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The 8 Dos And Don'ts Of Dressing For Job Interviews

The 8 Dos And Don'ts Of Dressing For Job Interviews
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Better believe the way you look at a job interview can make or break your chances.

For example, a number of surveys have found that piercings and tattoos can make it harder for a candidate to get hired. Because of that, nonprofit such as Career Gear and Dress for Success are working hard to provide suits to low-income job seekers.

To gain more insight on how to dress for success, we asked Wall Street wardrobe expert and Lebenthal & Company CEO Alexandra Lebenthal for some advice.

"Job seekers need to keep in mind that this is their first, and possibly only time to convey everything about why they should be offered the job," Lebenthal wrote in an e-mail interview with The Huffington Post. "With that in mind, presenting a crisp, tailored picture allows the interviewer to see that they are respectful of the opportunity, but also allow their personality to shine."

Here are some tips on how to dress for a job interview:

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Before You Go

Dos And Don'ts Of Job Interview Attire
DON'T: Wear Something Too Bold (01 of08)
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"What you wear allows the interviewer to see you beyond what you are wearing," says Lebanthal. "Something too bold may be either off putting or will make the interviewer less focused on what you have to say." (credit:Getty)
DO: Wear A Suit And Elegant Jewelry(02 of08)
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"My must have interview items are khakis, a neutral tone suit, a button down shirt and simple, yet elegant jewelry," says Lebanthal. (credit:AP)
DON'T: Wear Jeans(03 of08)
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"It's always better to be more formal than less," says Lebanthal. (credit:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Flickr:" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bb2ce6be4b0480ca65c7299" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="2" data-vars-position-in-unit="4">Flickr:</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/calliope/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name=" Muffet" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bb2ce6be4b0480ca65c7299" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/people/calliope/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="3" data-vars-position-in-unit="5"> Muffet</a>)
DO: Wear Tailored Pants And Button Down Shirt At Casual Workplaces(04 of08)
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While suits are generally the best way to go, more casual interview attire may be preferred in some workplaces. "That doesn't mean wearing jeans and a t-shirt, even though that may be the norm once you work there," says Lebanthal. "Tailored pants and a button down shirt are a good midway point between suit and casual." (credit:AP)
DON'T: Wear Sunglasses Over Your Head(05 of08)
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"You don't want your outfit to be more memorable than you," says Lebanthal. "Once you get the job, you can start showing your style." (credit:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/" target="_blank" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Flickr:" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bb2ce6be4b0480ca65c7299" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="0" data-vars-position-in-unit="2">Flickr:</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/gabrielap93/" target="_blank" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name=" GabrielaP93" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="5bb2ce6be4b0480ca65c7299" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/people/gabrielap93/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="1" data-vars-position-in-unit="3"> GabrielaP93</a>)
DO: Carry An Attractive Folder(06 of08)
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"Make sure your resume is in an attractive folder; leather or otherwise," says Lebanthal. "It's all part of your presentation." (credit:ShutterStock)
DON'T: Wear Anything Ripped (07 of08)
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"Make sure your clothes are clean and there aren't any stray threads," says Lebanthal. "Sounds obvious, but I've seen it all." (credit:Getty)
DO: Prepare For A Good Handshake(08 of08)
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"Lastly, while it's not about dress, if your hands are sweating- it's natural if you're nervous- tap your fingers against one another while cupping your palms," says Lebanthal. "It really helps air your palms out. No matter how put together you are, a clammy handshake is something that your interviewer will remember." (credit:ShutterStock)
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