Style Syllabus: Interview Outfits To Help You Land Your Dream Job

Ah, springtime. Birds chirping, flowers sprouting, lovers strolling...and college students pulling their hair out trying to scrape together some kind of productive summer (or post-grad!) plan. If you've found time between finals to brush up the ol' resume and apply to a few jobs or internships, good for you! Now, the real fun starts: interviewing.

Though you've probably spent hours and hours stalking your potential employer to the greatest extent allowed by law, to your interviewer, you're most likely one among many hopeful young faces. Of course, the best way to stand out is by showing off your sharp wit, great experience, and memorable personality – but a killer outfit never hurts either, right? Depending on the company character and job field, each interview requires a different dress code (particularly if you're looking at fashion and design jobs). We've pieced together some well-rounded tips to outfit you from head to toe, and take you from Wall Street to Vogue, and everywhere in between.

On Top — Go with something sleek and minimalist and work from there. Stick to the basics with a stand-alone oxford for a more professional environment. A tailored blazer with an unusual cut is a great way to show some subtle flair.

Down Low: Pants have long been a staple for women-in-the-workplace, but that doesn't mean they can't be interesting. We think professional pants, when done right, are a bold and interesting statement. If you do choose a skirt, pretend you're back at a middle school dance and don't go any further than an inch above the knee (and in the case of more conservative environments, stick to skirts that hit right at the knee). But stay away from maxis, too — unless you're applying for a job at a surf shop, in which case, can we get an application?

Best Foot Forward: Now is not the moment to trot out your Litas for the first time. If you're going to be dashing between interviews, you need something comfortable with a shape that works with any pants cut or skirt length. We recommend a strong but not overwhelming silhouette in a neutral color.

All-Out Acessories — Jewelry and other accessories are really the place where you can go wild — a little bit, anyway. If your interviewer is taking your style into account, he or she will admire your creativity; if not, most pieces will blend in with your outfit. It's up to you to judge whether a full-on arm-party is appropriate for the occasion, or if a smaller arm get-together among close friends is more fitting. As for bags, now's as good a time as ever to invest in something chic and roomy that can keep your resume crisp and un-crumpled!