Simple Fashion Rules on What not to Wear an Interview

Ally McBeal, Cher Horowitz, Rachel from "Friends"; all women I loved when I was in High School. But looking back, it wasn't actually Ally who I liked, but her clothes. I thought about the day when I too would be a lawyer and could wear mini-skirts and sky, high heels to work. It never crossed my mind that she, and these other women, dressed inappropriately for the work place. But as I matured, so did my taste and understanding of professional attire, which I mostly attribute to the hundreds of dollars I have spent on magazines. And while I agree that employers care more about your resume than how you look, I am also aware that interviewers will judge me the second they meet me, and that will mostly be a result of my appearance. It would be a pity for any of us to not be hired as a result of poor dressing. So, while I am not Anna Wintour, I am going to share my thoughts on appropriate attire for interview season.

The problem I see most often is Fit, and I am not referring to that portion of your interview. I am talking about clothes that do not fit. You know, the ones from undergrad that you are still trying to squeeze over your expanded waistline. Here's a sign they don't fit - if you can't bend in your pants without worrying about them splitting when you sit the in Kresge waiting room, then they are too small. Some of you also buy clothes that are many sizes too large. If you are a small guy, own it. Wearing bigger clothes doesn't mean you will magically grow into them. Instead, you look like a boy playing dress up in your dad's closet. You are a man who wants to project intelligence, confidence and be respected. Start dressing that way.

For you ladies, if you are constantly pulling down your skirt, buy a size up and find a tailor to alter the skirt. The idea is that you should be confident in your work wear, and if it doesn't fit, you will only feel like an over-stuffed sausage.

Another problem is bad taste. I know I know, you are saying, 'who are you Alexa, to be judging me. You wear sequins, Uggs to school and lots of pink. Well, guess what, I was asked to write this and you weren't, so just listen. There are differences in taste, I agree. But bad taste in usually unanimous. First, we are not in the 80's. Big shoulder pads and pleated pants are a no-no. If Joan Collins or anyone from "Dallas" would these clothes, then you should not. Second, colors that can be described using bodily excrements are usually not flattering. Examples include Puke Green, Poo Brown and Pee Yellow. Third, unless you are interviewing for a job with Scores or Chippendales, you should not be wearing anything that can be associated with Sex. Men, make sure your pants aren't too tight in front, no matter how happy you are with your goods. And ladies, do not show lingerie or boobs. One girl once told me her breasts weren't her own so she didn't care who saw them. Do not go with that attitude. It's better to be conservative than be labeled as the provocative person in the office before you even start.

Next, hair and makeup! Let's start with hair. I have to say women at Ross seem to fair better in this department than the guys. Maybe it's because we have hair straighteners or because more of us wear our hair back for interviews, but it seems the ladies have it under control. The gentlemen, however, seem to have a few problems with this. A lot of people underestimate a great haircut and it can make a real difference in your look. As you get older, you should consider going for a more mature cut. A bowl haircut no longer cuts it, unless it's Halloween and you are dressing as the little, annoying kid from "Home Improvement". Also, get a style. Side swept bangs rarely look good on men and neither do bangs. Please, take yourself to a real salon, have a consultation with a stylist and get a real haircut.

And now make-up. Ladies, if you do not normally wear any, don't start piling it on for interviews. It's frightening and most people can't help but stare, which means they aren't listening to your insightful, brilliant thoughts. The easiest thing to do is use some powder like the new mineral powders, add a touch of blush, and mascara. You are not going to a Glamour Shots photo shoot, so don't cake on the make-up. Remember, cosmetics are used to enhance your qualities and hide a couple flaws, so seek help to do so if you are clueless.

The final point I would like to touch upon is your feet. A lot of people will spend money on their clothing, and then stop at Payless for loafers. Note, people notice shoes. Men, make sure your shoes are shiny and the right color. Wear black shoes with black, blue and grey suits. Wear brown with brown and beige suits. Women, do not wear strappy shoes, stripper heels or bright colors. I think round-toed flats are inappropriate for an interview because they look too cute. Similarly, anything that has Lucite or vinyl as a descriptor should be avoided. See comment on Sores for that one. The trick here is to finish off your suit with your shoes, not to have them stand out. So be conservative and buy quality.

If you aren't sure about what you are wearing, ask one of your better dressed friends for their honest opinion. And if they don't give it to you, I am available for free consultations.

For those of you who need to get rid of some of the aforementioned articles of clothing, please feel free to donate them to one of many causes. Check out dressforsucecss.org and careergear.org for more information. And good luck with interviews! Even if you don't perform well, at least you'll look good.