With many companies “casual” and Google and similar organizations with relaxed dress codes heading up “top employer” lists, knowing what to wear to an interview is a lot more complicated than it once was.

Conventional career advice says to dress more formally for an interview; it helps job seekers appear serious about the position and (when done correctly) gives applicants a more professional, polished look.

Well, now it’s officially stylish to turn back to the interview suit, according to Eric Wilson in the New York Times Style section. He explains, “… With the unemployment rate in America at a 14-year high and more than half a million jobs lost in the last three months alone, there has been a detectable shift in the way people are dressing for work. In the financial sector, certainly, the tone has become more serious, and as a predictable result, somber suits are making a comeback.”

The article reports that stores such as Men’s Wearhouse and Tahari are seeing higher sales for suits, especially classic navy and gray pinstripe styles classified as “interview suits.”

“We are back to a time when every company expected both women and men to wear suits and we didn’t have a Casual Friday,” said Gloria Mirrione, a managing director of A-L Associates, a financial services placement firm. “They are looking for a sharper style. I recommend a strong suit that says you are collected and ready to work.”

The fashion mavens do disagree about one thing: pant suits or skirts for women.

The bottom line is that interviewees must do their research to help determine the best choice for interview attire. Women especially have many choices. Pants or skirts, accessories, colors or traditional navy and gray?

Should you dress creatively – perhaps a flashy tie or colorful bag? Or conservative pin stripes? There is really no hard and fast rule. Do be aware that, in a tight job market, all of your choices are matters of scrutiny.  Before you even get to the interview, employers have potentially vetted you online by checking social networks and Googling your name.  Your resume was scanned for key words and scoured for skills and accomplishments.  You need to know who you are, but also how other people perceive you.

Bottom line – keep an eye on trends, but make choices that suit your plans. (Pun intended!)

What did you wear to your last interview? Was it the right choice?

Don’t forget that Keppie Careers is here to help with every aspect of your job hunt. Explore this site to learn how we can help you.

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