Women's Exchange of Washtenaw

As businesswomen we have all had a piece of priceless advice given to us at one time or another.  Someone gave us a great referral, suggestions on whom to work with, or possibly tips for how to get through a difficult time.



With this in mind along with the spirit of the holidays WXW decided to give a little something extra to Women’s Center of Southeastern Michigan.  At the Merry Mingling event a “Best Interview Dress Tip” contest was held to pair with the donations of business clothing.  Imagine the excitement of the women receiving not only professional clothing to assist them in returning to the workforce but also the guidance of some of the most successful businesswomen in Southeastern Michigan!



The winner of the “Best Interview Dress Tip” contest was Donna Copeland, “Always dress professionally regardless of the type of job you are interviewing for!” Donna has won a guest pass to the January visioning & Goal Setting Workshop.



Since everyone can benefit from a WXW how to dress tip below are the responses from over forty women who attended the event.  As the Women’s Center of Southeastern Michigan is currently selecting the winner of our contest the order is entirely random and does not reflect their selection.



1. I would recommend a red suit; I’ve heard it referred to as “a power suit.” Wear something that is neat in appearance that you feel comfortable and confident wearing. If you look in the mirror and question whether I should be wearing this, take it off and find something else to wear. If what you have on is not making a positive impression on you, it certainly won’t to someone you have not met. I would also recommend manicured nails; I don’t mean they have to be professionally done; sometimes it’s the little details that count.



2. Avoid powerful perfume, or just skip it altogether



3. Dress to fit in with your new team! Before your interview, call your prospective employer and ask about their dress code. If they wear khakis and button-down shirts, then you should too (+ great shoes, matching belt, and hip jewelry of course)


4. Depends on the job you are interviewing for… a job in progressive area such as PR or advertising, etc., may require less traditional yet professional dress. In a more traditional business setting, a suit or black pants with a jacket may be in order. Whatever you choose bee comfortable in what you are wearing!



5. Wear something that makes you feel AWESOME. The confidence boost is worth it.



6. Black pants, dark shoes, flattering top and lipstick.



7. Show attn to detail: bring mini lint roller & b4 interview duck into bathroom to remove all lint & dirt.



8. Be yourself! Put some personality into your outfit and wear something unique to be remembered.



9. Be as natural as possible for an interview, less make-up, fragrance, accessories, let your personality shine through your words



10. Bag the nylons! Nothing worse than feeling like a sausage!



11. On phone interviews, smile when you are talking – they will hear it and it speaks volumes!



12. Confidence is the best thing to wear



13. Wear a colorful scarf or something tasteful – but memorable



14. Be on time



15. Polish your shoes!



16. Fabulous underwear…leads to inner confidence and a lovely smile.



17. Get to appointment 15 minutes in advance to check to see how you look



18. Wear a business suit that you have worn at least 4 times (Navy Blue)



19. Don’t wear skirts that fall above the knee. And  dress according to the weather



20. Accessorize to show your personality



21. Wear comfortable shoes and allow yourself to wear a good luck charm!



22. Always dress professionally regardless of the type of job you are interviewing for!



23. Don’t wear perfume



24. Wear a cheerful color – scarf, top, etc



25. Wear your most confident smile



26. Conservatively, black is always good



27. Wear muted colors and simple styles so it won’t take away from you.



28. Always wear dark hose to match suit pants or skirt and polished shoes – minimal jewelry



29. One ring on each hand! Watch the cleavage. Look fab!



30. No ankle bracelets. Don’t smoke – smoking makes people smell and it stays with you



31. Always wear your smile and confidence you can never go wrong wearing a tailored black suit



32. Lint brushes can really help



33. Remember to accessorize



34. Be tall – wear slim-line clothes and heels



35. Check out the culture of the company that you are interviewing with and dress up – just one notch



36. Have a firm hand shake – look people in the eye and smile with your eyes



37. Perk up you basic black/navy suit with a bright color (just not a whole bright suit)



38. Dress for the position. Have an action plan prepared for position to hand to interviewer. Plan would cover your first 90 days in the position



39. Wear shoes that you can walk comfortably in



40. Look professional but comfortable – if you’re uncomfortable you’ll be distracted from doing your best



41. Clean and neat – no jeans for a professional job



42. Dress based on your new prospective employer. Go to office and look how everyone dresses



43. Always carry an extra pair of panty hose



44. When in doubt, less is more with accessories. Wear subtle jewelry.



45. Be creative and prepared



46. Wear something that makes you fell like the way you want to be perceived ‘professionally’ or ‘confident’ etc



47. Always wear confidence



48. Try everything on the night before an interview – no last minute panic!