Some of the brightest people on this planet don't know how to dress, and it doesn't matter because they're not looking for work. For those moving from a military to a civilian career, it's a different story.
Clothes have no bearing on mental skill, but appearance does have some bearing on whether or not an employer ever gets around to checking out your mental skills. You might heave a Ph.D. sticking out of every pocket when you arrive for an interview, but if you look like PeeWee Herman, you probably won't get past the receptionist's desk.
Let's imagine that you are preparing for your first interview with a potential employer. You've already done your homework and prepared mentally for the interview. The next step is to consider what visual impression you will make.
You should already be physically fit (you aren't going to get that way with a few days of exercise). Did you get your hair cut a few days before the interview? Have you trimmed your fingernails? Have you taken a shower and washed your hair the morning of the interview?
"Give me a break!" you might say. "How basic is this going to get?" Well, here are some more basics: If you neglected to brush and floss your teeth after breakfast, had two or three cups of coffee, and smoked a few cigarettes before coming to the interview, you will smell unappealing to an interviewer who neither smokes nor drinks coffee.
Now that you have your body prepared, let's dress it for success. Do your homework, and find out what employees typically wear at the organization where you're interviewing. If it is like most businesses, they dress conservatively and probably bought their clothes from "nice" department stores. "Piece of cake," you might think, and run off to the nearest bargain barn to buy some clothes for your first interview. Not so fast! You can buy cheap clothes and go shopping again next year when they wear out, or you can buy nice clothes once and periodically add up-to-date accessories. Quality, conservative clothes will never go out of style.
Shop around during sales at department stores known for quality merchandise, and buy conservative suits, sport coats, or dresses. Look for light- to medium-weight (depending on your year-round working climate) worsted wool in navy blues and charcoal grays. Do not wear chocolate brown to an interview. (I don't know why, just don't). You won't go wrong buying a long sleeved white shirt or blouse for an interview. You also might buy a raincoat of lightweight, water-resistant material.
Ties and scarves can be a means of self-expression, but they should complement your suit or blouse and not distract from your overall dress. Don't wear a bow tie or a clip-on; ties should be tied in either a four-in-hand or Windsor knot, and the tip of the broad end should come to the belt buckle when tied.
Shoes should be high-quality black or cordovan leather (not military "plastic") and lace-up for men; a capped version is acceptable for either men or women. Make sure they are clean and polished (not "spit polished"), with unworn heels. Belts and handbags should match your shoes. Socks should be dark and match your suit; stocking should be light and unpatterned, Jewelry should be fashionable and understated. In many professional settings, it is unacceptable for males to wear earrings. Finally, do not overdo the cologne, aftershave, or perfume.
Once you've had to master the nuances of professional dress, the interview probably will seem like a piece of cake. Good Luck!
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