Stylish but professional?

[Annabella Maria]

God forbid if this isn't the correct forum to place this in, and hopefully there's some people here that are my target audience for this type, too. So I would rather no one post if they're going to act like they just waltzed out of 4chan or the CB/GD troll extravaganza.

Anyways, I'm considering applying for a few jobs, preferably at a bookstore or in retail. I'm seventeen and going to college, so this will be a part time job. I don't want to overdress or dress in all dark and boring tones. I'm wondering what I can wear that will look fun and stylish, but professional and sophisticated at the same time. I have natural red hair and blue eyes, so maybe something that will compliment those features, but I'm not sure what kind of outfits, shoes and all would be acceptable for these types of job interviews. I've never had a job before, so I'm not really sure, and I'm not applying for a professional business position, either. I've tried to look up some information, but all my results are neutral colors and aren't very stylish at all, in my opinion. Pictures, places to shop, any ideas? Can you seriously only wear neutrals to a job interview, or can you wear fun and bright colors, too, and still land a job?

Thanks!

[Dyslex!c Duck]

i say a smart blouse and a pencil skirt
can't go wrong with that combo
however if you have a more fun and outgoing personality there are always coloured and patterned blouses or you can always jazz up a boring outfit with carefully selected accessories eg necklaces and bracelets.

i tend to wear patterned blouses instead of the usual block colours that way you dont have to try as hard with accessories.

with its a case of trial and error try stuff on and creat a unique look!
bookstores tend to be smart casual so it should a bit of help
(:!

EDIT: I live in the UK so shops like H&M, Topshop, River Island and even Primark are very good at stocking blouses, skirt and trousers. I've never really had a interview before but I think the focus more on your abilities rather than the asthetics however they tend to like smart dressed applicants so stick to that and im sure you'll get that job!

Good Luck!

[Radical Jae]

hmm...i'd say wear a blouse and a skirt. As for shoes, maybe flats? depends what kind of shoes you're comfortable with.

For stores to shop at, try Forever 21. Look at some of their casual clothes. They're quite nice.

Also, if theres one around you, Urban Behavior.
I've only seen that store in Canada but i'm pretty sure theres one here in the U.S.

Again, they have cute casual clothing. It's also like Forever 21.

[CharmmyKitten]

I wore a stylish knee-length dress, with a matching cardigan over top. Many of my interviewers complimented me on my outfit, & yes, now I do have a job. =) The cardigan & accents on the dress were bright red, definitely not a boring neutral color.
I applied to clothing stores mainly, though.

For the bookstore I would reccomend something a little more conservative. A knee-lenth pencil skirt would be best, but you can liven up the look with a more interesting, colorful, top & accessories [keeping in mind that you can't be too casual, however]. Blouses are a good idea.

Heels or flats would be fine with both outfits

[kim42]

Blazers, maybe in a dark green. That would look good with your hair. And some pin stripe pants or a pencil skirt. You can play up dark pants/ jackets with fun colored buttoned up shirts or patterns. hope this helps. I'm looking for a job too. heart

[funky lad]

Most teens applying for a part-time job don't dress very well at all, so if you just wear a nice pair of khakis and a semi-nice shirt, you're going to be ahead of most people, as well as comfortable and stylish. The first job I had I dressed up really professionally for the interview, and I ended up feeling uncomfortable because I was obviously overdressed.

My mom always says to dress as though you're going to work, if you were working there. If they wear khakis and a polo at the book store, go like that to the interview. Good luck! (:

[Edge of Urge]

petal blouse (link), lace texture skirt (link), elva shoes (link)