Your big job interview is tomorrow. Quick, what are you going to wear?

Wait….you don’t know?

Unfortunately, this is a common problem with women. We don’t have the trusty, timeless black/gray suit, white dress shirt, and black tie combo that most men don for every job interview. We have a plethora of options.

Here’s how to sort through all those options for the outfit that gives the professional, polished impression you want to project.

First, do some research. Think about the company you’re applying to work at and what they stand for. Check out their website, it may even have a dress code. Don’t be afraid to investigate what the employees wear. Ask people who have worked there or even pay a visit to the office.

How to dress for a conservative job interview:

-If you’re applying for a job in a conservative field (law, business, accounting, and teaching are the first fields to come to mind) keep things structured and simple to keep the focus on your skills. A shift dress with neutral heels and a blazer is probably your best bet, but a button-down with a pencil skirt or wide-leg trousers looks good too. Keep necklines and hemlines relatively modest. Hair and makeup should be simple. But don’t be afraid to have fun with color or jewelry! Try a red pencil skirt or a bright bag. Instead of wearing only subtle jewelry, pick one great piece. A signet ring or a beautiful pair of studs will add the perfect dash of personality to a professional look.

How to dress for a creative job interview:

-If you’re applying for a job in a creative field (such as advertising, music, fashion, art, graphic design) you have a bit more freedom to express yourself. But you don’t want to look too casual. I’d suggest a great printed blouse with neutral trousers and nice flats or heels. A wrap dress is a great alternative because it flatters every body type and is appropriate for every situation. Feel free to experiment with prints and color. But make sure to look in a full-length mirror before you leave, just in case.

“Business Casual”

-Just don’t wear jeans, t-shirts, or sneakers. “Business casual” sounds like a trick, but it isn’t. Most outfits that could be worn for a job interview in a creative field would work for a “business casual” event or interview.

General tips:

-Iron your outfit and then hang all the pieces together in your closet the night before your interview. It will help you feel much more organized in the morning.

-Tailor your clothes, if needed. Even an expensive, gorgeous dress won’t look great if it’s far too big on you.

-Get your outfit dry-cleaned before the interview.

-Keep hemlines relatively modest. I’d say keep it to 2 or 3 inches above the knee at the absolute most. It’s best to err on the conservative side.

-It is always better to be overdressed than underdressed.

-Leave the crazy eyeshadow, sparkly dresses, stripper heels, and other things for weekends.

-Make sure the outfit you plan on wearing is comfortable enough to sit in. If you’re wearing a skirt or dress, make sure it doesn’t ride up when you sit down.

-Keep hair, makeup, and perfume to a minimum.

-Put a brush or comb in your bag before you leave, just in case.

-Also, chew a mint before your interview.

-ALWAYS examine yourself in a full-length mirror before you leave. ALWAYS.

Okay, take a deep breath. You’ve got this. Go in there and win your prospective employers over!

Do you have a lucky job interview outfit? Tell me at [email protected]!

Marie Chaney is an 18-year-old freshman studying fashion and journalism at LSU. She likes making references to old songs and singing them wherever she goes.