What to Wear When: You Have a Job Interview

By Sean McGrathIt seems like everyone around me is on the hunt for a job! What does that mean for me? Providing a lot of advice on resumes, cover-letters and, yes, interview fashion. For those of you who read my post about workwear, you'll notice that how you dress once you have a job is very different from how you dress to get a job. What kind of sense does that make? OK, that's valid, but I don't make the rules! I'm just here to make sure you know them.

Look for professional separates. Suits are great, easy ways to pull together a professional look and, for some positions, an absolute necessity. But if your interview is in a more casual office, separates are a great way to create a more stylish look, while sticking to the neutral color scheme suggested by hiring experts. Think of mixing a camel-colored blazer with navy pants. If you’re more adventurous (and the office even more casual), you may decide on a printed top, skirt or pants, balanced out with solids. Select items with modern cuts and details to project style without looking young or inappropriate.by Bree

Find a good tailor or seamstress. If you discard everything else in this post, please pay attention to this. The difference between looking stylish and frumpy is often the good work of a great tailor. Whether you buy a new suit or just a new blazer to wear with something you already own, it won’t fit perfectly right off the shelf. For instance, if you’re buying a blazer, make sure it fits properly through the shoulders, can be buttoned without pulling and isn’t too short in the sleeves. As long as you have too much fabric, rather than too little, your tailor can very easily alter the blazer to fit you like a glove. That custom fit adds a level of polish and style that is simply unachievable right off the rack.by Bree

Use color smartly and sparingly. There is an inverse relationship between how formal you need to dress and how much color you should wear to an interview. In the most formal business environments, you may not be able to get away with anything, but if the office is business casual, try adding a stylish flair with a scarf or pocket square or perhaps even a blouse. Stick with cool colors, such as green or blue. A survey by The Ladders showed that executives responded negatively to interviewees wearing orange, red and pink.by bree

Accessorize with elegance. I love big, chunky, statement-making jewelry, but for an important interview, leave the cuffs and feathers at home. Pearls are a great option, and nicely complement a neutral palette. If you have a delicate necklace you never seem to have occasion to wear, now is it’s time. Stick with your fine jewelry, and keep it simple. Don’t layer up on necklaces, bracelets or rings. Keep it simple. Bonus: For a fun pop of color you can actually get away with, accessorize with a brightly colored handbag.

By Sean McgrathKeep your makeup professional. Now is not the time to try a smoky eye and falsies. Instead, wear a natural eyeshadow (look for something that is pretty close to your natural skin tone), pencil eyeliner and mascara for your eyes. Be sure to have you eyebrows groomed in advance! Foundation, a subtle blush and finishing powder is about all you’ll want for your face. No need for excessive contouring. Finish your look with a nude lipstick or gloss, and you’ll be good to go. The great thing about this look is that it’s simple enough to wear to work every day.

Choose the right shoes. Practical, attractive shoes can be hard to find, but you need them in your life. Wearing a five inch heel to an interview just isn’t a good look, even if they’re close-toed black pumps. Keep your heel height practical. As far as what type of shoe is appropriate, I like to stick with a basic pump to be safe, but peeptoes and slingbacks can be OK for more casual offices. Sandals, flip-flops, platforms and espadrilles, however, are never OK.

Miscellaneous grooming. Earlier I mentioned to be sure to have your eyebrows groomed before an interview, but they aren’t the only things that need grooming. Got a little peach fuzz on your lip or chin? Handle that.

While we're discussing body hair, let's spend a moment on your legs. If you're going to wear a skirt or dress, shave your legs. And then cover them with a pair of shear hose. I know it feels old-fashioned, but many hiring managers will still frown on bare legs, even in 2013.

Plan on wearing a peeptoe shoe? You need a pedicure—and not just any old pedi, either. Make sure you have your toenails cut short, squared off and polished a neutral color. Save the electric blue for after you get hired! Your nails should be a professional length, and match the color you selected for your toes. No nail art. Seriously.by Bree

Hair. For an interview, your hair should be neat, relatively simple and unadorned. Follow the same basic principles as my advice on at work hair, keeping in mind that you may want to put in a little extra effort since you’re making a first impression.