Interview outfits have always caused headaches, even among the most stylish. There is no one formula, or specific pieces one should classify as “interview” clothing. It’s not about wearing a blazer or not, or wearing trousers or pulling your hair back; It’s about causing the right impression for the right type of job. Believe me there will always be that mistaken style connoisseur that tells you exactly what you should wear even if you feel completely uncomfortable. So, on that note, this is not a list of pieces but more like tips you should keep in mind. Six pointers that work from fashion related jobs to more common office jobs.

The Creative Director of Marie Claire and host of Project Runway, Nina Garcia, tells it true: Candidates should wear ‘something that demonstrates a knowledge of what is happening in the fashion world, but that highlights their own personal style at the same time’. This tip is for all of you who work within the fashion industry, so clearly it’s not about wearing what’s on the cover of Vogue that month but adapting the trend to your own style.

‘I prefer the person to always shine through in a job interview versus what they are wearing. I’m less concerned about the specific outfit but more that they are polished, clean, pulled together and smart. I would be more distracted if someone showed up wearing a crazy head-to-toe runway outfit. It would make me worry that the actual work would take a backseat’ stated Joe Zee an established Editor-in-Chief. The three big adjectives here are polished, clean and pulled together, remember that.

Christene Barberich from Refinery29 also said: ‘Because I’m so busy, I really do remember candidates that project a strong aesthetic image that’s really chic and put-together. I’m super impressed by talent who obviously know what looks good on them. When something really suits you it shows that you know who you are, and that confidence permeates how you conduct yourself in so many capacities.’ This one comes down to confidence, if you feel like you are killing it in your ensemble your interviewer will translate that into so much more.

Whilst Hillary Kerr from the site WHATTOWEAR goes a bit more specific: ‘I’d say something relatively polished that still shows your personality. I think jewelry is a great way to personalize an outfit, especially if the pieces you’re wearing are vintage or have some sort of sentimental value. I also suggest wearing either a shirt or blouse with sleeves or a blazer; there’s something a little odd about seeing someone’s bare arms in an interview’. An important pointer and one that most people can agree on, sleeveless blouses in interviews can create a wrong impression and jewelry can raise your look to a new level.

One of the most influential people on the industry right now also has a clear opinion of what she thinks of: ‘If your teeth are clean and you have a good handshake and you’re groomed, I don’t care what you wear,’ says Jenna Lyons the CEO of J.Crew. ‘Go for it. Whatever works for you. There are a lot of legs in our office’.

These little pointers can go a long way when applying them correctly and adjusting them to who you are. Colour for example, according to a study from CareerBuilder surveying over 2000 hiring managers, blue and black topped their list for the best colors to wear to an interview. Black connotes leadership and blue communicates that you are a team player. The colour you should stay away from? orange, which can be associated with unprofessional qualities. But this isn’t set on stone, sometimes vivid colours are what set us apart and let our personality shine through, just don’t over do it and try to get a second opinion on your outfit when you can, other than that, go kill it!