It’s no secret that NYC is pretty much a playground once the clock strikes Memorial Day – between the Summer Fridays, beach trips and outdoor happy hour invites – it’s pretty much perfect. But, smart cookies or apples, also know that humidity is lurking right around every corner. This fun fact is even more disconcerting, when you’re not just frolicking, but sprinting to make the train before the interview for your dream gig. I can relate, because while I may call Atlanta home, the job search that I conducted during May of last year was nothing like the peach state — navigating the subway, with curly hair, and heels was a challenge to say the least.
TTB is coming to the rescue — whether you’re shopping around your resume, or just a lady that keeps a full appointment book — the experts we chatted with are letting us in on the style cues that will keep you looking cool under pressure:
THE CONSULTANT
Brands like Dior, Aesop and Nars have all called upon Kristy Hurt to find them top-notch talent, so who better to lend her opinion on making an impression, and the best brands in the beauty game:
Q1: What are you looking for in terms of job hunter presentation?
With respect to hair, nails and make up, less is more. I believe understated is best. Keep hair down and natural, neat. Makeup should also be natural-looking. Avoid excessive eye makeup: blush, lipstick and a light coat of mascara is all you need.
I love Nars lipstick in the color Niagara, Nars blush in Orgasm (no one has to know) and black mascara from Dior. I recommend not wearing perfume to an interview. Sometimes if you are in a stuffy office, the scent can come across too strong and you risk turning someone off. More people are sensitive to smells than we realize. Something light and floral can be nice in the summer, but I say save it for another time. I’m excited to try Miu Miu’s first fragrance, launching later this year.
Q2: Any tricks of the trade for remaining presentable after a long day of meetings?
Bring a refillable water bottle from Kleen Kanteen, and keep yourself hydrated. Reapply lipstick after lunch and you will feel great!
It’s important to dress appropriately for an interview or meeting despite the summer heat. I like cropped dresses with a little sleeve or culottes with a pretty silk top from a designer like Rachel Comey or Nili Lotan. Also, Loeffler Randall makes sandals that are structured, chic and stylish – key qualifiers, if I go the sandal route in summer.
THE ADVISOR
Jaime Petkanics knows a thing or two about polish. She’s a Tory Burch HR department alumni, and job search guru behind The Prepary. Jaime loves nothing more than ensuring that an interviewee is well prepped.
Q: What’s your top tip for interviewing in the heat?
Since you never want to wear anything too revealing or bare to a job interview, dressing for one in the middle of summer can be challenging. I always suggest putting together an outfit with an amazing light jacket or blazer that looks great thrown on top of a simple shell, tank or dress (like this one or this one.) That way you can commute to the interview, and stay cool, and throw on your top layer just before you walk into an AC-filled office.
THE MARKETING MAVEN
As the Marketing Director at Journelle, Allison Beale is well in the know when it comes to sitting pretty. Her calendar, on and off the clock, is always packed. As an executive at a luxury brand, Allison’s had to get her routine down pack to make sure that she’s appointment-ready at a moment’s notice.
Q1: What’s your beauty routine during the summer months?
Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47, mascara and Glossier Soothing Face Mist.
Q2: Tricks for taming your mane in major humidity?
I have naturally wavy hair, so when it’s going to be REALLY humid and I’ve got an important meeting or event, I’ll get a blowout, which will sustain me for 3-4 days. Otherwise I’m a fan of Oribe’s Apres Beach Wave + Shine Spray, and usually embrace the wave. When all else fails, it goes up in a topknot.
Q3: What are 5 products that you’d be lost without?
-Mascara! (As a strawberry blonde it’s the first thing I put on every morning.)
-My signature rose fragrance (a mix of Jo Malone Red Roses + Le Labo Rose 31)
–Chanel Rouge Coco in Gabrielle
THE MAKERS
Thanks to STOWAWAY Cosmetics, brainchild of Chelsa Crowley and Julie Fredrickson, you can carry purse-perfect touch-up tools for a little face freshening on-the-go. Color us not surprised that this design duo just took home an ICMAD award for innovation in packaging.
Q1: How do you, and your makeup bag, beat the heat?
I would say my best tip on this is to carry a few light multi-purpose products. Our Cheek & Lip Rouge is perfect for touchups in small spaces (say in the back of a cab) if you need to add a little color to your face in between rounds of interviews. A dab on your lips and cheeks can work wonders!
THE INTERVIEWEE
An eye for the details makes Lindsey Dekker a great graphic designer, and very perceptive when it comes to impressions. As she continues to vet clients for freelance projects, summer doesn’t mean permanent vacay for this ladypreneur — she has a few tricks in her bag for staying presentation-perfect.
Q: What are the style and makeup tips that you’d like to offer fellow job seekers?
Be smart about the forecast; including materials and styling:
Obviously, linen is light and very breathable and will be a better choice than silk, which will cling to you on a muggy day. If humidity affects your hair (or you know it will be muggy), plan to wear your hair back and out of your face.
Invest in good make-up:
If you wear concealer and / or bronzer, paying the extra few dollars will make a world of difference. Not only will your make-up look more smooth and natural, but on the especially muggy days where your face feels like it is melting, you can use a tissue and lightly dab the sweat off. In my experience, quality make-up will not smudge or wipe off like the cheap stuff does.
There you have it, dolls — a few tricks and tips from the experts on How to Look Cool Under Pressure. What would you add to this list?
Love this roundup of interesting women and useful tips! Though I’m not in NYC anymore, I’m doing the job search grind and it’s tough even in perfect Cali weather!