With these tips from the experts, you’ll be well-equipped to dress for success and leave a lasting impression.
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Stepping into your first interview or work event can feel like you’re on a high-stakes runway, trying to strike the perfect balance between showcasing your personal style and adhering to dress codes. It’s about making a strong impression while respecting the established norms of office attire, and managing your professional reputation.
To help you walk this tightrope, we’ve gathered some top-notch advice from fashion stylists who know exactly how to dress for success. From perfecting your tailored look to mastering the art of power dressing, these tips will guide you in crafting a wardrobe that not only makes a statement but also aligns with professional expectations. Here’s how to ensure you shine for all the right reasons.
All About You
Bryan Laroza delivers powerful advice: “Keep the focus on you—not on what you’re wearing. It’s very easy to distract yet hard to impress people on a very important day, so make sure your outfit will both stand out and complement your features. Trust me, people will start taking you more seriously.”
The real secret to making a lasting impression is to let your unique qualities shine through. Your outfit should enhance, not eclipse, your personal presence. After all, you’re the star of the show—your clothes are just the supporting cast.
Combine with Confidence
Feeling like your wardrobe needs a boost? Gee Jocson has the perfect recipe to spice things up. She reveals her personal formula for power dressing: “Power dressing for me is embracing your sexuality and not being afraid to show it through your clothes! For me, it’s the bra + blazer + sleek hair + perfume combo! I wear Tom Ford Noir de Noir perfume, an Anabeza bra, a suit, and slick back my hair. This combo = confidence!”
The key is to wear something that makes you feel like you can conquer the world. Your outfit should empower you and enhance your confidence, making you feel ready to tackle anything that comes your way. Whether it’s a sleek blazer paired with a bold fragrance or a statement bra under a tailored suit, the right combination can make you feel unstoppable.
Consistency is Key: Keep Your Look Cohesive
Once you’ve decided on your mood, consistency is your next best friend. Think of it as creating a narrative—each piece of clothing should complement the others to build a cohesive look. “From color to texture, everything has to be on theme. This is what really helps me dress with intention; my style gets so much more cohesive and impactful,” advises NYLON Manila’s resident stylist, Kurt Abonal.
If you’re leaning into a more minimalist style for a corporate internship interview, stick to neutral tones, clean lines, and simple accessories. Each piece should have a reason for being there; if it doesn’t add to the story, leave it out. This approach not only simplifies your choices but also ensures that your outfit communicates exactly what you want to convey about yourself.
Fix the Fit
A well-fitted outfit not only looks more professional but also boosts your confidence. After all, when your clothes hug you in all the right places, it’s like having your own personal cheerleader stitched into every seam. As NYLON Manila Fashion Director Andre Chang cheekily reminds us: “Tailored clothing that fits your body shape well always looks more polished. Don’t hesitate to get items altered for the perfect fit.”
The right fit does wonders—making you feel more put-together, giving you a stronger presence, and ensuring you leave a lasting impression. That extra bit of tailoring effort not only helps you meet the dress code but also ensures you stand out in the best way possible.
Monochrome Moment
Another tip from Andre Chang? When in doubt, go monochrome. The creative director shares: “Dressing in a single color or varying shades of the same color can create a streamlined and sophisticated look.” Monochrome dressing is a timeless style hack that effortlessly elevates your appearance. Whether you’re embracing an all-black ensemble for an edgy vibe or soft neutrals for a more understated touch, sticking to one color palette guarantees a sleek, polished look with minimal effort.
It draws the eye in, creating a cohesive outfit that enhances your stature, refines your appearance, and shows off your style savvy.
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