Newly renovated ACE (Academic and Career Enrichment Center) teamed up with Nordstrom, located in Towson Mall, on Friday April 3rd for a "Dress For Success" event where three awesome stylists taught CND attendees what to wear and what not to wear to an interview. Although all CND students were invited to attend the event, sophomores were highly encouraged to attend since now is generally the time when sophomores start interviewing for summer internships.
Beverly Hill, one of the lead stylists at Nordstrom for 15 years, gave great advice on how to look professional for an interview, while still being comfortable and fashion forward. Before working at Nordstrom, Beverly Hill worked as a buyer for Bloomingdale's and has had the pleasure of dressing a few celebrities along the way. Armed with her two stylist assistants, Shelley Broadsky and Ricky Summers, Beverly started her presentation.
The most important thing that Beverly stressed was that no one should take for granted their resume and job skills. While appearance is not everything when it comes to obtaining a job or internship, dressing the part and looking good is the final piece of the puzzle. In the end, you are the one representing the company and you must look the part.
No matter what type of job you are interviewing for, Beverly also stressed it is imperative to invest in a good suit which consists of a structured jacket or blazer, skirt, and dress pants in either black, grey, or navy color. While you might want to skimp on the pants or skirt, think twice before you purchase. The fact is that the suit will last you for a while, and having both pant and skirt options allow for different outfit combinations. Do not come in with a loud colored suit as it can become very distracting to the person interviewing you. Investing in a well-fitted suit is the best thing one can do; Beverly suggests suit options from Nordstrom's own brand, Semantics.
After purchasing your three core pieces, invest in a white blouse, or softer blouse that has a unique detail such as small ruffles. While a classic white blouse is an essential for any wardrobe, one might want to rethink that option during the first interview. Why? Simply because everyone going in for that interview is going to look the same; the goal is to look professional yet stand out in a tasteful and unique way. Also keep in mind that the classic blouse can be a ¾ sleeve and not a full-length sleeve to save from overheating.
Now onto shoes, any girl's favorite section of a department store! Beverly suggests to keep the fashion shoes at home and to invest in classic heels that can be worn multiple times. For instance, black or brown closed toe or peep toe heels are the best. She also suggested making sure you walk comfortably in the shoe before the interview; if you cannot walk properly in those new 4-inchers, don't even think about wearing them to your 9 AM interview!
With this information in mind, strut into your interview with fashionably confidence.
For more information regarding what to wear and what not to wear, as well as photos of hand picked pieces from Beverly, check out our blog at http://www.ndmcolumns.blogspot.com
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