This is the third week of the Marks & Spencer Blogger Style Challenge that I’m taking part in, where I’m bringing you a series of outfits for four different job interview scenarios. I’m so excited to tell you all that I was one of the winners of the week one challenge – I’m featured on the M&S Stories website with the other winners from that week: please do check it out!
To explain: M&S have given me a dress of my choice that I have to create four outfits around, depending on the brief they’ve given me and four other female bloggers in a prize competition. There are five male bloggers taking part as well, so there will be one overall female and one overall male winner at the end of the four weeks – wish me luck! Click here to see all my entries (including “Creative but Classy” and “Stepping up the Career Ladder”).
I’m so pleased with this dress (which I chose myself, see the link at the bottom of the post); to see all the Marks & Spencer dresses I chose from, click on this link to their dresses page.
Week 3 Challenge: Just Graduated
The brief: Create an interview outfit for a student attending their first post-uni interview for a job at a creative agency (e.g. in media, marketing, advertising)
First of all, we have to address the fact that I graduated nearly 20 years ago… so I am most definitely not of post-uni age! I thought it would make this week’s challenge a little more, shall we say, ‘awkward’ for me, but as I always say, dressing should be occasion appropriate, not that nonsensical age appropriate idea.
If I’ve got a dress that flatters me (which I think I do), then I should be able to meet this week’s brief simply by accessorising it correctly, remembering the fact that it also needs to be suitable for someone straight out of university who’s also most likely on a budget.
So with all of that in mind, and the fact that the job is for a creative agency, I decided to omit any sort of blazer, and instead dress up my neutral dress with colour and accessories that showed some creative flair. I chose yellow and orange as the two accent colours, with a bright orange clutch (which is actually a laptop case), my trusty tan/mustard heels and a yellow belt.
As mentioned in week one, I think the style of the dress is very “Mad Men” – I also feel a little bit Zooey Deschanel in it – so I subtly played up the 60s feel with the hair and glasses.
The black of the collar necklace, glasses and patterned tights added a graphic edge, and I was a little more daring for this brief with my nails and jewellery: a darkish grey nail polish and a simple ring, bracelet and watch added some interest to otherwise bare arms. So no super-expensive additions to the outfit, just some budget brights to showcase my accessorising/design skills.
I’m really pleased with this week’s look – and again I still feel like me which I think is so important in a job interview. I absolutely would wear this outfit, I think it’s my favourite of the challenge so far.
Job Interview Tip no.3
Plan your route! Allow extra time for any unexpected delays. As someone who has been an interviewer many times over the years, it goes without saying that you shouldn’t be late, but don’t be too early either – no more than 5-10 minutes before the interview starts. If you arrive earlier than that, kill some time. Pop to the ladies and freshen up, walk around the block, or quietly wait in reception before announcing yourself to the receptionist. Being too early can be almost as bad as being late.
Dress: courtesy of Marks & Spencer, Heels: Nine West, Necklace: courtesy of Marks & Spencer, Belt: La Redoute, Tights: courtesy of Marks & Spencer, Clutch: ASOS, Glasses: eBay, Watch: Jasper Conran at Debenhams, Bracelet: ASOS, Ring: ASOS, Nails: Models Own Mushroom
Great accessories to your look, the glasses for me, immediately says the typical student look. Intelligent and stylish twist on the matching belt and shoe, and black beaded necklace collar accessory! Can't wait to see your last and final look!
Yay, Toni! Thanks so much for dropping by… I really hope you win the male blogger prize – good luck!!!!!!! C x
I have absolutely LOVED watching you re mix this dress each week. I can not decide which time has been my Favorite as they are all equally fabulous. this one is perfect with its lovely pops of colour, and how fabulous do you look with cats eye glasses! Beautiful lady!! xxx
Thank you lovely Rachel! Fingers crossed for me..?!! C x
Great, wonderful. You are such a good stylist. I admire you.
Beautiful dress, stockings beautiful, beautiful outfit, …
Another great way of styling this dress. I actually am considering buying this dress! Pay attention M&S!! x
I love this dress. I wouldn't have given it a second look in the store but with the additional collar and the cheerful belt, it looks like a totally different item.
What an incredible outfit! Love the shoes and glasses!!!
Carolyn
http://sillyhappysweet.blogspot.com
You look awesome and you have totally nailed the brief. Love it. I would emply you for your great styling skills! :o)
Aww thanks Miriam – that's a great compliment! x
I love the dress, the fit and the shape is really amazing! I also like those patterned tights and how you added some elements of color making the whole outfit much more interesting, and very appropriate for an interview at a creative agency!
Jenny
http://www.jensoutfitjournal.com
Thank you, Jenny – knowing that you think I've got the brief right is the most important thing in this instance!! xoxo
Gorgeous mix of textures and those shoes always make me envious.
Again, loving this dress and the styling is spot on!
Totally gorgeous hairstyle again, dear! You definitely do your very best for those interview and your hair tries to help you as much as it can!!! :)))
And these glasses are so chic! Love the whole look, btw, beautiful color combo!
xoxox, Victoria,
'The Wind of Inspiration' blog
Aww thanks V – I always think your hairstyle is just as important as the rest of the outfit, especially for interviews…! xoxo
Once again you have sone an amazing job on styling this dress! I love the touches that are reminiscent of the 60s, very chic and I especially love those cat eye frames. I also like the splashes of colour, works really well against the grey. Love love love 🙂
Take care,
Daniella xox
I have to agree with you, this is my favorite too. I love the orange and yellow bits on the grey dress. Since I'm going to work in a creative environment, some time in the future, I'll keep this look in mind. Great job again Catherine!
Thanks Kaffe, so much – good luck in your job hunting!! x
This is a beautiful and creative outfit! Love the bright touches and the 60's hair!
I love this dress and the tights. You look beautiful. So classy and sweet!
xo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee
I love how you styled this. And your glasses are fab!
You look beautiful.
I am delighted.
Thank you, Nieco =blushes= xoxo
Love this week's styling of the classic dress. The yellow belt, patterned tights and loafers add that exuberant touch!
You are always a WINNER to me, I am not surprised tha M&S is clever enough to see your value, yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
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I love this look. Eclectic, stylist and a little bit quirky. I really like the mix of textures.
Bisous
Suzanne
http://bisous.typepad.com/bisous/