What to wear to your business school interview

I recently sat down with Earl Raehsler to get some practical advice for prospective students who have made it to the next phase of the admissions process. Earl is the Assistant Director of Admissions for the UC Davis Graduate School of Management, so this advice is coming straight from the source! He’s shared some sound advice on how to prepare for your big interview at the GSM, which I have summarized for you here.

Before I dive in to specifics about wardrobe, however, I thought I’d share an extremely important piece of insight I got from Earl – if you take anything away from this blog post, it should be this: the admissions team is looking first and foremost for candidates who can tell their story in an engaging and authentic manner. Ultimately, Earl and his team are looking at the person you will become two years down the road if you are accepted. They are evaluating you today, but also what you will look like to job recruiters when you graduate. Savvy candidates will keep this in mind every step of the way!

And now, on to the fashion! Read on to learn specific tips that came up in our conversation.

Job interview outfits can be fun!

I'm going on a visit to the headquarters of one of my favorite online retailers next week and I have to say it's been pretty fun trying to figure out what to wear. Those of you that have been reading my blog since the beginning might remember how tortured I used to be about getting dressed for job interviews, business school events and business life in general. I had this strange notion going into business school that I would be forced to conform to the kind of corporate culture that I'm allergic to. Since then I've realized that is not the case at all!

I should say this is mostly due to the fact that I'm interested in fashion and other creative industries, where wearing a suit is not required. In fact, at many companies, particularly in the tech world, showing up wearing a suit will actually make the WRONG impression. The career website at Amazon actually states "A suit and tie won't impress anyone here." So, yeah, I'm not exactly trying to work on Wall Street. But I think there is definitely a bit more leeway in how people dress in general for job interviews and professional life than there used to be. And that makes me happy!

Anyway, that was the impetus for this post. The photos in the collage above are all from Stockholm Street Style. I think these looks are polished and interesting. They have character, which I find to be the best part of dressing for any occasion. 

xoChr


Images via here. 

Valentino Fall 2014

This is probably the last collection I'll share from the Fall 2014 fashion month presentations. There are so many more that I loved but there's just no time (and this post is already soooo fashionably late as it is!).

You might have noticed a few more capes on this runway as well! What I love most, however, is the way this collection transitions. The looks at the beginning bear almost no resemblance to the gowns at the end, or even some of the other looks in the middle. But they are all very much the same woman. There's definitely a 70's influence threading its way throughout.

Okay, back to homework... until next time!

xoChr

all images via vogue.com

Saint Laurent Fall 2014 Ready-to-Wear

The longer I look at this collection, the deeper I fall in love with it.

This is the wardrobe of my dreams -- the school girl style, sparkly shoes, bitchy haircuts, all the pretty dresses, oversized coats, and the CAPES! (I have an unhealthy obsession with capes and cloaks--check out my Pinterest board dedicated to them here.) Of course this collection has the cool 60's vibe I've always loved, but I was surprised by how much I loved some of the more 70's inspired looks. That black leather trench coat is beyond cool, and the glitter boots are just crazy. Who knew it was possible to make glittery gogo boots look that chic?

I'd love to be invited to whatever party these girls are going to.

xoChr

All images via vogue.com 

Paris FW: Carven Fall 2014

I decided I deserved a brief distraction while studying for my finance final, so I pulled together a few of my favorite looks from Carven's Fall 2014 RTW collection. It's a silly detail, but I was immediately struck by the way the models literally clutched their clutches. I kind of love it, there's a vulnerability there.

I will have a couple more favorite fashion month posts coming soon, as time permits. 

And now, back to work!

xoChr

all images via Vogue.com

Business School Attire: Dressed for Work

Speaking of business attire, Refinery 29 nailed it with these looks in their "Ankle-Boot Outfits For Work (& Play!)" story today. I wear ankle boots a lot (almost always with dresses), and while I might not look quite as pulled together on a daily basis, it's certainly a goal to strive for!

Check out the full story on Refinery 29.

xoChr

Obsessed: Peter Pilotto for Target

How gorgeous are these looks by Peter Pilotto? To me, this is by far the most exciting collection presented by Target in collaboration with any designer. The items will be available in early February, so it remains to be seen how these stunning prints will translate (look/feel) to the actual fabrics, but I am totally obsessed.

I'm actually not a huge prints person, but I can see a lot of the more casual pieces fitting in well with my student lifestyle. I'm most excited to inject some excitement into my business attire. There are so many office-appropriate looks that would stand out for job interviews or work wear. He's taken the pencil skirt to a whole new level.

We'll see what my student budget will actually allow...but here are a few of my favorite items:

Like I said, obsessed.

xoChr

(images via fashionista)

6 tips for MBAs on how to break into the fashion business

I came across a nice little post over at Business of Fashion the other day where in BoF's editor-in-chief Imran Amed shares advice for MBAs trying to break into the fashion industry. I thought would be useful to share here.

Amed shares some classic advice (e.g. build relationships) as well as some industry-specific thoughts. Definitely worth a read through whether or not you're an MBA or interested in the fashion industry!

(image via Carven resort 2014)

Business School Attire: Dressed for a Job Interview

Full disclosure: I'm supposed to be studying statistics and can't seem to find the motivation. Sorry Professor E!

So instead of studying I pulled together an example of something I might wear to a job interview...depending on the company of course. I think this look is somewhat conservative with so many dark colors, but it's still very polished and represents my personal sense of style.

A lot of websites and guidance counselors will tell you not to stand out. Don't wear jewelry, lipstick or color -- that sort of thing. I tend to disagree with all of this advice. I have never lived my life in a way to blend in, and I don't intend to start now! But I understand the sentiment. I think the underlying premise of all that advice is that you shouldn't look like you're going out to da club -- you should look professional.

I think as long as you look polished and appropriate for the type of company, there's no reason to hide your personality! There's absolutely nothing wrong with someone thinking of you as the well-dressed candidate, especially if it sets you apart from the sea of boring suits that are vying for the same position.

What do you guys think of this outfit? Does it come across as professional to you? Does the lack of blazer make you think it's too casual? I'm still struggling with the whole blazer thing...

xochr

PS click on the photo to see the origin of the items in the collage