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We all make judgments on people based on first impressions. Plan what you will wear to a job interview. Proper interview attire encourages the interviewer to take you and what you say seriously. You also get a boost in self-image and confidence.
Interview Attire for Women
Suits: Suits make an excellent first impression. This consists of a jacket and skirt, not pants. Charcoal, medium gray, steel gray, black, and navy blue are good colors, all of which look good with a white blouse. Solids and pinstripes are acceptable. To be safe, wear something that falls a little below the knee. Avoid micro-minis and other skirts that show too much leg.
Blouses: Long sleeves are best. They should be cut simply with no excess frills or lace. Blouses shouldn't be low cut. White and pale are the best options.
Shoes: Shoes should be leather and match your suit. A mid-heel pump is best. Brown, black, navy and burgundy are acceptable. Avoid sling backs, strapped sandals, flats, and extremely high-heeled shoes, as well as faddish or multicolored shoes.
Stockings: Always wear stockings, even on a hot day. Neutral or skin tones work best. Have a back up pair in case of runs.
Jewelry: Wear minimal jewelry, Large, dangling earrings, large necklaces or bracelets can be distracting. Restrict rings to engagement or wedding rings. Avoid wearing jewelry in facial piercings (nose, eyebrow, lip, etc.). You want the interviewer to remember you, not your jewelry.
Accessories: A briefcase is ideal but avoid carrying both a briefcase and purse. Brown, burgundy, blue and black are acceptable colors.
Makeup: A subtle use of makeup is acceptable. Keep it natural. Lipstick should enhance your own lip color.
Perfume: Use lightly. A good rule of thumb - if you can smell yourself, it's too much.
Interview Attire for Men
Suits: Navy or charcoal through light gray, followed by brown are acceptable. Solids, pinstripes are best. Great all-season fabrics for suits are wool, which look and wear better, and wool blends.
Shirts: Always wear a long-sleeved white or pale-blue shirt. Thin red or blue pinstripes on a white shirt are acceptable. Monograms should be avoided. Your sleeves should extend approximately 1-inch beyond your suit jacket when worn.
Ties: Choose ties that are fairly plain and coordinate with your suit. No cartoon characters, loud or gimmick ties! The best fabric for ties is silk, which are most resistant to wrinkles and present the best image.
Shoes: Oxfords, lace-up wing tips and slip-on dress shoes are best. They should be either black or brown leather.
Socks: Your socks should match or closely match the color of your pants or shoes, meaning they should be blue, black, gray, or brown. They should be long enough so that you can cross your legs without showing bare skin.
Grooming: Clean and well-groomed hair, healthy-looking nails, clean-shaven or neatly trimmed facial hair present the best image.
Jewelry: Avoid wearing jewelry in facial piercings (nose, eyebrow, lip, etc.). You want the interviewer to remember you, not your jewelry.
Accessories: Don't wear anything that can be misconstrued or leave a bad impression. Avoid religious and political symbols in rings, ties or pins. Your watch should be simple and plain. Leather briefcases in brown or beige are good selections. Belts should match or complement your shoes.
Aftershave/Cologne: Go lightly. If you can smell yourself, you have too much on.
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