It is important to understand the importance of dressing for interview. As first impressions can greatly influence a hiring decision, the style in which you present yourself during an interview can make a big distinction in your ability. It is imperative to remain impressive right at your first meeting to mark that famous "first impression". It can really prove to be decisive issue in your achievement. Although one is remembered for his or her skills and not for clothing, but clothing let the onlooker decide about the basic character and choice of the person. To surmise, we can say that attire plays a sustaining function during the interview.

Interview Apparel-Decide your dress depending upon the job for which you are applying. Present a smart, neat, and professional appearance during interviews. Unless some specific information has been provided, wear a suit regardless of where you are going. The professional dress in the interview sets a constructive tendency right from the very beginning.


For Men

Suit: Men can wear dark or gray suits for most of the interviews. A blazer, shirt and tie can also be worn if the organization is comparatively less formal.

Shirt: Wear shirts that are in pastel colors like white, cream, or pale blue.

Tie: Wear an appropriate tie that will compliment your shirt and suit.

Shoes and Socks: Shoes can be of leather and of business style. They should be well polished and preferably in black color. Never wear white socks. Wear dark colored ones of appropriate length so that your skin is not visible when you sit down.

Fragrance: Make Minimal use of cologne or you can avoid it also.

Hair: Groom your hair neatly. Beards and mustaches should be neatly trimmed.

Accessory: Wear a conventional watch. Avoid any other jewelry or accessory, as it might not always be viewed positively.

For Women
Suit: In most interview settings, it is recommended that Women can also wear suits in plain, neutral, or dark colors. Tailored pantsuits are appropriate.

Saree: Saree is an all-time favorite outfit that can never go wrong at any occasion. Go for printed silk or crepes, according to the weather. Blouses should be well stitched and not of very fancy cut.

Shoes and Hosiery: Basic pumps, polished, with medium or low heels are appropriate; they should be dark and match the interview suit or saree. Neither wear absolute flat footwear, nor for hi-fashion stilettos.

Jewelry: Wear simple jewelry, with no dangling bracelets or large clunky jewelry to disrupt your discussion.

Cosmetics: Do not use perfume and makeup liberally. Nail paint and lip color should be a light shade

Hair: Styling should be simple and comfortable so that neither you nor your interviewer gets distracted from your focus during the interview.

Backpack: If you can go to the interview without your backpack, do so. Carry a portfolio with a notepad, copies of your resume, a pen, and any other pertinent information. If you are also carrying a purse, keep it small.

More about it

The suit-A single-breasted suit is appropriate for all fields of employment. When wearing a single-breasted suit with more than two buttons, you may button all of the buttons-except the bottom button. Most suits come with pants that are pleated (some double or tripled). They should feel fuller through the thigh and should be worn at your waist, not on your hips.
The "break of the pants" is the distance between the ground and the hem-line of the pants. Typically this should be about 1.5 inches, but can vary depending on the style of pants and material.

Fabric & colour-Look for suits made of 100% "worsted" wool. Wool is a natural fiber that breathes, which means you'll be more comfortable, you'll perspire less and the fabric will travel well. Look for suit jackets that are fully lined and pants that are lined to the knee. Lining increases comfort and reduces wrinkling. Adding a crotch liner to your suit pants will reduce the abrasion between your thighs and the fabric. Crotch liners help your pants last longer.
Your first interview suit depends in large part on the type of job for which you're interviewing, but charcoal gray and navy blue are always appropriate. Whether pinstriped, plaid, solid, or herringbone, these colors always represent a professional look and are ideal for more conservative fields like accounting, law, and medicine. Two-button, vented, and softer shoulder garments in medium to dark tones are ideal for these types of interviews. Generally, you have more creative options for the color and style if you work in a more creative environment.

The shirt-White and other light coloured shirts are best for your first interview. One hundred percent cotton works best for shirts for the same reasons that wool works well for suits: it breathes, so you perspire less and feel more comfortable. Always wear a long-sleeved dress shirt to your interview and for all business occasions.
It should be smooth around the neck and allow for an index finger of breathing room in the collar. A tee shirt worn underneath your dress shirt gives you added protection against noticeable perspiration and will help your shirt last longer.

The ties-The pattern/design should be conservative, not flashy. The tie color should match your shirt/suit color.
Silk ties assure the best knot. They can also be dry cleaned. A (silk or silk-like) tie should coordinate with the jacket and pant but choose one that strongly contrasts with the color of your shirt; selecting subtle or simple patterns enhances credibility.

The accessories-When coordinating colors, remember, leather to leather and metal to metal. Always match the color of your belt with your shoes and the color of your belt buckle with your watch.
Wear jewelry sparingly for your interviews. In some settings, it may detract from your professional appearance. Limit yourself to one ring per hand, and leave visible piercings at home.
Socks should match in color to your suit. Black with black, gray with gray, tan with tan. Black socks are acceptable for dark colored suits, though a closer match is more desirable.
Be sure your shoes are shined, that the edging is not fading (a magic marker can sometimes work wonders,) and that laces are not broken or frayed.
For those of you who need a quick review of the basics, follow these guidelines for successful interview dress:

Men and Women
1.Conservative two-piece business suit (solid dark blue or grey is best)
2.Conservative long-sleeved shirt/blouse (white is best, pastel is next best)
3.Clean, polished conservative shoes
4.Well-groomed hairstyle
5.Clean, trimmed fingernails
6.Minimal cologne or perfume
7.Empty pockets--no bulges or tinkling coins
8.No gum, candy or cigarettes
9.Light briefcase or portfolio case
10.No visible body piercing (nose rings, eyebrow rings, etc.)

Men
1.Necktie should be silk with a conservative pattern
2.Dark shoes (black lace-ups are best)
3.Dark socks (black is best)
4.Get a haircut; short hair always fares best in interviews
5.No beards (unless you are interviewing for a job as a lumberjack!)
6.Mustaches are a possible negative, but if you must, make sure it is neat & trimmed
7.No rings other than wedding ring or college ring
8.No earrings (if you normally wear one, take it out)

Women
1.Always wear a suit with a jacket; no dresses
2.Shoes with conservative heels
3.Conservative hosiery at or near skin color (and no runs!)
4.No purses, small or large; carry a briefcase instead
5.If you wear nail polish (not required), use clear or a conservative color
6.Minimal use of makeup (it should not be too noticeable)
7.No more than one ring on each hand
8.One set of earrings only

It is important to dress smart and conservative. We recommend wearing a dark colored suit with a neutral colored shirt or blouse. Skirt or pant suit is appropriate for women. Avoid busy-patterned ties and excessive amounts of jewelry or accessories. You want the interviewer to focus on you and not what you're wearing.