MEET THE SUIT CAMP STYLIST

Highly sought-after fashion stylist and costume designer Roger McKenzie joins Suit Camp to transform our 30 winners into dressed-to-dominate interviewing machines. Formerly a fashion editor for Source Magazine, Roger climbed the ranks of styling stardom with experience in editorial, commercial, music video, television and individual image consulting. Some of the industry’s hottest Pop, Hip Hop and R&B recording artists depend on Roger’s talent and skills to style their music videos. Whether styling a large production or consulting one-on-one with a client, his passion is helping clients achieve their personal and professional best. We’re thrilled Roger was willing to take a break from dressing his impressive roster of celebrity clients and help our Suit Campers bring their looks to the next level.

THE COMPLETE INTERVIEW ENSEMBLE FOR HER

The suit. Stick to dark colors and a conservative style. The jacket should have one or two buttons, and it should be worn with well-fitting pants or a knee-length skirt.

The shirt. Wear a white or light-colored, long-sleeved blouse. Be sure that it’s not low-cut or transparent.

The shoes. Go with well-polished black leather shoes. And when you’re considering heel height and style, make sure you’re thinking about the office, not the club.

The pantyhose. These little lovelies may seem antiquated, but their use in the nine-to-five world is alive and well. To keep it professional, put them on in a natural tone or sheer black.

THE COMPLETE INTERVIEW ENSEMBLE FOR HIM

The suit. Choose dark colors and a conservative style. The jacket should be single-breasted with two buttons. Always leave the bottom button undone. Pant should match and fit you well.

The shirt. Be sure to put on an undershirt before buttoning up a white or light-colored, long-sleeved, collared shirt.

The tie. Wear one that coordinates with your suit and shirt. If you like a pattern, keep it simple, and if you can afford it, silk is preferred.

The shoes. Laced, leather shoes should be black and well polished.

FABRIC

The rules about fabric are the same for both men and women. Follow them and you won’t go wrong.

1. Gabardine, wool and high-quality wool blends are more breathable and more comfortable than less expensive alternatives. They are also season-less, so you’ll get more miles out of your suit year-round.
2. Avoid anything clingy or shiny. Imagine what they’ll say about you if you show up dressed like Tighty McFlash Pants.
3. Buy the best-quality fabric you can afford. It will last longer and look better longer than cheaper fabrics

GIRL FIGHT: SKIRT vs. PANTS

It’s a question every woman must answer for herself—skirt or pants? Well, either is perfectly acceptable as long as you wear them well. Here are a few pointers to keep you from committing a fashion faux pas.

1. When it comes to skirts, it’s all about the length. Keep it respectable. And by respectable, we mean your hemline should be familiar with the area surrounding your knees.
2. In the fitting room, sit down in front of a mirror while you’re in the skirt. Remember, what you see is what the interviewer will see. Make sure he/she can’t get a peep at your panties.
3. If you opt for the pants, they should be creased and tailored. Avoid any that are too tight or too flowing.
4. All SYMS stores employ expert tailors to ensure both skirts and pants fit perfectly.

COLORS AND PATTERNS

You’ll probably have your job for more than a season, so your suit should be able to outlast passing fads. This simple advice will help you choose a timeless look.

Stick to the classics. Black. Grey. Navy. Wear these colors in solids or with a thin pinstripe.

Women have more room to play. When you’re first building your professional wardrobe, stick to the above guidelines. Outside of those options, choose colors and patterns that you like, but keep in mind that styles change. To maximize your wardrobe and what’s left in your wallet, always opt for classic looks.

POINTERS ON THE MEN’S JACKET

With the right jacket, you can’t go wrong. Follow these guidelines for picking the perfect one.

1. A two-button jacket is the standard. And remember that the bottom button should always be left undone.
2. Always have a vent in your jacket. It doesn’t matter if it’s one or two vents, just as long as it’s not no vents.
3. A double-breasted is too formal for the workplace. Avoid it.

FIT

Everything looks better when it fits well. That’s why all SYMS employ expert tailors. While your tailor will enhance your suits to look like they were made just for you, here are a few rules of thumb when it comes to fit.

Pants. They should hit the top of your shoe with a slight break. If it’s questionable, go longer rather than shorter.

Sleeves. Jacket sleeves should hit the base of your thumb and reveal ½-1 inch of your shirt cuff.

ACCESSORIES

Paying attention to your ensemble’s finishing touches will take your look to the next level. These guidelines will make sure you get there.

1. If your pants have belt loops, you should wear a belt.
2. Match your belt to your shoes.
3. Belt OR suspenders. Never both.
4. Socks should match the color of your suit.
5. Ties are a matter of personal taste, but keep them tasteful. Make sure the colors coordinate with your shirt and suit and keep the patterns simple. Ladies, if you’re going to wear a tie, opt for a slimmer, more feminine women’s tie. Learn different tie knots.