Classic Style In A Down Economy: Interviewing Basics III

The finishing touches to your interview suit will cement your professional aura and let those who see you know you pay attention to the details.

First and foremost is proper shoe selection. Most people are prepared for some sticker shock when it comes to the price of a suit. Most men are not so prepared when looking at the price of a shoe. A "cheap" pair of men's dress shoes can run $100 in a department store. A "good" pair can run you $300 or more. The best models can run you as much as a tailored suit. Like a suit, buy the best you can afford. A good pair of shoes can last you a decade or more with proper care.Your goal when buying shoes for interviewing is simple. You want a classic, comfortable shoe that shows you to be a serious, mature candidate. This is not the lug soled, casual shoe of the urban jungle. It is not a loafer or a boot. It is definitely not a sneaker of any type. Your interview shoe should have a leather sole, and should be black leather.

The simple cap-toe is the perfect shoe. Whether it's the budget-friendly Stacy Adams Madison for under a $100, a more expensive pair of Allen-Edmonds or something much nicer. I confess a personal and idiosyncratic weakness for Stacy Adams and Florsheim shoes as a left-over from my days in Catholic school. The cap-toe is simple, sleek and classic. It is at home at an interview, a funeral or a great night out. When it comes to socks, buy dark colored dress socks that match your pants. No white socks, no athletic socks and keep your patterns to a minimum.


A classic black Stacy Adams Madison.


Johnston and Murphy's offering.

A great tie is always needed for any suit. As much as you may love the Looney Tunes tie you got for Christmas a few years ago, novelty ties should be retired to the back of your closet. Too many bad ties have ruined too many good suits. Your tie should be classic and conservative. A navy suit and white shirt gives you have an open hand in tie selection. To a similar extent, so does a charcoal suit. Take a cue from major political figures, who routinely wear a dark suit with a blue or red tie. Your tie doesn't have to be solid, and a subtle pattern is a great way to add some beautiful details to your professional look. Chicago-based Lee Allison makes wonderful ties in patterns both classic and whimsical.





The above ties are striped offerings from Lee Allison. Stripes are a great pattern for an interview because they are simple and can be worn with just about any shirt that has a color in the tie. All three can be worn against the white dress shirt and look fantastic. All three could also be paired against several blue hues (always a popular choice for business wear) in shirts. The red would look great paired against a yellow shirt. As a final word, if you are looking for some cool tie knots, try this link.

On a related note, don't leave your jacket's breast pocket empty! A pocket square is another little detail that gives you a touch of class. Some fashion cognoscenti poo poo the matching tie-pocketsquare combinations. I think the sets are a good entry into mastering the style, and can be broken up and paired with other ties. The key is to pick a pocketsquare that compliments your tie and shirt. Don't use the hankie you use to blow your nose. White linen is the most conservative choice. Silk is my personal favorite, and a white silk pocket square goes well with a white shirt for a simple and clean look. There are numerous ways to fold a pocket square and several can be found at The Art of Manliness.


Matching tie and pocketsquare set from Vavra's.

You don't need a shiny new briefcase to carry your resumes. A simple leather folder will do nicely. Leave your assorted electronic gadgets off your belt and out of your pockets. Keep your suit lines slick by minimizing the cargo you carry. If you really can't be without your I-Phone, cigarettes, lighter, back-up cellphone and whatever else you cart around- then get a briefcase or a nice messenger bag. Anything but a backpack.

Finally, I reiterate my urging you to pick up a pair of braces (suspenders) instead of a belt. Your pants will hang from the shoulders, not the waist, giving a better drape. Your waist and belly aren't pinched, giving you a better range of movement and comfort. Lastly, in warmer months you'll allow air to circulate better. If you go this route, get a pair in a simple, dark color like navy or black to start out.

Good luck on your interview!