It’s that time of year again. Interviews for those summer internships are crucial. Landing an interview with a potential employer is a huge deal — so is choosing your outfit for the big day.

I’ve had my fair share of interviews, and I realize although the actual conversation can last a while, first impressions are undoubtedly make-or-break moments. I’ll never forget my very first in-person interview last spring when, after careful collaboration with two of my friends and countless wardrobe changes, I settled on a ruffled top only to walk into the interview to hear my soon-to-be-boss say, “I have that exact shirt! So obsessed.”

Not only was this a great way to break the ice, but we realized we shared a lot in common beyond our senses of fashion. I can’t say I’m an expert at dressing for interviews, but I have developed a system that has been successful for me in the past. I teamed up with fashion blogger Shannon Kielty from lulusfashionfiles.blogspot.com to tackle the trade.

First things first: Know your company. The suggestions we are about to make  depend on the industry you are interviewing in and, even more so, on the culture of the specific company. For now, we will assume a “standard” job because these tips will generally work for any job. And, as we’ve all heard many times before, it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed.

Find one suit — a matching jacket and pant-skirt combo — or safe basic to have in your closet that you know will work for interviews. This way, your interviewer can see you have a touch of maturity and are able to take things seriously. For both men and women, gray is the standard. However, branching out to white and beige for women certainly isn’t criminal. 

For women, a suit with a skirt is preferable to a pant suit, but watch the skirt length and slit when you purchase it. Most suit skirts have some sort of slit so you can move in them, but be sure to keep the skirt to the knee. Men and women should also wear a white shirt underneath to be safe. 

Second, there’s the shoes. Ladies, how many times have we all scoured our closet in peril looking for the perfect shoes for an interview? At the end of the day, it’s best to buy one pair you know works for interviews. For women, flats are not preferred but are better than power-stillettos. Also, make it close-toed (which saves you from a last minute pedicure).

Feel free to have a slight point or a little detail that you think is “you” — it doesn’t have to be all drab.

Men should have had their standard funeral, church or holiday shoes for years. That’s fine, but it’s crucial to make sure the shoes match your belt and that they are polished. You may have had them for years, but that doesn’t mean they’re golden.

Next, add some flair. The basic suit might sound boring, but flair allows you to express yourself and add some personality through a cute top or jewelry. Your flair pieces, even if they’re subtle, can make you stand out against other candidates. You don’t need to be wearing neon shoes or a blinding top for a memorable outfit — that cream-colored ruffle top did just fine for me in that first interview.

Also, don’t settle for one outfit. You might be surprised at what could be eye-catching and exciting, and what will be forgettable and dull. I’ll be the first to admit that sometimes when I’m watching TLC’s What Not to Wear, I don’t exactly understand why fashion expert Stacy London says certain things work together. But I think it taught me to experiment, to try things on together, to take a step back, look in the mirror and repeat many times.

Know how to accessorize. There are three things to keep in mind for this one: First, wear shoes you can walk in comfortably. Second, the more flair in your clothing, the fewer jewelry and accessories you should wear. A simpler outfit allows for more, but make sure you don’t overdo it. Third, little things count, so make sure your finger and toenails are clean and not over-the-top. Both men and women should not wear too much jewelry.

Finally, scents for both genders should be kept minimal. Don’t spray your normal cologne or perfume before the interview, and double-check that you put deodorant on — there’s nothing like a whiff of B.O. to turn a future employer off. And for women — and guys who like to go there — keep your makeup to a minimum. You want to look polished, but use shadow and lip colors that aren’t too bright and look natural. Don’t “cake” on the face makeup.

All of this may seem foreign or obnoxious to people who haven’t gone through the interview process before, but trust me: What you wear says a lot about who you are, and first impressions are crucial. Take time getting ready for the interview and you will at least have the peace of mind to know what you wore didn’t affect its outcome.

If you have any further questions, don’t be afraid to ask the employer for some guidelines before you go in for the interview. He or she might be pleasantly surprised you took the time.

diversions@umdbk.com