Ask a menswear designer: what do I wear to a smart casual job interview?
Ask A Menswear Designer’ is a column where Melbourne-based menswear designer Christian Kimber answers the style-related questions you’re too afraid to ask.
“I have an interview coming up for an office job with a 'smart casual' dress code, but I’m not really sure what that means in relation to the work environment. What do you suggest?”
Smart casual is a tricky one to define. So much of it comes down to how you put certain pieces together. That being said, the modern office is definitely getting more casual – even the CEO of Goldman Sachs made headlines last year when he said that wearing suits is now optional for his staff.
But even though dress codes are loosening, this still doesn’t solve the dilemma of what ‘smart casual’ means at an interview. In fact, I have a lot of clients who come into our Fitzroy store with the same question.
I think one of the reasons men find business casual outfits so difficult is because it requires you to communicate more of your personality than formal dressing does, and in turn, it requires a bit more thought. And if you’re the kind of guy who struggles with choosing an outfit normally—let alone in the morning before work—it's probably going to be a challenge.
The way I explain it is: Smart casual is more you. That might sound daunting (especially if you'd prefer your colleagues didn't know the real you) but since launching my brand and opening my store, I’ve devised a bit of a step-by-step to help guys get there. It goes something like this:
Above: An interview-appropriate look from Lemaire
Start formal, then strip it back
First, start with what you would normally wear in a formal work setting. If you work in an office, it’s probably a suit.
Now, start to replace the formal elements with pieces you would rather wear. Swap your white collared shirt or button down shirt with a knit polo, perhaps.
This is also a great chance to pick a coloured shirt that better suits your skin tone, or a collared shirt that’s more breathable.
When you think about it, smart casual is an opportunity to trade the most uncomfortable parts of your work suit for more comfortable alternatives to interview attire.
Above: A look from Isabel Marant, perfect for a summer interview
When it comes to trousers, think about texture
Whether you usually wear chinos or suit pants to work, I’m assuming they’re pretty conservative in terms of texture.
However, if you don’t feel comfortable going all-out with a printed shirt, a pair of pants in dark wash wool or corduroy can be a great way to spruce up your smart casual outfit.
A cuff, box pleats, a belt and utility pockets are other details that you can get away with on a pair of smart casual pants. In summer, go for something lightweight like linen. In winter, nothing beats pants made from a textural Merino wool.
Above: A look from Christian Kimber
Play it safe before you push the boat out
If you live and work in Melbourne, you’ll know what a ‘Collins Street Cowboy’ is. And while there’s nothing with a man who treats dressing for work like a competitive sport, if you’re still developing your smart-casual style persona in a casual environment, my advice is to start on the more conservative side.
Personally, I think a knitted polo with an unlined chore jacket and a pair of pants with a slightly higher waist make up a perfect beginner’s blueprint. In terms of colours, I like to opt for something seasonal: lighter tones in summer, greens, blues and browns in winter and so forth.
The final thing you need to nail is the shoes, which can also be the hardest. But they don’t have to be—a round derby (that’s a lace up shoe) or a soft loafer are ideal, in my opinion. R.M. Williams boots can also work well—just make sure your pants aren’t tucked into the tabs for the interview.
Above: A look from Tod's
Do your research, gauge the vibe
Whether it’s a job interview or a client lunch, you should research whoever you’re meeting with before you rock up. Your clothes say as much about you as they do about your respect for the other person, so even though first impressions aren’t everything, they do count.
So if you can, talk to people who work at your prospective place of employment and see what they wear to work.
And, even if the workplace looks casual, there are a few lines that shouldn’t be crossed: denim, distressed or otherwise, is never a good look for an interview outfit. And never skip the iron, whatever you do.
My wife often says that “people buy with their eyes,” which is probably true because she’s always right. With this in mind, and given that you only get one opportunity to make a good impression in a job interview, nailing your look and business attire is just as important as nailing the conversation.
So go forth and give yourself every chance to be purchased.
[Via GQ Australia]