The revolving doors start turning and in walks a short humpy old man. Round glasses with a thick black frame decorate his face, and almost hide the sympathetic wrinkles around his eyes. He fumbles with the belt on his beige trench coat. He walks with confidence and haste, like a homage to 60s Hollywood. People greet him here and there until he is out of sight. Another person enters, a slender and tall woman. Her golden hair is tied back in a tight knot, not one strand of hair loose. Walking securely, in her timeless black suit she makes people around her feel small. She stops and takes out her Blackberry, and continues to the elevator. A much smaller and well-fed lady accompanies her. They exchange a few words. 5 seconds pass until the tall woman turns around and looks at me.

Her serious face puts on a smile. I quickly stand up to greet her. She tells me that I am early and that she will send for me in 30 minutes. 

What to do, but sit back down. Another 30 minutes to endure. I take out my notebook in an attempt to write. All I can think of is how uncomfortable I feel in my selected business clothes. Dressed in grey heavy materials on a sunny day in March. What was I thinking getting dressed this morning? Did I give it enough thought at all? The fit is off, and my shoes scream “comfort” more than anything else. I feel silly. Today was supposed to be a corner stone in getting my career started. I prepared all my paperwork; I researched the company’s history and know the names of all the important people. Yet I feel like I did not do my research about “what they wear to work” well enough. My knowledge seems to be hiding behind my outfit. As silly as it might sound, I wish I had opted for a classical appearance today.

15 minutes passed. 

People walk in, greet and take the stairs or the elevator. Not everyone looking as proper as my brief contact. That knowledge gives me some comfort, besides the fact that these people already work here. I try to concentrate on the things that make me relax.  The sun is still shining, time is still passing, and I already had a new learning experience today. I love learning experiences; because I know that next time I face a situation like this I will spend time thinking about WHAT TO WEAR TO A JOB INTERVIEW!

These are suggestions I would opt for next time (and no, I do not know if I got the job or not…still waiting)

Tags: Business suits for women, Career clothing, what to wear to work, how to build a professional wardrobe, work wardrobe