For your interviews, some of your individualism might have to be shelved or kept in the closet. In most business and technical job interviews, when it comes to your appearance, conservatism and conformity are the order.

While many companies have adopted the “office casual” dress code, don’t try to set any new standards in the interview. When in doubt, it is better to be too conservative than to be too flashy. For men and women, a suit is the best bet.

Some guidelines:

Men

A two-piece suit will suffice in most instances.
Solid colors and tighter-woven fabrics are safer than bold prints or patterns.
Bright ties bring focus to the face, but a simple pattern is best for an interview. (A tip for larger men: use a double Windsor knot to minimize a bulky appearance.)
Wear polished shoes with socks high enough so no skin is visible when you sit down and cross your legs.

Women

A suit with a knee-length skirt and a tailored blouse is most appropriate.
Although even the most conservative organizations allow more feminine looks these days, accessories should be kept simple. Basic pumps and modest jewelry and makeup help to present a professional look.
Pants are more acceptable now but are not recommended for interviews unless you're positive that they would be appropriate.

Staying Within a Budget
For recent graduates just entering professional life, additions to wardrobes, or complete overhauls, are likely needed. However, limited funds can be an obstacle. Image consultant Christine Lazzarini suggests “capsule wardrobing.” For example, by mixing and matching, she says an eight-piece capsule wardrobe can generate up to 28 ensembles.

Before shopping, Lazzarini advises establishing a budget, 50 percent of which should be targeted for accessories. For women, “even a brightly colored jacket could be considered an accessory when it makes an outfit you already have look entirely different.”

The most important piece in any wardrobe is a jacket that is versatile and can work with a number of other pieces, according to one fashion expert. This applies to men and women. “If you focus on a suit, buy one with a jacket which may be used with other skirts or trousers,” said a women’s fashion director for a major national retailer. “Then add a black turtleneck or a white shirt. These are the fashion basics that you can build on.”

A navy or black blazer for men can work well with a few different gabardine pants. Although this kind of ensemble would be just as expensive as a single suit, it does offer more versatility.

One accessory recommended by company representatives is a briefcase. “When I see one,” says one recruiter, “it definitely adds to the candidate’s stature. It is a symbol to me which indicates that the individual has done some research and is probably going to be able to give me whatever I ask for. In other words, it shows that he or she is prepared.”

A Final Check
And, of course, your appearance is only as good as your grooming. For interviews especially, create a final checklist for yourself:

Make sure your hair is neatly trimmed
Use makeup conservatively
No runs in stockings
Shoes polished (some suggest wearing your sneakers on the way to an interview and changing before you enter the interview site)
Women should avoid excessive jewelry; men should refrain from wearing earrings
No missing buttons, crooked ties or lint

You want your experience and qualifications to shine. Your appearance should enhance your presentation, not overwhelm it.

Taking a Casual Approach
“Office Casual” is becoming the accepted mode of dress at more and more companies. However, the rules for casual attire are subject to tremendous company-to-company variance. At some, “casual day” is a Friday-only observance, where the dress code is slightly relaxed—a sports coat and slacks for men and slacks and a sweater for women. At others, especially entrepreneurial computer companies, it’s shorts and sandals every day.

The safest fashion rule for new employees to follow is dress about the same as your most conservatively attired coworker. As a new hire, don’t try to “push the boundaries” of casual attire.

Fashion Arrests!! 1) Never wear blue denim jeans or shorts unless the vast majority of others do. 2) Don’t dress too provocatively—you’re at work, not at a dance club.
3) “Casual” doesn’t mean “sloppy”—your clothes should always be free of stains or holes. 4) Workout wear belongs at the gym.

Play It Safe. 1) Chinos or corduroy slacks are usually a safe bet for both sexes. 2) As with formal business attire, buy the best that your budget will allow. 3) If you will be seeing clients, dress appropriately for their workplace, not yours. 4) Go to the mall—most department and specialty stores have sections devoted to this newer style of office attire.

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