Career Tools: Interviews: Clothes Make the Person

After your pearly whites and your twinkling eyes, clothes are the next thing the interviewer will see. And while it may seem dumb to worry so much about what you wear — it's a job, not a date right? — be careful about overlooking an impressionable and easily controllable moment: your first appearance. The initial presentation you give to an employer, through your dress, can be more powerful than anything you ever say. Pictures make stronger imprints on one's memory than words.

Men:

The safest and most acceptable look is to wear a well-fitting suit. Showing up an interview looking like a million bucks doesn't mean you had to spend it. Don't worry about a $1,000 Hugo Boss four-button suit. Wear a two- or three-button single-breasted navy, charcoal, or brown suit (Do NOT wear black and try to avoid double-breasted suits). Make sure the jacket is snug at the shoulders and has no gape at its back. Try to find a cut that fits your build. A tapered pair of pants elongates your figure while a loose leg adds bulk to your body.

White or pale blue shirts are your best bet for they convey security, intelligence and trustworthiness — all traits highly valued by employers. Make sure the shirt is pressed, cleaned and lightly starched. Do not settle for wash-and-wear shirts. If you'd wear it to a semi-formal, it works for a job interview.

Silk ties work the best because they form cleaner knots than wool ties and they do not wrinkle as easily as linen ones. As a rule, your tie should complement your suit. The best styles are solids, stripes or discreet abstract patterns. Don't try to impress a new boss with that Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl Champions tie.

Shoes should be brown or black leather. Wingtips are the classic corporate shoe, but plain oxfords, cap-toed oxfords and loafers are also acceptable. Socks should be blue, black, gray or brown and should come up over the calf.

Finally, we come to accessories. Earrings, chains, and rings (wedding rings excluded, of course) are generally considered unprofessional. If you are wearing french cuffs, smooth, polished cuff links are a nice accent. So are simple, analog watches with leather or metal bands. Bring a handkerchief if you'd like, but avoid the tie-and-pocket square. It's much too tacky for an interview. Avoid cologne.

Women:

Women's suits can work as skirts or as pants. New York Senator Hillary Clinton has adopted a wardrobe devoted entirely to matching black pants suits. Because fashions change every season, the “in” length of a skirt changes rapidly but if you select a hemline that falls around or just above the knee you should be fine. Wool and linen give the best look, but wool is heavy and hot in the summer and linen wrinkles easily. Synthetic materials can overcome some of those disadvantages but be careful not to buy a cheap-looking fabric.

Long-sleeved button-down blouses in silk or cotton are generally desired. White is again the safest color but light blue, soft pink or pale yellow can work. A scarf can be worn to accent your outfit (the equivalent of a man's necktie) but don't wear anything too showy or loud. Also, while a tie is an absolute necessity for a man, a scarf is not a must for a woman's wardrobe.

Women have more shoe styles than men to choose from. High heels are generally fine although don't wear anything too high. Flats are also acceptable. Closed toes are the norm but slightly open-toed looks are becoming more frequent among interviewees. Sling-back shoes with closed toes or platform heels are gaining wider acceptance too.

Wear pantyhose that complement your skin. Keep an extra pair on hand in case you develop a run in them. Jewelry on a woman is, of course, fine, although less is more. Avoid large or fake-looking jewelry. Try to keep it to a single bracelet. Less is more is a good maxim to follow with make-up as well. Try to look natural -- subtle eye shadow and mascara. Don't go overboard with the rouge or lipstick. Avoid perfume.

For both men and women, feel free to carry a leather-bound folder or a slim briefcase. Both work well as professional accessories. And don't drink alcohol the day before an interview. It affects your eyes and skin color, not to mention what it can do to your head.