Dressing appropriately for your interview is more important than you may think. We all make judgments about people based on first impressions. Therefore, you will want to carefully plan what clothing you will wear as it contributes to how people will perceive you.

The following guidelines for men and women about dressing appropriately for interviews are taken from Your Executive Image by Dr. Victoria Seitz (Professor of Marketing at CSUSB). This book is available for sale at the CSUSB Coyote Bookstore and contains many valuable tips about how to create a professional image with your wardrobe.

~ MEN ~

Suits: blue, gray, or beige. The darker the suit, the more authority it conveys. Consider patterned suits; i.e. pin stripes, chalk stripes, and muted plaids (also called glen plaids). The best all-season fabric for suits is wool, followed by wool blends. Sport coats, blazers, and coordinating trousers: a navy blazer with khaki or gray trousers; a camel or beige sport coat with charcoal-brown trousers; a black tweed jacket with charcoal-gray trousers. Whether a sport coat, blazer, or suit jacket, the jacket should be long enough to cover the rear.

Shirts: shirts are a low-cost choice for changing the look of a suit. A different shirt and tie can give the impression of a whole new outfit. When buying shirts, select 100 percent cotton or cotton blends of 35-40% polyester and 65-70% cotton. Generally, the shirt should be lighter than the suit and the tie should be darker than the shirt.

The Tie: The tie is one of the strongest symbols of respectability and responsibility for a man. Ties communicate who you are, reinforcing or detracting from your otherwise positive image. The best fabric for ties is silk, followed by polyester that looks like silk, silk/polyester blends, wool, and cotton. The width of the tie should harmonize with the width of your suit lapels - wide ties with wide lapels.

Shoes: oxfords, slip-ons, or loafers. Your shoes should match the color of your belt.
Handkerchiefs: become comfortable with buying silk-printed and white cotton or linen handkerchiefs to place in the breast pocket of your jacket. Serving a purely decorative function, this accessory can lend pizzazz to an otherwise dull outfit.

Socks: choose from a wide selection of muted patterns. Your socks should match or closely match the color of your pants or shoes. They should also stay up. Avoid loud argyle patterns that call attention to your feet.

Suspenders: (optional) A popular accessory. Consider your company's image as well as your profession and position when choosing patterns and colors. Suspenders should attach to the inside buttons of the pants. Don't wear a belt in addition to suspenders and don't buy clip-on styles.

Grooming: clean and well-groomed hair, clean, healthy-looking nails, well-groomed facial hair, and a clean mouth. Your hair should neither be too long nor too short and should be cut in a manner that suits your hair type, face shape, personality, profession, and position. Sideburns are a no-no in most fields, particularly traditional ones. Mustaches should be cut well above the upper lip to avoid food collecting in it.

Cologne/After Shave: go lightly! Rule of thumb: if you can smell yourself, you have too much on.

Websites to see examples of Interview Attire:
www.menswearhouse.com
www.brooksbrothers.com

~ WOMEN ~

Suits: (A suit consists of a jacket and skirt, not pants.) Consider suits in wool, linen, or rayon blends, good quality polyester (doesn't shine and has shape) or natural fibers blended with synthetics (i.e. linen/rayon). The best patterns for suits are solid, hound's-tooth, tweed, and plaid. The best colors range from navy, to charcoal-gray, black, olive, and brown. Avoid pastels - they are perceived as weak, extremely feminine, and not business-oriented.

Skirt length: should come to right about the knee. This is the most attractive length for women. Don't wear anything lower than midcalf. The look then becomes dowdy, not to mention dangerous: at that length it can get caught in doors and chairs. If you want something past the knee, just below is best.

Blouses: should be cut simply with no excess frills or lace. In most cases, the color of the blouse should contrast with the suit; however, an alternative that is just as pleasing is a blouse of the same color as the jacket and/or skirt. When wearing a sheer blouse, wear a slip or camisole to conceal your foundation. If your bra shows at the front closing of a blouse, pin it discreetly. Choose blouses in silk, polyester, cotton, ramie, and linen.

Shoes: stick with a conservative pump. Avoid sling backs, strapped sandals, flats, and extremely high-heeled shoes. The look should be one of professional ease. Buy heels that range from one to two-and-a-half inches. Anything higher affects productivity.

Accessories: Limit jewelry to gold, silver, and pearls. Adding a little glitter to an outfit gives a woman presence in any position, but don't overdo it with loud bracelets or rings on every finger. Avoid overly large or dangling earrings, which look unprofessional, in favor of button or small hoop styles. Select pieces in proportion to your body size.

Hosiery: go with ultra-sheer varieties for just a hint of color. The rule of thumb for hosiery is that the color should match either the skirt or pant hem or the color of the shoe. Pass up black stockings in favor of off black or charcoal-gray. Taupe is a good color; it goes with most everything in fall and winter wardrobes. No white hosiery!

Hairstyle: your hairstyle should be a conservative cut that is easy to manage. A woman who is always fixing her hair is communicating she is not interested in business. The style should not be too short or tailored, or long and overly feminine. If your hair is past your shoulder, pull it out of your face.

Makeup: the executive image includes makeup even if it's a little. Makeup gives a woman's face a finished look. Enhance your own good looks with a touch of blush, mascara and lip-gloss. If you want to add more color, considerfoundation and eye shadow. Lipstick color should enhance your own lip color. If you like bright, deep reds, save those for after work. A painted lady is not taken seriously at the office.

Perfume/Cologne: Use lightly! Rule of thumb: if you can smell yourself, it's too much.

Websites to see examples of Interview Attire:
www.talbots.com
www.chadwicks.com

All rights reserved © Copyright 2003.
The CSUSB Career Development Center.
Last updated: August 9, 2007