"First impressions are critical in a job interview, and about 55 percent of an initial impression will be based on how you look," said Karen Hughes, an Atlanta image consultant and owner of Image Assets (www.imageassets.net). "Unless you're applying for an advertising art director job, forget trendy. You want your look to be appropriate and simple -- a blank canvas against which you can communicate your assets. You don't want them to remember your shoes but what you can bring to the table."
Parker Geiger, owner of Impression Management (www.imirc.com), an image communications company in Atlanta and Miami, reminds clients that their image should reflect the positions and companies they hope to join.
"Be conservative," he said. "Wear a navy or gray suit. Avoid black. It's for funerals, and red is overkill. Choose a coordinating blouse (not a lacy camisole) or button-down shirt and dress shoes -- lace-up wingtips for men; pumps or sling-backs for women."
A man's tie should be a conservative stripe or solid, and the knot should be the size of a 50-cent piece. The tip of the tie should touch the belt. A woman's hemline should be knee-length or just below. Belt and shoes should match, and socks should match either the shoes or trousers for men.
"If you project a neat, buttoned-down look, people will assume that's the way you work -- that you're organized and professional," Geiger said. "Consistency is important. That means you don't wear a funky handbag with a business suit -- it's a jarring note. You want a balanced overall picture, so that all of you enters the door at the same time."
"Better to carry a briefcase or portfolio than a handbag," Hughes said. "And leave your cellphone in the car, along with your iPod, Blackberry, gum and the soda you happened to be drinking."
Car keys and sunglasses should be stored away neatly, so that you're free to shake hands.
Other things to leave off: tattoos (cover, if possible); piercing jewelry other than earrings for women (no more than two per ear); perfume; fishnet or textured stockings; open-toed shoes; excess jewelry (no "bling" or long, dangly earrings); childish or dressy hair ornaments; and sports watches. A dress watch with a leather or metal band is appropriate.
"The distinction is in the details," Geiger said. "Both men and women should have manicured nails and polished shoes. Women should use neutral nail polishes -- no palm trees with diamond studs. Men should trim beards and moustaches."
"When dressing for an interview, it's not about you. It's about showing respect for the company considering you as a future employee," Hughes said. "If you're in doubt about over- or underdressing, research the company environment or call HR and ask about the dress code."