Fashion Blogs

For many ECU students graduating this semester, making their first impressions with employers will not only come down to their credentials, but also what they wear.

Senior merchandising major and ECU diver, Alex Clark, said wearing the wrong clothing to an interview can make or a break your chances of being hired.

“I think that a big mistake young professionals make is that they don’t research the company they are getting interviewed,” said Clark. “Just like you would cater your resume for a job, you should cater your attire.”

Clark recently received the Next Generation scholarship and was nominated by the ECU merchandising department to be a part of the National Retail Federation, which allowed him to travel to New York and attend the National Retail Federation “Big Show.”

“When I was going to the convention, I dressed fairly conservative because you know it is something you’re always told to dress and fit the norm,” said Clark.

The convention allowed Clark to meet with recruiters from big companies like Macy’s and make connections for job opportunities. Clark said it gave him some perspective on what to wear and what not to wear.

“I realized at the convention that what I was wearing was not going to cut it,” said Clark. “I realized I needed to do something that would make me stand out.”

Trying to stand out from the crowd is important for more creative industries like fashion, but for the corporate setting, standing out is not the way go to.

“For those trying to become lawyers or accountants, you’re gonna want to dress conservatively,” said Clark.

A major don’t is wearing low cut blouses or over-the-top jewelry to a corporate interview. In this case, going classy is the way to go.

“If everyone is wearing a pantsuit, you should too,” said Clark.

Wearing colorful attire in corporate setting is highly unadvised. Neutral colors and very minimal patterns are the exception.

“Especially for men who are dressing professional, wearing pinstripes represents masculinity and power, so when you walk into and interview you’ll have the aura of wanting to take charge,” said Clark.

Clark said paying attention to detail is one of the most important factors when dressing for a corporate career.

“Don’t walk into an interview and have your shoes unpolished or have chipped nail polish on or even lint on a shirt. Small mistakes like that can be deemed unprofessional easily,” said Clark.

For those going into the IT field or a start-up company, walking into an interview in corporate attire is not advised.

“It is important for this generation to understand that many new companies are trying to break norm,” said Clark. “I see many companies leaning towards casual-wear,” said Clark.

Clark recommended that wearing a suit and tie would not fit in well with this field, but opt for a pair of slim chinos or khakis.

For those going into the business-casual fields or office, you don’t want to be wearing a casual outfit, but you don’t want to be overdressing for the job either.

“Think about what you should wear to work and then make it better,” said Clark.

Wearing dark colors or a pantsuit everyday is not a necessary thing in the business-casual world; it’s okay to change it up a bit and still be professional.

“Wearing warm colors tend to initiate conversation. You want to have a complimentary-color aspect,” said Clark.

Clark said it’s normal to want to stand out for the interview, but not to over do it.

“Remember that employers don’t want to hire someone who is looking cheap. They want someone who comes off as savvy and professional,” said Clark.

Another big no-no in an interview is to wear an unmatching set of shoes and belts to an interview.

“If you are wearing a brown belt, wear brown shoes, and visa versa with any other color,” said Clark. “You want to look presentable, but you do not want your outfit to take away from what trying to present to an employer.”

Merchandising professor, Runying Chen, also recommends to never go into an interview without researching the company before hand.

“Never assume and always research,” said Chen.

According to Chen, it is essential for employers to look at their interviewee as someone who can represent their company and fit into the work environment the moment they are hired.

Chen said many young professionals aren’t informed when it comes to knowing what to wear to an interview.

“You have to know the nature of the job and know what the company values,” said Chen.

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