A Suit-able Alternative

posted by guest

Jul 16, 2008 4:30PM

yup - I agree with the above commenter. I would go with a great fitting skirt and a detailed shirt - think stitiching, beadings, interesting patterns - that are tasteful - and also pair your colors well. Maybe a neutral skirt (from one of your accountings suits maybe?) with a brighter colored shirt (a new investment) and a colored heel that picks up a small color in the shirt. GOOD LUCK : ) and smile

posted by gumdropsdaily

Jul 17, 2008 10:19AM

You could also do a fuller printed skirt with a belted cardigan. Add a shirt under the cardigan depending on the look you're going for. Also, I'd look for some interesting jewelry to add some extra punch to the outfit.

posted by romantics

Jul 17, 2008 3:00PM

I highly recommend the blouses at Anthropologie right now. We got a ton of fall items in, but the detailing on the blouses are to die for. I'd go with black heels and a pencil skirt - with the blouse tucked in, of course. Don't be afraid to show a little personality or color in your outfit. Maybe a skinny colored belt over a black pencil skirt.

posted by ouijesuis

Jul 17, 2008 5:50PM

Ruffle blouses are in. The ones from with a rounded pattern like a bib; currently Anna Sui is popular for these blouses. Wear a pencil skirt with pointed toe pumps. If you are not following a specific dress code. Try slipping in prussian blue lace tights. Subtle but very sexy

posted by MissRocks

Jul 18, 2008 2:12AM

Personally, seeing that it's an art gallery that hosts musically inspired pieces, I'd probably think of wearing a black [or red if you're feeling fiesty! ;)] vest over a vintage inspired blouse or tee! Then you can throw on some dark wash skinny jeans and heels, flats or boots to give it that edge. I think that would be a totally casual and fun look! And shows how adorably bold and perfect you are for the job! haha! =]

posted by daphne

Jul 22, 2008 7:12AM

i work in a business casual environment and what a lot of us do is wear dresses to work. you'll look presentable and "grown-up" without trying too hard. there's a bcbg craze going on where i work actually.

posted by guest

Jul 30, 2008 12:13PM

For the interview I love the suggestions above for pencil skirts and detailed blouses. When I worked for an art foundation, I lived in DVF printed wrap dresses. Pair it with a bold necklace and a great pair of shoes, and its the perfect every-day uniform.

posted by guest

Jul 30, 2008 12:54PM

Are you applying as an accountant? I'd stick to what you usually wear, but with perhaps one item that is on the more colorful end. I wouldn't "dress down" or "dress hip" for a fiscally responsible (rather than "creative") position, no matter where it is. Everyone is more conservative about money.

posted by guest

Jul 30, 2008 2:29PM

I interviewed at a gallery once and I wore a boldly printed black and white wrap dress with patent heels. I didn't get the job - but I was dressed just like the girl interviewing me, so I think it was the right choice!

Good luck.

posted by guest

Aug 05, 2008 2:09PM

One of Lanvins t-shirts would fit really well, i think, and maybe team them up with a simple pencil skirt and a pair of black patent heels?

posted by guest

Aug 07, 2008 1:30AM

I don't know what city you live in but when I was interviewing for positions I went shopping at Zara. They have sophisticated clothing but its chic and fashionable! Check it out.

posted by GiGiG

Aug 07, 2008 2:48PM

I think the outfit should fit the position you are applying for. I like classic black with contemporary accessorizing. I'm a Francophile, so I love scarves. But do remember that one Chanel saying about taking off one thing before leaving the house--you don't want to over do it. :)

posted by guest

Aug 10, 2008 10:05PM

I agree that a simple black pencil skirt with brightly colored accessories is the way to go. Be careful though, after dressing people for a living for years one common mistake that people make with the pencil skirt is wearing it too tight or too loose. You want to make sure that it fits just right, I always recommend tailoring it. If your tailor is any good it will be well worth the investment. If you want to do anything radical do it on your feet, (think a floral pattern opened toe shoe). Make sure you can walk in it, especially if you'll be touring the gallery during the interview. There's nothing worse than a gorgeous woman in a fabulous outfit who looks like the hunchback of Notre Dame...not the kind of fashion forward you want to aim for.

Best of luck!

Jenn

http://powerandstilettos.blogspot.com

posted by guest

Aug 11, 2008 12:09PM

I don't know if you've already interviewed or not. However, it would probably be a good idea to do some casual surveillance of the place before the actual interview. That way you can get a feel for the overall tone there, and dress accordingly. Hell, you may even discover that you don't want to work there.

And, yes, I agree with you that corporate type business wear is not going to go down well at an art gallery.

All the best