Sartorial messaging

 

I have a job interview (via video call) in an hour and I was thinking about what to wear. Whatever I choose, I'll only be visible from chest height so whatever impression I want to make has to be made in a concentrated on-screen image.

I have my red framed glasses on already and I think they will work well. My hair is washed and looking clean and tidy. (Not everyone is a fan of wild curls) 

It's an internal position so a corporate polo might work but I have a sense this team might be a bit anti-corporate (if that's a word) so I think I'll choose something else.

A plain black jersey v-neck has been a go-to in the past. It's professional and neutral and easy. I might do that.

I could wear my (corporate) Indigenous polo, demonstrating a comittment to intersectional inclusion but it feels a bit too grandstandy.

I thought of a blue and white button up I have and wondered if it looks too much like the weekend.

And at that moment I remembered a letter to a magazine which I read back in the late 80s when I was just starting work. The young person writing wanted to wear a collarless blouse to work and her mother thought it was inappropriate. The agony aunt advised that collarless was ok so long as it was plain and well fitted.

How the wheel has turned! From a time when a button up was expected to a time when I am considering a slightly oversized button up to be too casual.

From a time when nobody would have worn a polo shirt to work to a time when I consider that it might be a good choice for an interview.

I'll put some lipstick on and probably try every shirt and blouse in my wardrobe and then I will hope to be so glitteringly on top of things that nobody notices what I wear.