Dressing For Interviews?

Question

Hi. I'm after some advice: i've got an interview at a bank on Friday and if i'm wearing a darker coloured skirt suit with a lighter blouse (pink), what colour should heels and hosiery be? And why does everyone seem to be plumping for stayups as opposed to suspenders/garters these days? I thought the belts worked better? Do stayups actually work for all day though? I don't want them rolling down mid-interview!! i'll definately be wearing a skirt as i don't do trouser suits. Its very difficult to know what to do but i have to create the right impression coz first impressions count! And just how short/long should i go with my skirt? i know the general guide is 1 inch above the knee but isn't that too long?? I'm after advice on proper attire coz want best chance possible. Also, when sitting down in the in the interview, is it best to go cross-legged or another position.
All advice gratefully received
Thanks
Claire
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Answer 1

Banks are conservative places to work - a skirt an inch (or two) above the knee is not too long. When you sit down and cross your legs at the interview the skirt will be shorter anyway.
For hosiery, do whatever you are more comfortable with. I could not make it through an interview with belts, but if that is what you are more comfortable with, then by all means! I don't have problems with regular pantyhose falling down, but I know a lot of people that do.
I would try to match the color of the heels and hosiery to the color of the suit. Black for black, navy for navy, but I have also worn cream colored stockings with navy heels and a navy suit because sometimes navy stockings can be hard to find. Another idea is that you want the stockings to be a shade lighter than the outfit. So, if you have a marroon, or dark green suit, you can generally wear stockings/heels that are not green, but still a lighter shade than the suit, if that makes sense.
Good luck!

Answer 2

Here is what I would wear to a formal interview. Skirt suit is good choice - skirt should be at the knee or just above is best, better to be too long than too short- coz that would look bad. I would wear dark hose - my experience with stay-ups is not good - I found I was always tugging at them and was more comfortable in hose. I like the Hue low rise hose - really comfortable and no crazy gut sucking in thing to cut into you all day. I work in a super corporate enviroment and something I was told a long time ago about business attire is that "you never have to apologize for being well dressed" I think of that one a lot... As far as crossing legs are concerned it depends on the skirt, I would recommend sitting closer to the edge of the seat and cross your ankles - it forces you to sit up straight. Other item is make- up - keep it simple and light. Otherwise good luck !

Answer 3

Hi Claire, congrats on the interview firstly!
Now to answer your questions:
Black shoes are the easiest. If you can match them to your suit even better.
Don't stress about stockings. Pantyhose go all the way up to the waist so they don't fall down! I actually had an interview recently and I wore a skirt suit that was just below the knee (just above it totally acceptable too) and I actually wore knee high boots - so no stockings. There are stockings that stay up as they're sticky at the top so they won't fall down. Plus, don't stress about suspenders etc. as they're not going to ask you to take of your skirt.
I would wear your hair naturally - not anything fancy. Maybe just pulled back or a simple neat style if it is short.
With accessories, I wouldn't wear too much, but a little jewellery is nice!
Make sure your makeup is natural looking. Go for neutral colours.
When you get to the interview, just relax and be yourself. Answer the questions they ask you without rambling. If you don't understand the question they ask, ask them to repeat it in another way - this buys you time.
Good luck! You'll be fabulous :) DJ

Answer 4

Don`t cross your legs and keep your feet together on the floor. Wear black shoes with a dark outfit unless you have shoes the same colour as your skirt, Do not wear a short skirt , no shorter than 1" above your knees. Banks are still old fashioned establishments and the women are expected to wear smart, but non-eye-catching attire.It doesn`t matter whether you wear tights or stockings, (they aren`t going to look up your skirt) Wear a darkish `smokey`greyish shade of stocking, not black. You are not going to a funeral. My experience of `hold-ups` is that they don`t!! It depends on the shape and size of your leg, so if you are going to wear them, do try wearing a pair for a whole day BEFORE the day of the interview. Once you wash hold-ups, they will rarely ever again stay up properly. Although sexy, they are an overrated and over priced product. Good luck, I hope you get the job.

Answer 5

You should never wear a coloured shirt to an interview, it clearly makes out your takes things personally, its also unprofessional as most interviewees perfer a clean sharp black business suit with a crisp white shirt.

Your second let down is wearing fancy and frilly lingerie, this will show through your shirt and make you look like a tramp. It also gives the impression that all you will be is the 'office flirt'. They dont want that. They want someone to remain dedicated to their work not chatty with tim and bob behind desks 2 and 9.

You should always have a long skirt for work too.

Answer 6

First - take a wander into the bank that you are planning to work for, look at the female staff and take cue from them.

Dress conservatively, no flashy jewelry or stupic high heels, make sure skirt doesn't show you crutch when you sit down etc. Also don't over do the make-up or scent.

Secondly - garters and suspenders tend to show in outline under your clothes - stayups don't so make you look much smoother.

hOWEVER, DRESS COMFORTABLY IN SOMETHING YOU FEEL REASONABLY AT EASE IN, IF YOU ARE UNCOMFORTABLE IT WILL SHOW AND AFFECT YOUR PERFORMANCE. oH AND gOOD lUCK.

Answer 7

At the end of the day the more comfortable you feel in what you wear the more confident you will feel. Clothes that you keep pulling at will make you fidget and more nervous. Just think smart and what suits you best. Crossing your legs will make you worry about how much your skirt rides up. Sit up right, knees together and rest your hands in your lap and smile.
Good luck :-)

Answer 8

bank is asking for some classical stile: not long skirt, just about your knees - not shorter than that. not too high heels and some peaceful combination of colours, the one you offered is cool if pink blouse is not too light. with legs, cross them

Answer 9

Dress smart formal sensibly to make good impression with customers who you would daily come into contact with daily thank you also for initial interview know what you want to say to interviewer ask all relevant questions put to you go from there

Answer 10

People don't judge you on what position you are sitting in, all that matters is that you look smart and well prepared for your intiview.

Good bye and Goodluck!

(By the way: CONGRATS!!!!)

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