What to wear to a job interview?

I'm hearing such conflicting ideas on this. A lot of sites say that woman should still wear a skirt suit and not pants. Then they say no bare legs and I hate panty hose especially tan colored! So what should you wear....and what color. I was thinking not black cause it's too harsh on me. I need some major input and maybe pictures?

Also this is in a courthouse so that might weigh in too. I've never had to dress uber professional and I'm driving an hour where there are stores so I can buy an outfit. Any help is appreciated!

hi this is a tough one cos its a courthouse.Um i think its gotta be a skirt but i dont think it has to be a pencil shape.As you dont like tights what about wearing knee high boots.I always think you need to stand out a little and i cant stand the black trousers white top look.Id go with a just below the knee skirt,with a bit of a flare and maybe emboidery and beads. Knee high boots,and a vest top and in a colour ?green or purple ?and a little black tie front cardigan and necklace and bracelet in the t shirt colour.Hope that helps. oh i hope you get the job GOOD LUCK X

I don't think you need to wear a skirt. Pants suits are very professional and completely appropriate. Just be sure you look professional and you'll be fine. (I also strive to look more professional then the person interviewing me!) I wore an off white pants suit to my last interview and was complimented over and over again on it.

My younger daughter is interviewing for internships at the moment, and as part of the course she is doing they have prepared them for interviews, including checking out their clothing. She has a presentation today and then an interview so she is wearing a black pant suit, with a shirt (pink and white stripes) which is like a mans shirt but with a ruffle in the front (she has the skirt too, and has worn that with black tights and black shoes), and black dress shoes. She is also wearing a dress coat over the top but we live in Canada and it's still chilly

I think it's acceptable these days for women to wear a pants suit instead of a skirt.

Courthouse = politics/policy = conservative environment.

So, I would have to respectfully disagree on wearing knee-high boots and clothing with embellishments. I think it's acceptable to wear pants suit. How about a dark grey suit instead black with a crisp button-down shirt? If you wear a skirt suit, wear hoisery that matches your skin tone. They are a pain to wear, but I'd wear it to be on the safe side. It's important to have a polished, understated look so your qualifications can *shine*

Good luck on the interview! What position are you interviewing for?

I am a recruiter and I will tell you that you should wear a suit. It does not matter if it is skirt or pants. I would also suggest it be dark and plain. Plain heels also.

I interview people all the time. Skirt, pants - I don't feel this matters - it is 2009!

As long as you are dressed neatly in a business suit appropriate for the season with neat hair, minimal makeup and conservative nail polish, you'll give off an organzied, put together vibe and a good first impression!

Good luck!

I'm also a recruiter/career counselor. Definitely a suit. Doesn't matter if it's pants or a skirt, but if it's a skirt, nothing shorter than right above the knee. I would agree with the no bare legs for the interview, which is why I only have pants suits! If you wear a skirt, you can do tights and boots (or shoes) that match the skirt color. You want the look to be simple and professional.

Either a pant or skirt suit would be acceptable. You definitely want to make sure you get something that fits you right or get it tailored to fit. If you don't want black you do grey or brown. You could also get pants and a skirt with the same jacket and get two different dress shirts. That way if you are called for a second interview you can wear the alternate outfit. I would say wear dress or a small heel over the knee high boots.