The Rules of Interview Fashion - Dress For An Interview (Pt. 2)

Rule 2: Err Towards Formality
It is harder to overcome being underdressed than being overdressed
Dress like a professional and you will feel like a professional

If you feel overdressed

• Don't Panic: You're sending a strong message about taking the position seriously
  
• Politely tell the interviewer that the casual dress code gives the office a warm and familiar atmosphere that you would like to be a part of
  
• If you can, discretely remove your jacket and drape it over your chair

If You feel underdressed

• Maintain a professional demeanor, to compensate for informal attire
  
• Maintain an erect posture
  
• Speak formally (avoiding colloquialisms and words such as "like" and "you know").
  
• Mention that you were misinformed about the dress code and you look forward to dressing more professionally

Look Professional: Shirts and Ties

Business Attire VS Smart Casual

Dress shirt:

• Shades of light to mid blue are most effective. If you choose another color, pastels are safest.
  
• Subtle patterns are fine
  
• White shirts create a more formal look

Silk Tie: Keep it subtle

• Should coordinate with suit and shirt
  
• Patterns in your shirt, tie and suit will fight each other unless they are different designs and size

* Need help getting the right tie knots? Go to: www.ExecStyle.com/TieKnots.asp

Casual Shirts:

• Long-sleeved are more business oriented
  
• Button-down is a neater look
  
• Cotton or cotton-blend
  
• Solid pastels or small subtle patterns subdued patterns
  
• Crisp, clean and pressed
  
• Avoid T-Shirts and black
  

Sweaters:

• Sweater alone or under a sport coat is a great look
  
• Never a sweatshirt
  

Tie:

• Adds a touch of elegance