Land the Gig: Dress the part

Dressing appropriately and professionally for an interview can be just as important as the interview itself.

If you're applying for a position in a traditionally corporate environment, such as a bank, financial firm or law office, dress to traditional standards.

You can't go wrong with a classic look for a job interview of this nature – in other words, this certainly isn't the time to get creative with your look.

Stick to solid, muted neutrals (like navy, black and white) and conservative, tailored fits.

For females, a blazer and matching pencil skirt (of an appropriate length, of course) is a great choice.

Males can't go wrong in a cotton (not linen) suit with dress shoes, a white dress shirt and a classic tie.

Here are our top 8 tips for dressing the part:

Overall rule of thumb for dressing for a job interview in a traditional environment?

When in doubt, play it safe.

Alternatively, if you're interviewing for a casual office interview, you can bend the rules a bit.

Keyword here? Balance.

Both males and females can aim for a comfortable yet polished top (like a dress blouse or linen button-down) and a bottom that falls in the same category (dress slacks, fitted dress pants, a structured skirt).

There's a way to still look professional without seeming overdressed or too stuffy.

As for what to avoid, there are a few rules that apply regardless of what type of office environment you're interviewing for.

First, always avoid the color orange! It comes across as brash and overconfident to most employers, and even if your interviewer doesn't feel negatively about the color, it's a risk that's simply not worth taking.

Men should steer clear of polo shirts, as should women of shoulder pads and dangly jewelry.

And remember: it's always better to overdress than underdress, and if you're not sure about the company's dress culture before your interview, just ask!

Now, check our tips for the 14 things you should (and shouldn't) do in an interview:

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