First impressions are critical, potential employers size you up based on how you look and how you carry yourself. The clothes you wear in job hunting have as much to do with your first impression as anything else that occurs during a career fair, an interview, or any other aspect of the job search where you will be meeting potential employers. Appearance can make the difference in getting or not getting an internship or job. Correct appearance can be your competitive advantage over someone else.
TIP: Always try on your complete outfit a week or so prior to your interview to make sure everything fits properly and is in good condition. Then, check it the night before the interview to avoid any last minute problems.


FOR WOMEN:

• Dress professionally, conservatively, and comfortably.
• Invest in a good quality suit in a conservative color (black, navy, gray, tan, or brown), and a conservative long-sleeved blouse (preferably in a light color that complements the suit).
• Avoid wearing something too trendy or too "loud".  You don't want your outfit to stand out more than you do during the interview.
• Avoid short skirts/dresses and low cut or see through blouses!
• Make sure fingernails are well groomed, and if wearing nail polish, use a light shade or clear.
• Wear simple jewelry, and only one earring per ear and one ring per hand.  If you have facial piercings, you'd probably want to remove those for the interview.
• Hair can be worn down or up, as long as it looks neat.
• Wear polished heels, no higher than 2 inches.  Do not wear open toed shoes.
• Do not wear perfume or strong scented lotions.  Your interviewer might be allergic.
• TIP: Have an extra pair of pantyhose available or clear nail polish in case you get a run in your pantyhose.

FOR MEN:

• Invest in a good quality, conservative, professional two-piece business suit.  Good colors: dark blue or gray.  Avoid black.
• Wear a long-sleeved shirt, in a light color.  White is usually the best bet.
• Have the shirt dry cleaned or pressed OR do a great job ironing.  You don't want to look wrinkled.
• Wear a conservative tie.  Nothing too flashy!
• Wear polished shoes that are in good condition and look appropriate with a suit.
• Wear dark socks that go over the calf and that will not slide down.
• Wear a leather belt.
• Make sure fingernails are well groomed.
• Wear minimal or no jewelry.
• Shave and cut long hair.
• Wear minimal or no cologne.
• TIP: Do not remove your coat or tie during an interview.

Visit http://amdt.wsu.edu/research/dti/Men.html for photo examples of potential interview attire for men and http://www.baruch.cuny.edu/careers/students/job_tools/interview/dress.htm for interview attire for women. You can also check out SYMS Educated Consumers for more professional dress ideas.

Dress appropriately for the position and the industry.  If in doubt, dress conservatively.