What I Wore For My Interview With Rachel Zoe

Job interviews are nerve-racking enough as it is, but compound that with the pressure of trying to impress a world-famous stylist and fashion mogul, and suddenly it’s a whole new ball game. Such was the case with members of our very own team, who faced the nightmare-inducing quagmire of what to wear to interview with Rachel Zoe. Straddling the line between dressing appropriately glam and looking professional, 5 Zoe Media Group employees reminisce about what they wore for their first encounter with our EIC.

"When I interviewed with RZ, I debated over what to wear forever and finally decided on a long, cream Maje coat I bought in Paris. It's kind of my go-to piece when I want to feel confident and look put together. I put it on over a silk shell, black pants and heels to keep things sleek and simple. As for accessories, I went with a classic, black-quilted Chanel bag. I guess it worked!" —Sari Anne Tuschman, Editor-at-Large

"I wore my favorite DVF wrap dress—that I still own and wear, 8 years later—to my interview with Rachel. I also still remember what she was wearing: black leggings, platform-wedge ankle boots, an oversize fur vest and black round sunnies (aka the RZ uniform circa 2007). I met with Rachel at her home (which is where her studio was at the time), and we sat in her backyard and talked. It definitely felt more like a conversation than a formal interview which was so unexpected." —Marisa Runyon, Director of TV and Digital Video Production

"I wore a black vintage crochet maxi dress, shoes that could have passed as Balenciaga and a YaYa Aflalo leather jacket. It felt true to who I am and how I like to dress—always something vintage (or vintage inspired) with something modern. I'll never forget that day: It was pouring rain, so I brought a beanie with me in the car. I threw it on my head to protect my fresh 'do and stashed it in my bag before ringing the bell!" —Kendall Cohan, Product Development Associate

"When I interviewed to be Rachel's assistant, I wore black skinny jeans, an H&M seafoam green floaty blouse and Matt Bernson wedge sandals—my pièce de résistance was a black crocodile Jimmy Choo bag (a sample I bought when I worked at the company). I distinctly remember getting a fresh manicure that morning and lint-rolling my jeans when I got out of my car. It doesn't matter what you wear as much as how you wear it—looking polished is key." —Shannon Nash, Fashion & Beauty Editor

"I wore a pussybow blouse, black culottes and suede pumps as a nod to her favorite decade (the '70s) while still maintaining a level of office appropriateness. As soon as Rachel breezed into the room wearing armfuls of jewelry I realized I was only wearing one of my earrings—and not in a cute way. Thank goodness my hair was down." —Nicky Deam, Editorial Director