Professional First impressions
Story by Christine Winner Photos by Steve Traynor piece of interview advice: You want A
21 your prospective employer to remember you, not your flashy tie
or your overpowering make-up.
Keith Nathan, manager of The First Impression, an image consulting firm at 305 West Rd. Kansas City, Mo., said that an interviewer should look clean, polished and professional.
He recommended that men wear a soft gray suit, white shirt and a tie with spring colors and that women wear a skirt and blazer, also in pastels, when interviewing.
Nachair had the navy blue suit was always a safe bet, but suspenders should be avoided "because they're just too fun" (the word is a bit of a slang) that draw attention away from the face.
Even when interviewing for a more creative-type job, such as at a graphic arts firm, Nachbar advises a conservative look.
laws.
"The look needs to be something that says 'I'm serious about this interview,'" said Linda Campbell, co-owner of Campbell's Clothing, 841 Massachusetts St.
The suits offered at the store reflect this image. Popular suit patterns include subtle glen plains, pinstripes and conservative colors such as light charcoal and
But to keep things from getting boring, the patterns often have a touch of accent color in the weave of the fabric, such as pink or jade.
Right: Left, red low heel pumps by Easy Spirit Dress, black and white spectator flats by Regency and navy mid-heel pumps by Hot Line. Right, brown fashion pumps with bow by Regency, black and white spectator by Cobbie and mid-brown woven pumps by Regency, all from Weaver's.
Opposite page: Cream-colored sports coat with muted herringbone pattern and olive slacks by Corbin Limited, pink shirt by Sero, tie by Robert Talbott, from White-night's Men's Shop.
She said that the overall look for women was closer to the body, moving away from the oversized shoulders of past seasons.
The fashion magazines are showing far fewer trendy styles for working women. The emphasis is on classic cuts, such as double-breasted jackets, sweater sets, the chemise, the coatdress and the classic white shirt.
Top: Rayon and linen suit jacket, polyester blouse, and rayon and linen soft-pleated skirt by JH Collectables, from The Loft.
The overall silhouette is softer and more feminine, with shawl collars on jackets, rounder shoulders and nipped in waists. Red and navy are the prominent colors, and the gold buttons popularized by designer Coco Chanel are widely used.
For men, designers are showing strong shoulders and narrow waists. The shoulder-to-shoulder measurement is increasing from 18-19 inches to 20-21 inches. Trousers, which still are pleated, are also cut fuller through the thighs.
While interview styles and workplace clothes for women remain conservative, colors and patterns in menswear are becoming more adventurous.
David Whitenight, assistant manager of Whitenight's Men's Shop at 839 Massachusetts St., said that men's double-breasted jackets were gaining popularity, but recommended a two-button jacket for interviews.
David Nations, manager of Campbell's,
said that in addition to full-cut trousers,
shirt feature brighter colors and ties have
wilder patterns. Geometric, paisley and
polka dot patterns are particularly popular.
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KANSAN Spring Style March 29.1989