This document provides guidance on appropriate interview attire for both men and women. For women, it recommends a conservative matching skirt suit, knee-length skirt, modest blouse, neutral pantyhose or trouser socks, and basic heels or flats. For men, it suggests a matching conservative suit, plain dress shirt, tie, dark polished shoes, and removal of facial piercings. It emphasizes conservative, professional dress and minimal jewelry, makeup, perfume or cologne. The document also lists what not to wear and brings and provides budget-friendly shopping options.

1. Dressing for the
Interview
Career Development Center

2. Interview Attire for Women
• Matching two piece skirt or pant suit in a
conservative color (black, navy or grey)
• Skirt at the knee or below (NEVER mid thigh)
• Unpatterned blouse with conservative neckline
• Sheer and conservative pantyhose. Trouser socks
should be worn with shoes
• Basic, understated heels or flats are great (no
platforms, straps or open toes!)
• Remove body piercings and wear only one pair
of simple earrings
• Minimal make up or perfume
• Padfolio/briefcase for copies of your resume
• Small purse
**Many clothing closets and consignment
shops have great suits that you can have
altered!**

3. WOMEN:
Business Formal is Expected!
Business Formal Business Casual

4. Interview Attire for Men!
• Matching two piece suit in a conservative color
(black, navy or grey). A vest is not necessary.
• Simple tie that matches suit and shirt (no clip on
—watch a YouTube tutorial if you don’t know
how!)
• Plain button down dress shirt (white or blue are
the most professional/conservative).
• Dark polished dress shoes that match your suit
(absolutely NO WHITE socks!) and a dark belt.
• Remove all facial piercings and earrings.
• Clean shaven face and clean trimmed nails.
• Minimal cologne/no cologne.
**Many clothing closets and consignment
shops have great suits that you can have
altered!**

5. MEN:
Business Formal is Expected!
Business Formal Business Casual

6. WOMEN: What NOT to wear!

7. MEN: What NOT to Wear!

8. Professional Shoes

9. Keep your appearance professional!
Hair: Keep it simple Makeup: Less is more

10. Nails? Tattoos?
 Your nails should be clean.
 A man's nails should be
kept short and a woman's
nails shouldn't be
excessively long and
should be bare or polished
in a neutral color.
Tattoos should be
covered!

11. Perfume or Cologne?
• Go easy! You don’t want to offend your
interviewer, he or she may even be allergic.

12. Do I have to buy a new suit?
As long as your suit is in good
condition and not outdated, you
don't have to buy a new one.
If you decide to purchase a
new suit, make sure you don't
get anything too trendy!
You want your investment to last.

13.  Expensive - $280.00 Macys
 Moderate - $110.00 JC Penny's
 Consignment - $50-$80
Just because you are on a budget doesn’t
mean you can’t look professional!
Short on
funds?
Not sure
where to
shop?
Remember:
The goal is to
find something
that fits you
and gives off a
professional
appearance!

14. What should I carry to an interview?
• Don’t forget extra copies of your resume, pen, pad of paper and the list of your
references
• You want to look professional. Leave the backpack at home and keep the cell phone
turned off!
• Carry a purse? Make sure it is a small to medium-sized professional-looking handbag.
• Don’t forget your padfolio? You’ll need it to take notes! Make sure it is clean and
conservative in color.

15. What NOT to bring to an interview
 Gum
 iPod
 Coffee or any other beverage
 Facial piercings
 Flashy jewelry

16. If you are still not sure, contact us:
Career Development Center
Cleveland Hall 306
www.buffalostate.edu/offices/cdc
askcdc@buffalostate.edu
716-878-5811
BuffState Career Development
Buffalo State Career Development Center (CDC)