FASHION // Job Interviews: 1 shirt, 3 ways*

Hello you!

We've all been there. We've all had a job interview and thought 'oh dear, what am I going to wear?!'. I personally hate having to choose an outfit for an interview because there are so many variables and who knows what your future employer is looking for. Do they want me to show my personality? Do they want me to show my professionalism? Surely they won't recognize me if I turn up in the same black suit as everyone else will they?

Whilst I'm not graduating and looking for jobs yet, a lot of my friends are and surely enough, they are going through this dilemma of what to wear. I didn't want to think about my workwear wardrobe until I was contacted for a company called City Calling. Whilst they have made it easy to browse a wide variety of jobs online whilst watching Netflix in your pyjamas, there still is that issue of what to wear if you get that all important interview. However, after looking over at some of the jobs online with City Calling, I have been inspired to start preparing my workwear wardrobe. After all, if I want that all important Graduate job, I'm going to have to look good.

There are all sorts of rules that people say you should follow. Don't wear red - it's seen as trouble. Don't wear brown as you'll look boring. Wearing blue apparently shows that you are calm but professional. The one thing they all have in common? You can wear a white shirt with them. For me, I would not be going to a work interview without a crisp white shirt. I know it might remind you of school uniform but it's one of those items that never looks wrong in a work interview. There is a white shirt for every budget from this £6 version in Matalan to this much pricer option from Marks and Spencer. Either way, a white shirt (that fits well - you don't want a gaping button!) is an absolute must have so you might as well invest now (just saying).

You can pair your new found white shirt with a multitude of workwear staples from trousers, skirts or even layered under dresses. My first go-to is generally a trouser suit. Thanks to the ever adapting high-street slim leg trousers are abundant and I love this tapered pair from Next. They are fully tailored and high waisted so should be comfortable, but also hide a multitude of sins. You cannot go wrong with a matching blazer and this one from New Look is simple but oh so professional. My only note about a work blazer is that it must be structured and well tailored. Ponte/unlined blazers will not cut it in the work place - keep them for a night out with the girls. With a tapered trouser you need some shoes with attitude and this vampy offering also from Next has stolen my heart.

Obviously, you can wear skirts for a work interview too but they need to be of a reasonable length and not too tight. Just above the knee is probably about right or just below if you want to look a little more fashion forward, as shown in this option from Next. I'd steer clear of jersey pencil skirts because even no VPL pants can be seen through them and there is nothing more unprofessional than visible underwear. A structured, lined pencil skirt and matching blazer shows your femininity, but that you mean business. I find heels look a little better than flats with a pencil skirt and this pair from Office are fabulously snakey with not too high a heel. Of course, feel free to add some colour. I'd pair this with the 70s style tote bag from River Island. Workwear has never looked so funky.

Lastly, the layered shirt/dress combo. Again, the skirt needs to be of a reasonable length and the blazer must match, but it's a much quirkier look. I love this 60s inspired pinafore dress from Dorothy Perkins. It's grey, rather than black, and lovely enough to wear outside of work too. Paired with the two tone brogues from New Look, you'll be throwing around the vintage vibe as well as being seriously comfortable. In the summer you don't even need the blazer but as Autumn is approaching that extra layer may be just what you want. Just paired with a simple necklace, like this one from Accessorize, and a suitable bag you are ready to ace that interview.

So that's it - one shirt worn in three ways. In my opinion, there are no boundaries for the simple white shirt. Just pair with a nude eye, tidy updo and some reasonable shoes (this isn't London Fashion Week girls) and you're set to go. Sure, you don't need to wear a white shirt for a work interview but as long as you look polished, smart and respectable whilst feeling confident you should be unstoppable when it comes to those tricky interview questions.

Whether you are looking for jobs online with City Calling or via other media, I do wish you all the best of luck! Job interviews are nerve wracking but if you're in the right outfit you too can conquer the world (or at least the interview room. We all have to start somewhere).

*This post was sponsored, in collaboration with City Calling.