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Appropriate clothing?

BlueFox181 avatar
Beach Fanatic
3,925 views
I know this may seem like an odd question- BUT- I need help.
What is proper attire for an interview down there?

Up here in ATL I would were a light jacket or something but in the heat down there- and the dressed down atmosphere- I'm not sure? Are open-toe shoes OK?

I tried this amazing top on tonight- and then realized it was kinda like satin and I'd probably have sweat stains the size of Texas... :blink: :funn:

Replies

70
Franny avatar
Beach Fanatic
#27
I ALWAYS felt like you were a female, Shelly. I feel it more than ever now. πŸ˜€

I was thinking the same thing!!!!:rolling:
Franny avatar
Beach Fanatic
#28
A creative job- I'm a graphic designer.

Not saying I don't know how to dress professionally, just wondeirng what can still look professional in 95 degree heat without looking liek a mess :floor:

I guess that's the joy of my job now- being a art/creative director I can wear pajamas to work if I felt like it (not that I do)- no one ever sees me there, and I'm in charge πŸ˜€ If only all jobs could be like this! I know I won't have this luxury again...

I actually only wear open toed shoes- and thought it to be Florida- appropriate- no?

IMo, open toed shoes are very acceptable here and fashionable. Go for it!!
Kurt avatar
Admin
#29
Or retired from HR.
Mango avatar
SoWal Insider
#30
(1) "Plain vanilla" meaning 'basic or ordinary'...not in reference to a color.

(2) Let your sample work portfolio speak of your creativity--don't wear something edgy that will compete for attention with your portfolio...you're being hired for what you can produce not for how you dress (like you say, you can do what you do in your PJs).

(3) Save the open-toe shoes for your first day on the job (i.e., after you're hired)..

I see your point Shelly, but if you were to walk into any Madison Avenue Advertising firm, a woman interviewing for a position wouldn't be wearing Banker or Wall Street black and white.
Not only are interviewers looking at her portfolio, but they are looking at the candidates personality as well to see if they are a good fit for their organization and culture. Someone could have the best portfolio around, but if they don't fit in, they won't be hired. Her wardrobe will be a partial reflection of her personality. Dressing like a Banker will make her staid and boring looking. She's interviewing for a creative position. She desperately wants to live at the beach and make a go of it, and thus she needs to dress the part somewhat.
I am not saying she should walk in with a red suit on. I was speaking more along the lines of taupe, pale grey, and perhaps one of those lovely pearl necklaces they sell at the beach. Classy, but with some charachter. πŸ˜€
Franny avatar
Beach Fanatic
#31
Or retired from HR.

Who's HR daddy-o???
SHELLY avatar
SoWal Insider
#32
I see your point Shelly, but if you were to walk into any Madison Avenue Advertising firm, a woman interviewing for a position wouldn't be wearing Banker or Wall Street black and white.
Not only are interviewers looking at her portfolio, but they are looking at the candidates personality as well to see if they are a good fit for their organization and culture. Someone could have the best portfolio around, but if they don't fit in, they won't be hired. Her wardrobe will be a partial reflection of her personality. Dressing like a Banker will make her staid and boring looking. She's interviewing for a creative position. She desperately wants to live at the beach and make a go of it, and thus she needs to dress the part somewhat.
I am not saying she should walk in with a red suit on. I was speaking more along the lines of taupe, pale grey, and perhaps one of those lovely pearl necklaces they sell at the beach. Classy, but with some charachter. πŸ˜€

Point taken. But I've never turned down a professionally-clad candidate who presented a knock-out product just because they failed to wear a "jaunty scarf that sets off the outfit."

------------
Having said that, I believe the employment environment down here is not as competitive as the major business centers. As long as a candidate has the basic skills to complete the required tasks and, moreover, is willing to accept moderately lower wages and benefits than their counterparts in major cities, they've got an fairly decent shot at employment. Living on the wages in Florida will be more challenging than getting the job.


.

.

Edited

Kimmifunn avatar
Funnkalicious
#33
I don't consider people when they come dressed in a suit. You have to have a sense of style to work in my arena. Save the suits for Wall Street.
Miss Kitty avatar
Meow
#34
Who's HR daddy-o???

:lolabove: ...Human Resources???
Mango avatar
SoWal Insider
#35
Point taken. But I've never turned down a professionally-clad candidate who presented a knock-out product just because they failed to wear a "jaunty scarf that set off the outfit."

.

Quite often for a position HR has a list of candidates that have knock out credentials. At the interview though, it becomes a personality test.
Mys sister owns a headhunting firm. Not sure when the last time you was you interviewed, but things have changed considerably, especially for higher level positions. They get psychological tests, personality tests, have to meet with corporate counselors for an interview, etc.

Not saying this job is a top tier executive level job, but I have noticed a slew of graphic designers come on this site looking for employment in the area, so it may come down to who fits their corporate culture best.

Edited

NoHall avatar
hmmmm......can't remember
#36
Y'all are reminding me why I work for myself. Flip flops. Shorts. A tank top (or my SoWal shirt!) No makeup.

I don't consider anyone who isn't covered in red clay and sweat.
scooterbug44 avatar
SoWal Expert
#37
I ALWAYS interview in a suit, even when the job is not one where you would wear one on a daily basis. The beach is definitely more casual, but it doesn't hurt to make a well groomed & professional first impression.

My grandfather used to not hire men whose shoes weren't shined properly - he thought it was indicative of the level of effort and care they would put into their job.

My summer interview suit is a light colored matching jacket and pants or skirt w/ a silk tee or tank underneath (then when you're not in the interview you take the jacket off to avoid heatstroke). There are a lot of cute seersucker suits right now that would be professional, not too formal, and would still have some pizzazz. Don't wear a black or dark suit.

As long as your shoes/pedicure are professional, I don't think open toe would be inappropriate. Bear in mind that many walkways here are gravel, sand etc, so a chunkier heel will keep you from sinking.

Keep the makeup light, jewelery simple/small, and don't douse yourself in perfume.
Smiling JOe avatar
SoWal Expert
#38
Honestly, I never understood why people feel the need to dress for work. If people would spend as much time on being hard-working and honest, as they spend on thinking about which clothes they were going to wear, the business world would be a better place. Liars and cheats often wear suits.
BlueFox181 avatar
Beach FanaticAuthor
#39
You guys took this suggestion thing way too far πŸ˜€ - I know how to dress and all- I was atcually just wondering about fabrics? I had mention the thing about the silk having crazy noticible sweat marks- that's all.

1. I will never wear seersucker.
2. I LOVE black- you can't stop me!
3. I wear open-toed heels almost 24/7


Ha! We will see how it goes- I literally scoured the mall for a new outfilt only to realize I just needed to refer to my ginormous closet.

Thanks for the advice anyways! Interviews are this week...
Beach Fanatic
#40
If only it were that simple SJ :idontno: ;-) Sounds like a lotta grayt advice to me. I know I learned a lot. I like 'vanilla' and chunky heel advice esp. well.:clap: :clap: :clap: Thanks for taking the time to help gulls. ;-) :cool: Now to get motivated to go on the dern interview. :cool: πŸ˜€ Guess I'm just not as hungry as when I was younger and that is something to be very thankful for. :bow: :bow: :bow:

Edited

MAN-go avatar
Beach Lover
#41
You guys took this suggestion thing way too far πŸ˜€ - I know how to dress and all- I was atcually just wondering about fabrics? I had mention the thing about the silk having crazy noticible sweat marks- that's all.

1. I will never wear seersucker.
2. I LOVE black- you can't stop me!
3. I wear open-toed heels almost 24/7


Ha! We will see how it goes- I literally scoured the mall for a new outfilt only to realize I just needed to refer to my ginormous closet.

Thanks for the advice anyways! Interviews are this week...

Would wish you luck, but it sounds like your "ginormous" head doesn't think you'll need it. :roll:
BlueFox181 avatar
Beach FanaticAuthor
#42
Would wish you luck, but it sounds like your "ginormous" head doesn't think you'll need it. :roll:

Wow, thanks for being so rude for nothing...
MAN-go avatar
Beach Lover
#43
I think not. A true lady and professional will not start a topic and seek advice, then proceed to tell those responding in kind they took things too far. Consider it a lesson in ettiqute.

Edited

BlueFox181 avatar
Beach FanaticAuthor
#44
I think not. A true lady and professional will not start a topic and seek advice, then proceed to tell those responding in kind they took things too far. Consider it a lesson in ettiqute.

I don't need a lesson in etiquette, but apparently you do. :wacko:

I was simply stating the things that are "not like me" and trying to reference my first message which wasn't in asking about actual clothing- and if you paid any attention at all to what was said maybe you could pick up a referrence to sarcasm. Do you know what that is? :bang:

Did you even read the whole forum? Seriously. :banned:

Edited

MAN-go avatar
Beach Lover
#45
I know this may seem like an odd question- BUT- I need help.
What is proper attire for an interview down there?

Up here in ATL I would were a light jacket or something but in the heat down there- and the dressed down atmosphere- I'm not sure? Are open-toe shoes OK?

I tried this amazing top on tonight- and then realized it was kinda like satin and I'd probably have sweat stains the size of Texas... :blink: :funn:

I don't need a lesson in etiquette, but apparently you do. :wacko:

I was simply stating the things that are "not like me" and trying to reference my first message which wasn't in asking about actual clothing- and if you paid any attention at all to what was said maybe you could pick up a referrence to sarcasm. Do you know what that is? :bang:

Did you even read the whole forum? Seriously. :banned:

Well yes, I did read the whole forum, and others where you posted as well.
I suppose asking what is proper attire is isn't actually asking about clothing? :blink:

What you will wear and won't wear is not relevant.
Save that for the personal ad. ;-)

Graciously accept the advice and move on.

That's my last word on this topic.
BlueFox181 avatar
Beach FanaticAuthor
#46
Well yes, I did read the whole forum, and others where you posted as well.
I suppose asking what is proper attire is isn't actually asking about clothing? :blink:

What you will wear and won't wear is not relevant.
Save that for the personal ad. ;-)

Graciously accept the advice and move on.

That's my last word on this topic.

A personal ad? I'm not trying to date my interviewer. I said thank you to the others if you missed that part in the first email you referenced and a big NO THANK YOU to you for being a rude wench without merit. Glad you're done talking because I don't want to hear anything else you have to say.

Why don't you graciously accept this advice and move on.


Seriously, get off your high horse, you obviously don't belong there.

Edited

Teresa avatar
SoWal Guide
#47
A personal ad? I'm not trying to date my interviewer. I said thank you to the others if you missed that part in the first email you referenced and a big NO THANK YOU to you for being a rude wench without merit. Glad you're done talking because I don't want to hear anything else you have to say.

Why don't you graciously accept this advice and move on.


Seriously, get off your high horse, you obviously don't belong there.

BlueFox, don't worry about the Duchess. she's just a butt head. literally. look at her 'tar! :lol: :wave: sorry duchess. truth hurts and all that.

seriously, BF, IMO - a suit is certainly not necessary in sowal. you can still dress professionally, smart, and even chic. open toe is the only way to go. and just one really important piece of advice. under NO circumstances are you to wear pantyhose! do you hear me??? :wave:
ItzKatzTime avatar
Beach Fanatic
#48
:popcorn:
scooterbug44 avatar
SoWal Expert
#49
You guys took this suggestion thing way too far πŸ˜€ - I know how to dress and all- I was atcually just wondering about fabrics? I had mention the thing about the silk having crazy noticible sweat marks- that's all.

1. I will never wear seersucker.
2. I LOVE black- you can't stop me!
3. I wear open-toed heels almost 24/7


Ha! We will see how it goes- I literally scoured the mall for a new outfilt only to realize I just needed to refer to my ginormous closet.

Thanks for the advice anyways! Interviews are this week...

I definitely vote for you wearing what best suits you and you are comfortable in, but would strongly advise against black in florida in summer. Not only is it very NOT beachy, you will roast, even in a lightweight fabric like linen.

Good luck with your interviews!
BlueFox181 avatar
Beach FanaticAuthor
#50
BlueFox, don't worry about the Duchess. she's just a butt head. literally. look at her 'tar! :lol: :wave: sorry duchess. truth hurts and all that.

seriously, BF, IMO - a suit is certainly not necessary in sowal. you can still dress professionally, smart, and even chic. open toe is the only way to go. and just one really important piece of advice. under NO circumstances are you to wear pantyhose! do you hear me??? :wave:

HA! Thanks again! I don't plan on wearing a suit- and I plan on the open toe.
And don't worry cause I haven't worn pantyhose since 1994. Stockings in winter- yes. Pantyhose makes me feel like a grandma... πŸ˜€ and when women wear pantyhose with open-toed shoes it makes me shutter and wince. Where are the fashion police?

P.S. as much as I LOVE black- I'm not planning on wearing it.

P.P.S. She's def. a butthead. (don't think I have said that word since I was a kid watching the Simpsons πŸ˜€ )

Edited

Teresa avatar
SoWal Guide
#51
I would definitely wear black. probably black pants of some kind. or a skirt. LOVE anything black.:wave:

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