Ask Mary Lou

Each month, Mary Lou answers (and we post!) a fashion question from one of our site visitors. If you have something you want to know to help pull together your wardrobe with style and confidence, ask away!

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For August, 2005:

Q: What general advice do you have for job seekers who want to be sure they're dressed appropriately for an interview but who aren't exactly sure what "appropriate" is for their particular job/field/industry?

A: No matter what industry you are interviewing in, you can’t go wrong with a suit. In fact, not wearing a jacket to a formal interview is risky and can send big red flags about your judgment and business acumen.

When interviewing for a job in fields such as technology, finance, government, human resources and sales, stick with a more conservative look for interviewing. For men, a dark suit, crisp dress shirt, tie and wing tips fits the bill. Women can wear either skirted suits or pantsuits in today’s marketplace. Be sure to opt for hosiery and closed toe footwear no matter the season. Overexposed skin and toes have no place in the interview process.

In less formal industries (i.e. automotive, manufacturing and hourly positions in hospitality etc.), both men and women can opt for a more relaxed style of dress that is one step down from more traditional interview attire as long as it is neither sloppy nor provocative. The goal is always to eliminate distractions in your appearance so that the interviewer can easily connect to who you are as a professional.

For men, a sports coat paired with a dark to medium black or brown wool pant is always less formal than a suit, yet appropriate for some non-managerial positions. If you choose to forgo a tie, a button-down collared shirt is the easiest collar choice to wear without a tie. For women, be aware that career separates (i.e. jackets, slacks, skirts and tops) are trickier to pull off than a suit. If you do choose a non-suited outfit for an interview, be mindful of necklines and hemlines as you put together your look. A shirt with a collar has more visual impact and can enhance communication better than a flat knit tee or shell worn without a jacket.

Regardless of whether you choose to wear non-traditional or traditional interview attire, keep in mind that the details matter. Shoes should be in excellent condition, as should totes and outerwear. You really never do get a second chance to make a good first impression. By investing some time and money in creating a suitable interview wardrobe, you will invite others to easily invest back in you.