Saturday, January 11, 2014

Business Casual

In today's post, I paired this lovely JoeFresh flower print sweater with black-and-white print pants from TopShop to create a business casual look that is perfect for an interview or an internship.

Some of my friends asked me what to wear for an internship in a more creative and laid-back environment. My answer to them was wearing something that is comfortable, professional, yet will stand out. Although I haven't gotten any compliant from them...(yet), I now realize how vague my answer was. SO, I'd like to share some unspoken rules here that are based on my personal experience. 
有些朋友向我咨询应该穿什么样的衣服去面试或者实习,我当时的答案是:既有个性,但又不张扬。看起来既专业,又不失去自我特色。我一开始并没有意识到这个答案有多么笼统,不过现在觉得自己有义务跟亲们更详细地分享一下我的心得体会。

1. There ARE different dress codes for different professions. 
For somebody who interns as an Bookkeeper in a bank is definitely a different story from someone who goes for an interview at a fashion magazine. BUT, no matter where you go and what you do, again, looking professional is always the key element especially when you are a fresh face.  (Sorry to be so straightforward. Quoting one of Drake's song- "Start from the Bottom now we are here")

1。在什么工作环境里穿什么,是有区分和讲究的。
如果你在一个银行里实习,那么你要穿的衣服绝对跟一个想在时尚杂志社上班的人不一样。不过吧,无论你穿什么,都还是应该注意体现出自己的专业形象。毕竟你现在谁都不是。
JoeFresh-Blue-Wool-Coat, Flower-Print-Sweater, TopShop-Black-and-White-Pants

2. Go easy on accessories. 
I know you'd love to put on a sparkle necklace to give your look a little more polished feel, you want to show off the beautiful earrings that you just purchased, or you really into that statement hairpin you got from a friend, but trust me, this is not the right time to show your accessory collection. Don't get me wrong though, you for sure still can show your personality with some low-key accessories. Just remember to keep it simple. 

2。不要太把饰品当回事。
如果你特别想展示一下你闪亮的项链,想秀一下一条刚买的手链,或者想把朋友送的发叉戴一戴,相信我,这并不是一个展示你饰品的好机会。当然,你还是可以带一些饰品的,但是应该尽可能的保持低调,不张扬,从简为好。
JoeFresh-Blue-Wool-Coat, Winter-Outfits, Business-Casual

3. Choose colours wisely.
Some people think wearing black from head to toe is the way to go. I can't say there is anything wrong with the idea. But you should still stand out with some pop colours, especially when your goal is to work in a creative environment. You want to tell your future employer or boss that "although I'm very professional and diligent, I am also a fun and easy-going person to work with." However, you may want to avoid colours like hot pink, neon, and etc. 

3。认真选择着装颜色。
有些亲们认为从头大脚都穿黑色是最明智的选择。我对这个想法没有什么意见。不过吧,我觉得用一些亮色来点缀你的穿着,也是一个很不错的做法。特别是当你想在一个比较轻松,具有创意的工作环境里上班,你想要在展示出自己专业认真一面的同时,仍然保留那个自然,轻松的你。当然,像什么荧光色,深粉红色之类的,就可以忽略了。
JoeFresh-Flower-Print-Sweater, Black-bow-tie, TopShop-Print-Pants

4. Don't go too crazy on the heels.
I personally think midi-heels are the best for an interview or internship. First of all, it provides you with a little lift that you need both physically and mentally, yet shows that you are also down-to-earth. Secondly, a 5 inches killer heels might just end up killing you and your opportunity. Plus, if you are an intern, you might have to run around making coffees or copies, so do you really want to wear a pair of pumps that makes you uncomfortable and affect your work flow?

4。不要穿太高的高跟鞋。
我个人觉得半高跟的鞋子是面试和实习时最好的选择,因为它既可以给你带来一些自信,让你不会觉得太别扭,又可以让别人觉得你没有那么虚浮。想一想,如果你在实习时需要跑来跑去地冲咖啡,复印,你绝对想穿一双舒适的鞋子。
Business-Casual, JoeFresh-Flower-Print-Sweater, TopShop-Print-Pants


5. Lay off on perfumes.
This one may have nothing to do with outfits, but definitely is one of the key elements that many interviewees or interns often forget. Of course, you want to smell nice and fresh, but a strong scent could really be a turn-off. What if it's one of the smells that your boss hates? What if its the kind that your interviewers are allergic to? You really don't want to give your future employers an excuse to dislike you. My little trick is washing your hair with some lovely smelling shampoo. Has someone asked you about the perfume you are wearing, but actually it was the shampoo that you used in the morning? Yep, you get what I mean.

5。对太浓的香水,说不。
当然,好闻的香水总是能给人带来一种愉悦的感觉。不过,如果你去面试或者实习时,应该尽量避免涂一些剧烈的香水,否则可能会让你未来的上司产生反感。万一你选择的香水味正是她/他讨厌的香型呢?曾经有人问我涂了什么牌子的香水,很好闻,但我其实只不过在当天早上洗了个头而已。所以吧,这算是我的一个小窍门。既可以让你闻起来清香的同时,又不会有一种讨人厌,冲鼻子的味道。
Vintage-Ring, BabyBlue-nail-polish, TopShop-Black-and-White-Print-Pants

JoeFresh-Flower-Print-Sweater, Print-Pants, Street-Style

TopShop-Black-and-White-Print-Pants, Aldo-Pumps

Of course, the longer you work in a company, your colleagues and bosses will have a higher tolerance towards what you wear, because now their judgements on you are no longer only based on your appearance and outfits, but their attentions are more focus on your work performance. So then, you can be more creative and fun with your daily outfits.

Anyway, these little tips are all my personal opinions. I'd like to hear your thoughts on this. What are other dress-for-interviews/internships taboos or tips you have? Please share. :)

当然,你在一个公司呆得越久,同时和上司对你穿什么就不会那么在乎了。因为这时候他们对的关注更加聚焦于你的工作表现,而非你穿了什么。这时候,你就可以不用那么低调了,也可以开始尝试更加大胆一些。

好啦,以上只不过是小女的一些个人建议而已。你有没有什么想要分享的呢?我想听听你的看法和经验。

Photography: Stephen Foks

Sweater: Joe Fresh (current, similar here, also love this one, this onethis one)
Pants: TopShop (last seen here, similar here,here,here)
Shoes: Aldo (last seen here)
Coat: Joe Fresh (last seen here)
Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Ring: (Bought in Kensington Market)

1 comment:

  1. So gorgeous! Your coat is incredible, love this bright colour! Amazing style xx

    ReplyDelete