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Interview Suits and Corporate Wear Are Back In

by Terri Potratz | November 13, 2008 at 11:45 am

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The last thing retailers expected with the economic recession was an increase in business suit sales, but it would seem that with the increased frequency of layoffs and soaring unemployment rates, professionals are eschewing "business casual" by opting for suits in the office, while job-seekers are dressing more sharply for interviews.

With the unemployment rate in America at a 14-year high and more than half a million jobs lost in the last three months alone, there has been a detectable shift in the way people are dressing for work. In the financial sector, certainly, the tone has become more serious, and as a predictable result, somber suits are making a comeback.

Companies like Men’s Wearhouse and Tahari are reporting an upswing in suit sales, particularly for those classic navy or gray pinstripe styles they classify as “interview suits.” Arthur S. Levine, known as the suit king of Seventh Avenue (who now designs a collection of women’s career clothes in a joint venture with Mr. Tahari), said he sold 1.8 million outfits this year, almost 10 percent more than he had expected.

Designers and trend analysts have noticed a resurgence of the women's pant suit, and dress suits are remaining a popular choice among female professionals as well.

Here's some advice on how to dress appropriately for an interview:

Women's Interview Attire

Solid color, conservative suit

Coordinated blouse

Moderate shoes

Limited jewelry

Neat, professional hairstyle

Tan or light hosiery

Sparse make-up & perfume

Manicured nails

Portfolio or briefcase

Men's Interview Attire

Solid color, conservative suit

White long sleeve shirt

Conservative tie

Dark socks, professional shoes

Very limited jewelry

Neat, professional hairstyle

Go easy on the aftershave

Neatly trimmed nails

Portfolio or briefcase

However, interview attire is entirely job-specific and depends on which industry or sector you are searching within. Overdressing for a job can also send the wrong impression - so be sure to not just dress well, but dress the part.