Parents tell me The Guide is an especially helpful tool for their grown up kids as they transition from school to work because it shows them how to add value quickly when they join their new employer, along with advice on what not to do. And of course there’s a section on appropriate dress! Order a copy before December 22nd and I’ll send you my business etiquette booklets (a $16 value) at no charge. Happy holidays!

Reader Question of the Week

I  have been in military service for the past ten years and next month, I make my transition to the civilian world. If there were a few key pieces I should invest in for job interviews and my life in the civilian world, what should they be?

Wardrobe 911’s Prescription

This is such a great question and one I’m sure many service women wonder about.  Since you are basically starting from scratch, you need to make sure you have a few core pieces  in your closet (in your best neutrals) that you can easily mix and match. Here are some recommendations for key pieces you should invest in.  For a full basic wardrobe suited to your body type, check out our body type recipe box.

• Tailored pants: Theory Emery bootcut trousers (right) are made from a stretch all-season wool (the best fabric and it doesn’t wrinkle) and it comes in a multitude of neutral colors (black, brown, navy, gray, charcoal.) This style was made specifically for hourglass and triangle body types with it’s roomier hip and thigh. And, the wider bootcut leg helps to balance the hips. These pants are well-made, are classic yet modern, and will last you a long time.
• Cardigan: Merino wool, cashmere or silk/cotton blends will be your best bet.  Here we show a merino wool cardigan in camel. These are great for work or play and can be belted, buttoned, or left open.
• Black jacket: Every working gal needs a black jacket that can easily transition from day to evening to interviews to weekend.  I’m especially loving the wool and poly gabardine fabrics that travel super well.  Calvin Klein always makes a modern version in a poly gab each season at a great price (under $150) — you’ll never find them online unfortunately but if you’re near a Bloomies or Calvin Klein store, you will.  And, Diane von Furstenberg also makes a great poly/gab jacket found in stores.  These are wonderful because they mold to your curves but don’t show the lumps and bumps!  Some other great alternatives out of that same poly gab are this Elizabeth and James ruched sleeve jacket (shown on left) or this more classic-styled version by Calvin Klein.  Sizes are already limited because the black jacket is such a staple so if you find one you like in your size, it’s worth the investment.
• A great pair of jeans. Joe’s Honey jean (left) comes in various washes but I love the darker wash since it’s more versatile and elegant.
• A couple of jersey or knit tops that span both work- and play. You’ve all heard me wax on about the Three Dots cowl/drape necks (right) – they look great under jackets or just alone with jeans and come in tons of colors. Banana Republic has some cute styled (and well-priced) knits this season that are also worth taking a second look – I like this button scoopneck (left) in gray heather.
• Shoes: for shoes you want to have at least one pair kitten heels that you can stand and walk comfortably in. These multi-colored snake skin heels work with most any neutral and are the perfect basic to have in your wardrobe. For more casual days at work or for play, these Geox Lola 02’s in black patent will keep your feet aired and comfortable.
• Of course a simple black handbage will do, but try a beautiful teal tote to create some interest. It’s 100% leather and is large enough to hold your resume and file folders.

These will pretty much be the workhorses of your wardrobe and ones you’ll wear again and again.  Readers, what are your favorite pieces from your wardrobe that you wear over and over?

Reader Question:

I currently live in NY, but am interviewing for several Silicon Valley mid-level roles (manager/director positions.) What is an appropriate interview outfit for the West Coast?

Wardrobe 911 Style Prescription:

It depends on the company but since you said Silicon Valley, I’m going to assume it’s high-tech.  Most high-tech firms have a business casual dress code or as the case with Facebook, don’t have one at all but enjoy Dress-UP Fridays.  Regardless, they need to relate to you so a one-color skirt suit would be too over the top. You don’t want them saying to each other after the interview, “She was qualified but she seemed too uptight for us.”   However, it’s still an interview and jackets along with dressing to impress are a requirement.

Here’s a sophisticated ensemble that looks great with or without the jacket (just in case they take you to lunch at an outdoor patio.) And, they individually are great building blocks for a business casual wardrobe.

• Silk plaid blouse that has a super flattering neckline and works well underneath a jacket.
• For pants, a darker gray color compared to the jacket will work perfectly. Here we chose a light charcoal pinstriped trouser. It blends well with the graphic plaid blouse because the scale is smaller and it’s in a stretch lightweight wool which is perfect for the Bay Area weather.
• Wear a fitted pearl gray jacket like this wool flannel version from J.Crew.
• Depending on your style and the personality of the company, try a suede grommet belt with a little color to pull your outfit together.  Here, I show a wine colored belt with gold detail to match the gold buttons on the jacket.
• For shoes, black or gray will work — these Arturo Chiang’s Desiree shoes and they come in slate and black. Plus, they go to 11!
• Carry a clean-lined tote to hold your resume such as this plum version by Longchamp. A less-expensive tote is found at New York & Company. Again, a black bag will also work well!
  

Good luck!

If you have an important client meeting or interview coming up, you want to convey confidence and professionalism. Stretch wool is a great fabric to wear because it’s seasonless (eg it breathes) and it doesn’t wrinkle.

Here we show a great pinstripe pencil skirt and two-button jacket from JCrew. Pinstripes are great for lengthening your silhouette and also give a cool banker vibe if you wear it well.  Try a classic neutral combination with a camel cashmere shell and belt it with a same color skinny belt.

Another beautiful option in a lighter charcoal is the high-waisted lightweight wool skirt by Banana Republic. They have a great two-button blazer that goes with it and they both come in petite and tall sizes.

Wearing simple diamond or these CZ vintage earrings adds polish. For shoes try the rsvp snake print or the nude platform pump.

If you’re at director or VP-level and you’re out interviewing, your experience and accomplishments have already set the tone for the conversation. Make sure to back it up with what you wear.   Your first impression is going to make a big difference whether or not you’re called back for a second interview.

Knowing the dress code before you go in is important but remember that you are interviewing and jackets are a must. No matter what.

Using a modern suit that can be broken up for various outfit needs is critical for a female executive. These black pants and DKNY tie jacket go well together but also look great separated.  The tie jacket is great for all body types because it shows off the waist, or if you’re a rectangle creates the illusion of a waist.

A straight-across neckline looks best with a notched collar and this green ruched top does the trick nicely.  Wear a simple silver layered chain necklace that doesn’t distract.  I’m always on the lookout for a comfortable 2″ black heel and these do the trick.  Make sure you carry your files and resume in a nice clean-lined tote such as this one by Costume National.

You just got a call to come in for an interview from the company of your dreams.  Whether you’re interviewing for a very professional company like a financial institution or like one of our readers, the State Department, you’ll need an outfit that screams capable and confident.

This is a wonderful classic suit outfit that will be flattering for most silhouettes.  Combine a dark neutral blazer that hits just above the hips with a matching skirt or pant. The shorter length of the blazer is good for de-emphasizing the wider bottoms of triangles and hourglasses, as well as narrowing in on that teeny waist.

A straight-cut skirt like this pencil skirt creates a streamlined silhouette to also help balance out the lower areas.  Pair the two piece suit with the ultra-flattering Theory Aniston top - this is a great basic to have in your professional attire wardrobe.

Since black and white can get a bit boring, so be sure to add some personality and layer it with a colorful tank like my all-time favorite by Theory — a little pricey but so worth it, I promise you will wear again and again.

Add a simple pair of heels like these by Circa Joan & David, and don’t forget the Spanx hose to keep everything in check.  Go get em’!

A Reader Asks:

I am exploring some opportunities in the fashion industry however in an administrative role. What is appropriate to wear to a job interview for this type of position?

Wardrobe 911’s Style Prescription:

Whatever industry you are interviewing in, you  need to look polished and professional.  In fashion, there is a bit of leeway (and a tad more pressure) to dress current — you just don’t want to overdo it.

Trends are best expressed in your tops and accessories.  You can easily find these at lower price points: the bow-tie top is from BCBG and the stylish funnel neck jacket is for $78 at Nordstroms.

When it comes to bottoms (such as this skirt by Alexander McQueen) it’s best to invest in classics that will stand the test of time.  For a pencil skirt, you’ll want to wear some stacked heel or platform black pumps:  Cole Haan square toe pumps have Nike Air technology so they are super comfortable on top of being stylish. Costume National (shown) makes some stylish shoes that any fashionista would drool over.  If you can swing it, grab a pair at Zappos.com.

Most importantly, tote a stylish bag that is big enough to hold your resume and notepad so that you come across prepared and organized.  Good luck!

It’s summer, you have an interview (or impt meeting), and figuring out what to wear is difficult enough on top of being petite.  Most petite clothes can be a bit lacking in the style department so don’t just limit yourself there.  Many designers cut really small (Diane von Furstenberg, Tocca, Louis Verdad) so you definitely want to check them out since you are sure to find some great things that fit.  With pants and skirts, it will unfortunately be a fact of life for you to get them hemmed….or wear very high heels.

Here’s a regular sized sheath dress by Lafayette 148 (they do make petites btw) that is perfect year-round since it’s a nice weight stretch wool.  If you’re petite, you’ll just need to get this hemmed.  The jacket is from the petite section at LOFT Ann Taylor.  It’s a perfect summer staple.

Pointy toe shoes help elongate the line of your legs and these comfy ones by Lumiani are perfect for work.  The North-South chocolate tote by Fossil will hold your files and has pockets for all other work accouterments (available at Zappos.com)  Now, go get that job!