Walking into a job interview wearing the wrong attire is like showing up at a black-tie event dressed for a costume party. A bad move you'll instantly regret.

You Will Need

Tidy, neatly styled hair

A clean face, hands, and fingernails

A clean, professional outfit

A briefcase or portfolio

And a pair of comfortable closed-toe shoes

Small, tasteful jewelry

A light and subtle perfume or aftershave

A manicure

Natural-looking makeup

And a new haircut

Steps

Step 1 Find out dress code

Before the big event, find out how the employees dress where you'll be interviewing. Ask whoever's arranging the interview for you what the dress code is, and if they have any pointers on what to wear.

Step 2 Choose clothes

Find something in your wardrobe that's in line with what other employees wear, but kick it up a notch—a sharp tie, a colorful scarf or pocket square. Something to separate you from the pack.

Step 3 Don't go overboard

But don't go overboard. You want to make a good impression, not a fashion statement.

Step 4 Keep it tasteful

Go easy on the aftershave or perfume too, or the makeup and jewelry—keep things tasteful.

Step 5 Be neat

Be neat. Make sure your clothes are clean and pressed, your nails are trimmed, and your hair and teeth are brushed.

Step 6 Dress comfortably

Make sure you'll be comfortable sitting, standing, and walking. Now is not the time to break in a new pair of shoes.

Step 7 Give yourself time

Get prepared early, show up on time and, most importantly, make sure you end up in the right place.

Research shows that 55% of a person's overall impression of you is based on how you look.