An interview can be a stress inducing event. Not only do you have to remember to act polite and professional and answer interview questions concisely and with ease, but you have to look the part as well - pulling off that perfect balance of professionalism and style.
Coordinating the perfect outfit can be a bit of a hassle, but there are
some basic do's and dont's that will help make picking out suitable
attire a much smoother process. And if ever in doubt about a certain
wardrobe piece, drop it. It's better to lean towards conservative and
slightly boring, than to strive for high fashion.
1. When in Doubt, Go Dark
Dark colors are always acceptable - they look professional and don't
come off as too flashy. Wearing a bright red top with a matching skirt
is never a good idea, even if you know the company is laid back and has a
casual dress code. You're not currently an employee and first
impressions always count, so keep it simple, subdued and conservative.
2. Overdress Before You Underdress
No one wants to show up to an interview with three other people looking
like a slacker. It is always better to be overdressed for an occasion,
be it a wedding or a job interview, rather than underdressed. This also
encompasses nixing casual clothing like t-shirts, jeans and sneakers for
dress pants, slacks, tailored shirts and dress shoes.
3. Keep the Accessories to a Minimum
You can flaunt your own personal style after you snag the job, but
before then it's best to keep your look "clean" with minimal jewelry and
accessories. Yeah, that silk lavender polka dot head scarf looks
amazing with your navy blue pencil skirt, but a job interview isn't the
place to prove your catwalk-worthy fashion skills. A simple gold or
silver chain will suffice for women, and men can dress it up with a
simple pocket scarf or nice tie.