Scoring and styling affordable interview looks

GETTING INTERVIEW READY: How to score and style affordable interview looks

By Shawn Owens

We all know the excitement that comes with the possibility of a new job or career. We put in all of the work getting the degree, crafting the perfect resume and finally landing an interview.

However, there are a million different things that come into play when getting ready for an interview, with one of the main things being how you present yourself to this potential employer.

If you have lots of money to spend on expensive suits and professional looks, then this article might not be for you. However, you might be in the right place if you have never owned professional pieces or you want to find affordable pieces that will do the job of being versatile for the interviews that you have lined up.

What to wear

Firstly, you may be confused about what to wear to your interview. Most employers want to see you dressed professionally, and you also probably feel as though you want to present your best self for this potential opportunity. It’s always the safest route to go for matching sets or slacks with a matching blazer.

How to find quality pieces

You can first start by finding a friend or relative that just so happens to be the same size as you that doesn’t mind lending you a piece or two to get you started out. This saves you virtually 100 percent of spending and allows you to be at ease knowing that you don’t have to shell out any bucks to find the perfect interview appropriate looks.

But, if that doesn’t work for you, you can score some great items in the clearance sections of some of your favorite department stores. Stores like Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, Ross, etc., offer a plethora of reasonably priced matching sets that are sure to help you make the best first impression.

This option has to be one of my favorites and a hobby that I have come across through the pressures of lock down.

Thrifting

Thrifting is one of the most thrilling experiences that I have ever experienced in my shopping journeys. You would be surprised at the things you can find at your local thrift shops. I have found vintage designer blazers, pants and even dress shoes from thrift shops. Here are some of my favorite local second hand shops and platforms to thrift.

Leopard Lounge (Montrose)

With its leopard exterior it is impossible to miss, and upon entering you are taken on a journey through decades worth of unique pieces that are sure to stand out.

Goodwill

You can never go wrong with

thrifting at your local Goodwill. There are truly no limits to what you can find here. There are an array of hidden gems inside of these places that could save you big bucks.

Depop

Depop is another one of my all time favorite thrifting platforms, due to the ability to thrift right at your fingertips with a mobile app. Just as you would shop online you can use Depop to find all of your interview needs. Just one simple search for dress pants can bring up plenty of options.

With all of that said, there is one more layer to how you present yourself in your interview. No matter the circumstances you have to always lead with confidence, because ultimately it’s all about your qualities and abilities that have made you a qualified candidate for this company. Regardless of what pieces you are able to find with these affordable options, remember that you are what make the pieces work. Carry yourself with confidence and any look will suit you in your best light.

Graphic by Jiselle Santos