[JosieWales]

Go nekkid. That'll get their attention.

(sorry. couldn't resist. I am getting cabin fever here at school...)

[sak9645]

In general, color is less important than style and fit, but I tend to prefer navy. It can be worn by people with most skin tones. It is slimming. It doesn't look as severe as black -- or emphasize your age or wrinkles as much, if you are a bit older. It can be paired with many different colors, from pastels to vibrants. And it can be worn all year round, even in August, when other dark colors often seem out of place. Still, I've worn many other colors successfully, including grey, taupe, beige, black, and even pale blue. I guess my second favorite would be a light to medium grey, possibly with a slight pattern, such as a pinstripe.

Some women can get away with red "power suits", but many will look like Santa Claus, or come across as a little too ostentatious and pushy. Brown and green are traditionally thought of as the total opposite of power colors, and probably aren't good choices for interview suits -- unless you have a great deal of confidence, a good style sense, and a really smashing outfit. I put taupe in a different category from brown. A light to medium taupe can be a good alternative to grey, if you can manage to find the perfect shoes to go with it.

Unless you are going for a job in a very avant garde organization, go for fairly traditional clothing. I like a suit with a medium length jacket, non-shiny (real) silk blouse, and a nice piece of jewelry (pearls, gold chain, stickpin) or an attractive scarf that adds a bit of bright color. I like heels that make the legs look shapely, but that are not so high that walking is difficult. Avoid backless shoes or very strappy sandals. A closed pump is preferable, though you can get away with an open toe shoe or even, in some styles, a classic slingback worn with darkish hosiery.

While a skirt suit is more traditional and probably to be preferred in some settings, a well-tailored pants suit can be very appropriate for many occasions. In fact, a nicely cut pants suit is a far better choice than a skirt that is too short, too tight, or slit "up to here", or that is worn with totally clashing, ugly hosiery. Pants suits are also good choices if you will be flying to an interview without a chance to change clothes, if you will be doing a lot of walking at a job site, etc. You will thank Hillary Clinton for making the pants suit acceptable, even on the Presidential campaign trail, when you try to get out of a low chair gracefully.

Needless to say, showing a lot of skin is NOT acceptable. Keep skirts near the knee, avoid low necklines, forget bare midriffs, and do not go bare legged. Make sure that your tattoo, if you have one, is well hidden. I still wear suits in August, but if it's beastly hot, you can probably get away with a very business-like dress, if it has at least a short sleeve, in some settings.

You want to look crisp and organized, so whatever color you wear, choose a fabric that won't leave you looking like you slept in your clothes, before you get from the parking lot to the office building. Forget the chic pure linen outfit that wrinkles if you so much as look at it. Most traveling business people choose suits with a bit of wool in them, even in summer, since they are less likely to wrinkle, even in a suitcase.

Be prepared for emergencies. Carry a change of panty hose in your portfolio or purse, since nothing says "sloppy" more than a huge run in your nylons, especially if your nylons are a dark color. A mini sewing kit won't hurt, either, just in case a button comes off or a bit of your skirt/pants hem comes down.

Don't wear too much makeup or jewelry, wear a simple, neat hairstyle, and keep your fragrance very low-key; remember that some people are allergic to strongly scented perfumes. Carry a businesslike handbag -- no huge sacks. It is a good idea to carry a portfolio -- leather, if you can afford it -- with a spare copy of your resume, a pad of paper for taking notes, business cards if you have them, a pen or two, etc.

Above all, wear a smile and a positive, can-do attitude. What you wear should be appropriate, but what you say and how you say it is a lot more important.

Sharon

[cjrogers]

Sharon said it so well. Follow this advice and good luck!

[Larue]

You have gotten some great advice. I really think it all depends on what field and organization you're interviewing with. I'm an Audit Manager in the Department of Defense, and also a recruiter for my agency. What others have described to you as acceptable attire in their work environments, would be totally unacceptable in mine. My suggestion would be to do some "survelliance" and research the cultural norms in your target organization.

Best wishes with your interview!