It is very likely that the way you were dressed at the last interview was not the main reason why you were hired, or you started working. But it is likely that it contributed more than you think.

My ex-marketing teacher said me to count on each exam or interview on the white shirt. And to wear a skirt, but not too long nor too short, not too large nor too tight. ‘I was dressed in this manner at every exam I have, and it worked every time’, she said. ‘The style of this simple, almost banal way of dressing will make your interlocutors believe that you are flexible and serious. Once they have been convinced, surprise them with your knowledge if necessary or simply look serious, if not. “

It was fun to have this discussion and every time the conversation was similar to a debate. I did not yet decided if she was right or not, but it seems that something convinced me and this is how I started to notice the magic of the white shirt.

‘Everything is in your mind’, you will say. And I won’t argue.’ Dress for success’ refers to the way the clothes make you feel, not just to the effect they have on others; Symbols, socks and lucky bucks. Prayers and musical themes, we all have some little rituals that prepare us for success.

Allison Doyle is an expert in job search and author of the book ‘Internet Your Way to a New Job: How to Really Find a Job Online’ (2008), and About.com Guide to finding a job (About.com Guide to Job Searching) (2006).

‘In the conservative environment where I worked over the years, appearances were really important. In other field of activity, maybe it is not so important.’ she says in an article. However, it seems normal to dress as well as possible for an interview, whatever may be the dress code of the organization. If you have any doubt, always choose a classic appearance.

The Way We Dress Represents Us

Did it ever happen to you to wear heels or some uncomfortable clothes and then to see somebody wearing a shirt and sneakers? Did you think that he feels comfortable? Many times the way people are dressed suggest us the way they feel that day. It surely happens to you in some mornings, when you just wish to dress in a certain way, different from your usual choices.

Think about how you dress on holiday. There are some outfits that make us feel good, whether it is about comfort, fashion or the feeling that we are attractive. If you hate heels or office suits, why are you wearing them? (I almost hear my friend who is a lawyer, telling me that she can’t wear snickers at work!)

Every industry has its own dress code. I guess you know that very well. What I mean is to try finding a balance between what you wish and what others expect from you. And make smart choices regarding your appearance!