Kurtis are an apt garment for a job interview. A blend of culture and current fashion trends, kurtis keep you comfortable and maintain the formal quotient required. Also, since you would like to make a lasting first impression, you need to put in a little more effort for picking the right colours and designs too!
A file gripped in your hand, a trace of sweat on your forehead and your foot tapping on the floor- that’s a general description of candidates seen outside the HR office, waiting for their job interview. Making a good first impression is crucial while meeting your prospective employers, especially when you’re a fresher and there are too many applicants- you have to stand out! The way you step into the office, your level of confidence and of course; your outfit speaks even before your interviewer asks you to take a seat.
What to wear for a job interview?
Now that’s a question that can haunt you for a long time, especially when you’re new to the corporate world. A black trouser and formal shirt may be your first thought but let’s explore some other options here. You can wear a well-pleated cotton saree or linen saree or a straight-cut churidar suit. Indian formal wear looks modest and maintains the feminine grace of a woman, unlike trouser-shirt sets that can make you look too bossy. But if sarees and suits seem too elaborate to wear and carry around, then a kurti set is an apt choice!
Which type of kurti can be worn for job interview?
Before discussing the details of kurti designs apt for the corporate world, especially for an interview, let us see why kurtis are a smart choice for such meets. Striking a perfect balance between ethnic and contemporary wear, kurtis look formal and are quite comfortable. You need not carry a dupatta with a kurti-set and thus saving yourself from all the dupatta-adjustment chaos during the interview.
Now coming to the right kind of kurti designs that can be worn for an interview; here’s what you need to look out for-
#1. Dignified colour palettes
Whenever we think of formal wear, black is the first colour that comes to our mind. However, when you want to be noticed, all you need is power-dressing and that begins with choosing the right outfit colour! Chuck black and other neutrals, step in with a different hue like brick maroon or dark rust orange. An olive green kurti with mustard block prints or an aqua blue kurti with cream lace border are some snazzy options. Avoid red, lemon yellow and bright tones like neon as these will look too loud and can backfire in the form of negative scores. If you’re opting for pink, choose light and pastel tones like powder pink.
#2. Subtle and modest details
Kurtis these days are designed so innovatively- there are long and flowing kurtis with pleats and panels, wavy or asymmetrical hemlines, sleeve designs ranging from cut-outs to bat-sleeves and other details that put Indian wear at par with global trends. No matter how much you love being a fashion pro, while giving a job interview you must focus only on showing off your intellectual skills rather that your styling talent. Your kurti should be formal in the sense that the details should be subdued. A straight-cut kurti with plain long sleeves or one with slightly flared sleeves, simple necklines and leveled edges are ideal details. You should completely avoid wavy and high-low hemlines. If you prefer a printed or embroidered kurti, then choose subtle prints in soft tones and lightly thread embroidered forms. Zari work, sequins and stones are a big No!
#3. Pairing it Right
These days there are a number of bottom wear styles available in the market. The traditional salwar has been given amazing makeovers to keep up with the varied demands of women these days, thus widening the scope of style experiments that you can do with a versatile garment like kurti! Of course, for a job interview you would be picking up a mid-length or short kurti and so you need to pick the right bottom-wear for a perfectly impressive ensemble.
Leggings are an absolutely convenient bottom style for a formal kurti. But since we’re talking about making a difference, you can pick a pair of trousers or a straight cut or pleated palazzo. A kurti with (not a heavily flared one) palazzo bottom is a socially accepted ensemble for office wear and is suitable for the ones who have a heavy lower body.
Picking up the right bottom colour is equally important. You can either stick to neutrals or take closely complementing pairs like pink kurti with purple palazzo or mustard kurti with maroon bottom. Avoid sharp and bright contrasts like orange and blue or bright green and rani pink.
Apart from these, there are a few other pointers you may keep in mind –
#4. Kurti Silhouettes Agreeable with Your Official Dress Code
Most offices, even corporates, won’t have an issue with straight cut or A line silhouettes. Full or three-quarter sleeves are best suited for office wear so stick to that thumb rule, while selecting your office wear kurtis. Plain kurtis are more acceptable in formal wear, so be careful if you love prints. Asymmetrical hemlines, off shoulder styles and other faddish designs are best left for outings and parties.
#5. Kurtis in Fabrics that last a day
Choose fabrics that agree with season and office environment. Heavy silks are a no no for hot humid climes, while polyester is something that’s usually avoidable, unless you work in a completely air conditioned office. Doesn’t work for jobs involving a long commute or travel during work hours. Fabrics that crumple quickly are also best avoided as a kurti looks really non elegant when all scrunched.
Wearing a good outfit can exponentially raise your confidence levels for better performance at a job interview. Whenever you choose you garment for such a formal meet, keep these 2 things in mind- the outfit should be absolutely modest- no wardrobe drama allowed here and secondly, it should be in tune with your individual personality, for when you’re totally comfortable with your own self, only then will you be able to give your best performance!
