interviewing you. If you work in the creative industries, then it is often a case of anything goes as long as it is worn with a little flair or irony. In these situations, not knowing whether the kipper tie is back in, or that camel is the new grey, could single you out as off-trend and diminish the likelihood of success.
In contrast, the business world is more exacting in its dress expectations for men. Err on the side of caution when choosing your interview outfit. A suit is definitely obligatory, but you also need to take care as to its cut and colour. Wear black, and you will look too like a Hollywood playboy, navy, grey or charcoal are all good choices. Dark brown may be very fashionable thanks to the 'Mad Men' revival, but it is still probably a little too knowing for most city firms.
Likewise, if you do have to have pinstripes ensure they are subtle. (I still have a nasty image in my mind of a group of middle aged business men in loudly stripped suits, shirt buttons straining slightly, making their way home on the tube!) It is important that the accoutrements to go with your suit are in keeping. This means no novelty socks under ANY circumstances, stick with dark colours, and remember that navy blue and black will clash so get the right colour to match your trousers. It is also best to choose a shirt in a single colour, rather than striped and patterned, unless you are one of those lucky, (and rare), men who are adept at matching fabrics. Usually a white or pale pastel will look good.
Keep it simple with the tie. This doesn't mean getting one in the exact shade of your shirt, as then you will look like you are attending as best man at a wedding. Contrasting colours will look good, with a simple stripe or insignia. Again, do not opt for the comedy tie Aunt Ethel got you for Christmas, or one with obvious an obvious affiliation that would be deemed inappropriate by the interviewer, (i.e. Playboy!) Some would go as far as to stipulate the width of tie that should be worn, but in my opinion this is going a little too far. If you shop in the regular stores, then the fashion buyers will already have made that decision for you. Just make sure you wear a shirt that will accommodate the knot and don't be tempted to wear a bow tie. First, managing to tie it will render you stressed and grumpy even before the interview has started and, furthermore, you will look as though you are playing in the Halle Orchestra or some such ensemble.
Male jewellery is a tricky area, so for an interview less is definitely the way to go. Although I quite like an ear stud on certain men, it is probably best to leave it out for an interview. A plain wedding band and smart watch are fine but anything else; rings, chains, medallions, body piercing or any other accoutrement should be removed. The big city firms are essentially looking for workers to fit their established image, not overturn it. Therefore, if you're a secret radical, wait until you get the job before unleashing your Homer Simpson tie collection!
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While a
men's black leather jacket might look great on a night out, it probably isn't formal enough for a potentially life changing job interview!
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