As Thomas Fuller once said:
‘Good clothes open all doors’
There is an undeniable truth to the fact that what you wear and how you wear it influences the outcome of any encounter especially with employers/ decision makers.
The reality is that people consciously and subconsciously form an opinion of you before you speak. So make it a mission to be intentional with the image you want to project.
Whether you are interviewing at a law firm, University or within the hospitality industry, the following are the top suit combo options that will best position you to set the right tone in an interview:
The Deal Makers
- Navy or charcoal suit, notch lapels, single breasted 2 button. Bonus points showing off the functional buttons on cuff
- Crisp white shirt, must be ironed. Bonus points being french cuffed with cuff link
- Tie: burgundy, navy or silver with a slight patterned accent. Bonus points in doing a full windsor knot w/dimple
- Shoes: black or dark brown. Bonus points appropriately matching the socks with your suit, tie and shoes.
- Avoid coffee breath and take a mint
- Wear nice cologne
The Deal Breakers
- Light grey or black suits
- No heavy pinstripe or heavy windowpane/check
- Unpressed shirt
- Heavily patterned shirts with a patterned tie
- Colorful socks
- Uncut nails
- Unpolished shoes
- Over accessorizing eg, tie bar with lapel pin with pocket square. ‘Elegance is elimination’
- Please see my previous article- ‘Suit Sins’ for more No No’s
