Deciding what to wear for an important job interview can be very stressful. You want to impress the employer and be perceived as someone who has the good judgment to dress appropriately for the occasion. Everything you are wearing, from your clothes, to your accessories, to your perfume or cologne, to your shoes, will make a lasting impression.

Choosing the Right Outfit for the Job Interview

If you are in doubt, wear a suit. In most corporate environments, the expected interview attire is a suit. Showing up dressed too casually will give the impression that you are not taking the job opportunity seriously. Some corporate environments are more conservative than others. If you do not have enough information about the office environment, err on the side of caution when choosing the color of your suit. You will always be safe with a black or navy blue suit. Avoid any bright colored outfits or flashy patterns. An orange suit with palm tree patterns, for example, is not your best option.

Some interview situations are much more casual. If you are applying for a job at a restaurant or in retail, take your cue from the hiring manager. How does he or she normally dress? If he or she dresses in slacks and a dress shirt, you can probably get away with doing the same. In some cases, you can ask other employees for their advice on the dress code for the interview.

Other Things to Consider When Dressing for the Interview

Avoid wearing very strong perfume or cologne. Some people are allergic and you don’t want your interviewer to be offended by a strong scent, or worse, to be sneezing through your interview.

Also avoid wearing loud and excessive jewelry during your interview. Nine gold necklaces and seven dangling bracelets will be too distracting. You want to portray a very professional image.