GUIDELINES FOR WOMEN: business suits: Wool fabric in solids or with a small pinstripe in dark, navy, or medium blue, light or dark grey, red, maroon, beige. shirts & blouses: Good quality, non-revealing blouse. Avoid shiny, clingy, or sheer fabric, plunging necklines, frills, or prissy bows. The blouse should compliment the color of your suit. shoes: Leather (or good quality “pleather”) dress pumps with heels of 1-3". The color should coordinate with your suit in black, beige, brown, tan, navy or maroon. Avoid multi-color, bows, patterns, or gaudy buckles. If you not used to wearing heels, choose a heel on the low end and break the shoes in slowly. accessories: These are investment pieces so get the best quality you can afford. Scarves should be silk or a good substitute and should coordinate with your suit and blouse. Hair accessories should be gold or silver-tone metal, or a natural material (avoid plastic, rhinestones, neon colors). Hose should be sheer in nude, tan, or ivory only (save other colors for when you are on the job and know what is acceptable, and what isn’t). Knee high elastic has a way of giving out and falling down, so avoid them even if your skirt is long enough to keep them comfortably concealed. outerwear: Get a dress coat or a raincoat (lined is better because it can be worn all year) in neural basics such as dark blue, black, khaki, grey, maroon, red beige, or wool tweed. Your coat must minimally cover the suit jacket but you can also choose a longer length that suits your height and body type.. Ski-jackets, western “dusters,” leather jackets, or other casual outerwear are never acceptable. carryalls: No backpacks! An attaché is the most professional choice. Choose a strong, functional bag that can hold all of your essentials. Get the highest quality leather (or the most convincing substitute) you can afford. Don’t select a bag so large that it looks like you are carrying a suitcase. Avoid anything super-trendy and don’t use stickers or gaudy I.D. tags. A simple, zippered tote is also acceptable in black, brown, natural leather, cordovan, beige, or navy blue. If you also choose to carry a handbag make sure that it compliments your briefcase and that it is large enough to carry your personal essentials and that it is strong, functional, simple in design, and a basic color. Use leather only (no cloth, coated vinyl or plastic). Avoid gaudy designs, patchwork, and anything with a lot of shiny hardware. jewelry: No visible body jewelry is acceptable in most interview situations. (E.g. nose, lip, eyebrow or tongue studs or rings) Neither are campaign buttons, large religious symbols, rhinestones, or oversized pieces (save these for when you are at leisure). Less jewelry is better for interviews. Best styles for job seekers are simple, elegant, and small pieces (E.G. gold hoop or button-style earrings, a pin, or a decorative chain). Rings should be limited to one on each hand. Avoid cheap costume jewelry in plastic or with glittery stones. If you think you are wearing too many pieces, you ARE! When in doubt, use the time-tested tip and remove one piece of jewelry after you’ve gotten dressed -- it still works. eyeglasses: Choose a style that compliments the size and shape of your face, and your own natural coloring. Avoid anything outlandish in size, color, or design (E.g. tiny purple hearts, rhinestones, rainbow-colored frames, goggles, etc.). Silver or gold metal or natural colors such as brown or black are best. Make sure they fit comfortably and that the prescription is correct. hairstyles: Choose flattering, neat, and easy to manage hairstyles (no mohawks, shaved designs, neon colors, beaded, braided or teased extravaganzas). If you color your hair, make sure it is in a natural color. An obvious multi-colored look is not professional. The best styles for women are short to shoulder length and off the face. Long hair is acceptable when tied back and under control. Funky retro-looks, “big” hair, bows, schoolgirl braids or pigtails, or wild-looking “do’s” will not be taken seriously by employers. makeup: Some makeup will help you look better under artificial office lights, but don’t overdo it. Strive for a natural look, and leave obvious colors and glitter powders for clubs and dinner dates. If you hate makeup and never wear it, consider that a light lipgloss and a natural blush will help alleviate the sickly-green or ghostly pallor you get under flourescent lights . If you choose to wear perfume, make sure that you use a very light fragrance and a very light touch in applying it. Before you purchase anything new, make sure that it is: a classic style or one that is modern but not overly-trendy. flattering to you and fits well (or can be appropriately altered). comfortable to wear (try sitting, standing, walking, twisting, squatting, bending). Make sure it doesn't pull, chafe, bind, itch or poke. something that makes you feel confident and professional. a basic color and fabric that go with other items you plan to buy or have. the best quality material and construction you can afford. *NOTE: YOU ARE THE PRODUCT-A JOB