Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

I am a 26-year-old on the hunt for the perfect job. I have a couple of interviews coming up and I want to look business savvy but fashionable at the same time. I've been having the hardest time finding something that meets this criteria. I kind of waited last minute and am scrambling for an outfit. Any suggestions on how to look business savvy/fashionable without looking like a "young kid"?

Please help!

Business Savvy

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Dear B.S.,

When interviewing there's nothing more "adult" or non-"young kid" looking than a suit. To come across as a "young professional" you should opt for a freshly laundered-and-pressed collared shirt, suit jacket, coordinating skirt or pants, heels no more than 3" and minimal jewelry, makeup and hair styling. You want the focus of the interview to be your resume and work ethic, not your choice of wardrobe and accessories.

Its best to stick to the "interview aesthetic" and not let your outfit outshine - or derail - your chances of landing the job. You want the employer to be assured that you are the best applicant for the position. The only way to do that is to come through the door professional and polished. The only way to ensure that is to suit up. Just by wearing a suit you've already left a good impression.

A suit also acts as a barometer for assessing the office dress code. If your potential colleagues are dressed for business in business attire, or for casual Friday on a Monday morning, you'll have an idea of how to dress for your first day.

Good luck on your interviews and remember the key (read: cliché) phrases from job hunting 101: "it's all about who you know, so network", "5 minutes early is on time; on time is late" and last but not least: "dress for the job you want, not the job you're interviewing for".

Check out this site for more tips on what to wear - and avoid wearing - to a job interview.

Need sartorial advice? Email me: ShoppingSavage@gmail.com