bit, I weeded out of my wardrobe all the complexity (blouses that never quite felt right, uncomfortable shoes, overly trendy items, etc.), all the “seen better days” clothes, all the pieces and outfits that didn’t make me feel stylish, well-dressed, comfortable and self-assured the minute I put them on.  Once that was done, I could wear pretty much anything in my closet to pretty much any interview or meeting with confidence.
    

3. What inspired you to put together your set of professional questions and answers?
   I enjoyed a very successful business career, and I have a passion for helping other women to see that it is both possible and incredibly rewarding to succeed - as a woman - in the business world.  I believe the world needs women among its leaders in every arena, and I want to continue to help open the doors and give women the tools they need to understand the rules of the game and play to win, all while suiting themselves and leading balanced lives.  It’s not necessary to deny who we are to succeed; our differences are competitive advantages, not disadvantages.  These beliefs inspired not only my own career, but also my novel, my business books, my Q&A and all the other career resources on my website.

View Debra’s Q&A now.  Some of our favorite questions include; answering pre-interview questions about your salary expectations, posting resumes blindly, how to follow up on job applications, and how to communicate enthusiasm for a job during an interview without sounding silly or obsequious.  Also here are your connections for Workchic and Debra Snider on Twitter.

If the office you’re interviewing at is a business casual environment you do not necessarily have to wear a full suit.  We do still recommend a blazer though.  Try this combination from Dillard’s.  Double notched blazer is updated and will look very polished with sleek black pants.  Add a button down blouse in a light sherbet shade.  It will add color without overtaking your outfit.  Pair with simple cuff earrings, a chic watch, and pumps with a little added personality.

These three looks should get you ready for your interviews in conservative office environments.  Plus Debra’s sage advice will help prepare you for the tough questions.  To see more business looks visit our outfits section or sort any of our Apparel by Business.  Good Luck from Workchic.com!