Life Is Great

Suit-Skirted suit is most professional. If it is conservative and classic it will last for years. The strongest positive statements are made by suits in a medium to charcoal gray or a medium blue to navy color. Brown and maroon are also acceptable. Avoid black since it may convey too much authority. If you want to wear a plaid suit jacket, try putting it over a matching blouse and skirt. Although not as powerful as a matched jacket and skirt, it can be a flattering and professional look. For a less authoritative look, you may choose to wear a conservatively tailored dress with or without a jacket. Be certain you have carefully analyzed your interview situation before taking this option.

Avoid 100 percent polyester material, or anything that looks like it-especially double knits. The best winter-weight suit fabrics are wool or wool blends. In warmer climates or during the summer months, linen, blended with a synthetic so it will not look like it needs constant pressing. A textured silk is also a good choice. Polyester blended with rayon, if good quality, often looks like linen but without the work of caring for real linen.

Blouse-Should be silk or a polyester that has the look and feel of silk to go with a business suit. Cotton blouses should not be worn with suits. Long sleeves are preferred. The blouse shouldn't shine too much, reveal too much, or hide one's chin in frills.

Stockings-Should be flesh-toned. Avoid colors, textures and patterns.

Shoes-Classic pump-preferably closed heel and toe with little or no decoration. No spike heels. In general, wear shoes as dark or darker than your skirt.

Purse-If you wish to take an attache case and a purse to an interview, you may want to keep a slim purse with essentials in it, inside the attache case. You could pull out your purse if you choose not to carry the attache case to lunch, etc.

Jewelry-No large jangly things hanging from the wrist or neck. Wedding ring (if you are married), but no diamond pinky rings.

Perfume-A small amount is ok, but not so you would notice.

APPEARANCE IS THE FIRST IMPRESSION THE INTERVIEWER HAS OF YOU, SO YOU WANT TO LOOK YOUR BEST. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO BE WELL GROOMED-CLEAN AND FRESH, INCLUDING NAILS.