What not to wear for a virtual interview
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: What would you recommend for summer interviewing attire? Sleeveless button-down tops and a skirt? Sandals OK or not OK? I’m at a loss.
— Alanna G.
Dear Alanna: Congratulations on scoring a job interview in today’s grim panorama of furloughs, layoffs and unemployment! You’re right that there are some common-sense appearance guidelines — not exactly “rules” — for a job interview. The good news is that many interviews are virtual rather than in person, so you just need to worry about how you look from the waist up. Your footwear (or lack of footwear) doesn’t matter. Overall, you’ll want to look tidy, modest, professional, put together — even if it’s a casual workplace. You cannot go wrong by “over” dressing. A shirt, blouse or dress topped with a basic jacket or blazer is a simple solution. A cardigan (lightweight cotton for summer) would also work. I’d stay away from sleeveless and definitely nothing even remotely low cut. You want the focus to be on what you say, not what you’re wearing, so keep the statement necklace or jangly earrings for later when you have the job. If you do score an in-person interview, again, keep it simple. I’m not a fan of showing off your toes in sandals. Closedtoe flats or low-heel pumps are a better choice. Don’t overthink it and, whatever you do, take a hard look in the mirror before you leave the house or sit down for that video call.
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I spend a good deal of time and money on my hair. Where I live it is now the rainy season and even the slightest sprinkle or humidity is death to my hairdo. I’ve tried every type of protective hood, bonnet and hat with so-so to
lousy results. The best umbrella in the universe is no protection from the moisture. Do you or your readers have any suggestions for products that work?
— Janeese H.
Dear Janeese: A few weeks ago I would have told you I’m clueless. But my best friend from high school, Judy F. — who witnessed my long battle trying to keep my hair away from all moisture — sent me a gift that impressed me. I think she saw it on a shopping channel promoting Blackowned businesses and voila, the Hairbrella (hairbrella.com) arrived in the mail. I was skeptical, but I tested the satin-lined, waterproof rain hat in a
downpour and it worked. They’re expensive ($34.99 and up) but it kept my hair dry without giving me the dreaded hat hair. It worked in the shower too. Readers, have you got some solutions to share? Let me hear from you.
Angelic readers
For Terry, who needed a solution for biting bugs, Susan S. writes:
“You should let Terry and all your readers know about the company Insect Shield (insectshield.com). They not only sell clothes with UPF protection but also insect protection. And what is most great about this company is that you can send them YOUR OWN
clothes and they will add both sun and bug protection to the items you send them for a very good price ($9.95 per item). It lasts through 70 washings and they put a tag inside the clothing so you can identify which items are treated. That way you get your sun and bug coverage for clothes you know you like and that fit. We used them for our clothing needs for our South American cruise back when the world was safe for such activities.”
Now it’s your turn
Send your questions, rants, tips, favorite finds — on style, shopping, makeup, fashion and beauty — to answerangelellen@gmail.com.