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When it comes to job interviews it can be extremely difficult to know what to wear. Some fashion schools of thought believe you should go as traditional as possible. Some believe you should add a bit of your personality. We believe you should do both.

Here’s what you do: Always, ALWAYS, start with a basic black or dark blue suit, white or blue dress shirt, shined, laced-up shoes (never loafers), a haircut, and a basic dark blue or red tie (always wear a tie). Once you have those down, we have a few, often overlooked, accessories and details that will make you stand apart from your fellow interviewees without offending the interviewer.

1. A pen. At a recent corporate event, Cathi Black, the President of Hearst Magazines, mentioned one of the things that really annoyed her when it came to job interviews, was when the interviewee didn’t have a pen accessible. If you can keep a unique writing instrument, by all means carry one. Whip it out casually to take notes.


2. A tailor made shirt. Tailor-made shirts show that you not only care about your appearance, but you pay attention to details. Invest in a tailor made shirt. They actually don�t cost much anymore, you can order them online at JC Penney.com for less than $65. Make sure you opt to have your initials embroidered on the sleeve of your shirt.


3. Cufflinks. Along with your tailor made shirt getting French cuffs will give you another opportunity to set yourself apart by wearing antique cufflinks, which you can find at a local thrift store (Junior League thrift stores are particular good places to find cufflinks). Better yet, borrow a pair from your grandfather and if they have a story behind them, even better.


4. A cool watch. This does not have to be an expensive watch, but something unique, like a calculator watch from the eighties or an authentic Mickey Mouse watch. Again, it shows a bit of your personality, without being overbearing.


5. A pocket square. Pocket squares (the little handkerchief worn in the front pocket of your suit that matches your tie) is an inexpensive detail that few remember to wear.


6. That million-dollar smile. People are attracted to people who smile. We’re not talking about a let’s-ride-the-short-yellow-bus-smile, but an authentic, self-assured smile. You should actually practice the smile in the mirror.

What are your fashion interview secrets? Let us know in the comments.