Wether you are looking to purchase your first suit or own 5, deciding on the right outfit for an interview is a common struggle for majority of people. For ladies, this task might seem even more difficult trying to sort through the abundant choices that are offered. Artful Tailoring has created this easy to follow guide to find the perfect look to land that interview.

The suit: navy and charcoal are still the best go-to options, and can get even away with a medium grey during warmer months. Look for fitted pieces, but comfort should be key. You don’t want your biceps to bust out of your sleeves or have your pants split the moment you sit down. Have an interview within the business sector? These companies typically like to see a very put-together and traditional look. A classic white button down is always a safe and smart idea. Make sure those shirt cuffs show 1/2″ longer than your jacket to show your attention to detail. Add some interest either with a textured shirt or slightly patterned tie (but nothing too bold).

AT Tip: If you wear a white shirt, your tie should have your suit color in it, and up to two other colors maximum. This keeps the eye focused but still adds interest to your look. 

Don’t forget to match your belt with your shoes (and make sure they’re cleaned!). A higher rise sock will cover your raised hem once you’re sitting, so make sure its business appropriate (typically matches the pant color) and hole-free.

If you’re interviewing for a job in the creative field, some of these rules can be bent. You can incorporate some texture in your suit, too. It’s still good to stick to the “two simple, one busy” rule to create a focal point in your outfit. Try to choose a patterned tie that has your shirt and suit color in it to bring everything together. A more colorful sock option can show your artistic personality but still look proper. Is the environment even more casual? You may be able to get away with a contrasting sports coat and khakis, paired with a nice button down sans tie.

Regardless of which option you go with, make sure to check in with a tailor to see if anything needs to be repaired or altered a few days before the interview. You wouldn’t want a missing button to ruin your morning! Once it fits nicely, drop it off at the cleaner: wrinkles say more than you realize. Even if you know the company has a casual dress code of jeans and a T-shirt, it never hurts to put in the extra effort to dress up. It’ll show your interviewer that you care enough about the job and will make a positive impression.

For women, the options for clothing and accessories are seemingly endless. How does one weed out the good from the best? It all starts with your physique. Knowing what types of garments look best on you is the first thing you should understand.

Triangle: Look for pieces that are fitted in the top, and free-flowing in the bottom. A knee length A-line or fuller skirt paired with a fitted button down shirt is one professional option. A conservative dress with the same attributes, paired with a fitted blazer is another great choice for this body shape.

Inverted Triangle: The trick with this shape is to balance out your top and bottom halves. This can be achieved by adding fullness to your bottom through fuller silhouettes (pleated works too!) or via color coordination. By wearing lighter colors on the bottom and darker on top, you’ll trick the eye into thinking the top is smaller, and the opposite for the bottom. Avoid exaggerated elements on your blouses such as collars and sleeves, and stay away from form fitting skirts and pants. A flared, lighter-colored trouser with a navy or black simple fitted blouse will be the perfect match for an interview!

Rectangle: This is the most common body shape among women. For this shape, neither the top nor bottom is bigger than the other. You can create a faux hourglass style by accentuating the top and bottom, and having a fitted waist. Detailing on blouses such as small ruffles or gathering brings the eye to the top. Wearing this with a flared skirt or peplum bottom also attracts the eye to the bottom, creating an equal balance. Belts will be your best friend to cinch in the waist! A ruched, 3/4 sleeve, knee-length dress is fitted in the waist and still adds detail to your top half, making this an ideal option. Pair it with tights if you think it may be too revealing. A belted, peplum top, a nice necklace, and trousers covers all the spots for this shape!

Hourglass: The rules for an hourglass figure are similar to a rectangle, but instead of adding fullness to both, you want everything fitted. Your body is already proportioned, so you don’t need to add anything else! If you’re afraid of appearing “too sexy”, color blocking can be perfect when searching for an interview outfit. Look for dresses that have black side panels to help decrease the appearance of your curves. Add a fitted cardigan and belt to finish off the look. A slightly flared bottom and a bolder necklace can also help draw the attention away from your hips. If you opt for a more fitted skirt or trouser, add some detailing or go with a blousier option for the top to create balance.

Diamond: Also referred to as “pear”. With this body shape, the idea to is draw the eye to the top. Look for blouses that have an empire waist and that are light and allow movement. Belts worn slightly higher than your natural waist are also a great idea. Wrap tops are often a favorite among this body type since they cinch right under the bust, giving a larger appearance. Plunging necklines are also recommended, though make sure you wear a camisole underneath for interviews! You can still wear a fitted bottom, but just as with the Hourglass figure, make sure it’s plain in color and style, and keep all of your focus on the top half. A blazer and A-line dress is also option that is work appropriate and goes well with your body type.

Rounded: The styling goals with this shape are to elongate the waistline and to create the look of a smaller waist to balance out the top and bottom halves. We can achieve this by drawing interest to your neckline and legs, and finding more structured pieces to wear. Wider and “V” cut necklines, empire waist tops, and statement earrings and necklaces are all great things to look for to compliment your upper half. Look for boot cut pant styles and wrap dresses with a slightly flared bottom. Make sure your dress hems only go to the knee length as you’ll want to show some skin to help your legs look longer! Contrary to what you might think, avoid belts or embellishments on your waistline. Accessories are your key investment pieces, but for an interview we suggest to keep things on the simpler side. You don’t want your outfit to speak louder than you do!

In conclusion, keep things simple and clean for an interview. Once you have a better idea of the work environment, you can start letting your personality shine through! Visit a tailor for any last-minute adjustments, and make sure your garments are clean and pressed. Now go out there and land that job!