What’s the Best Color to Wear for a Job Interview?

In this increasingly competitive work environment, you want to convey the right message when it comes to how you dress, especially when you are interviewing for a new job.

Many offices have cooled down the power dressing from even a decade ago but the colors still send messages, even if your office if business casual.

Business etiquette expert Gloria Starr, author of 9 books and an etiquette consultant to royalty, offers her tips on how to convey the message you want. What you want is to show confidence, sincerity and reliability, according to Starr.

Here’s her run down on the rainbow:

Black – not the best because, although it does convey sophistication, it can also come off as dark and depressed. Starr says to add some other color to your outfit if you choose black.

Red – conveys power and strength, no fear of standing out and getting noticed, but it can definitely come off as too much if overdone. Take care wearing red.

Beige – Starr says even in the summer months, the darker, the better.  Wearing beige may make you fade into the woodwork. She recommends ivory instead. 

White – stark white looks too washed out for most women so add color, says Starr. Avoid white shoes and chose an off-white or ivory color to help tone-down the brightness a bit.

Green – deep , rich shades of green such as emerald are good. Starr says to avoid the more yellowish and brownish greens such as khaki or lime.

Pink – not just for the ladies! Starr says this is a great communicator color. She recommends salmon or pink shirts for men. Pink can soften a dark suit for women.

Purple – depends on where you are. For the most part, dark purple conveys elegance and authority although Starr warns that in some cultures, purple signifies death and mourning.

Yellow – you will come off as having a bright, sunny disposition especially in the winter months. She says to avoid mustard-toned colors.

Brown – accent this with blue, pink, ivory or yellow.

Orange – another good communicator color, unless its bright orange and then they may tell you to go home. A soft peach or medium orange for either men or women is a better choice.

Patterned or Plain? The better choice is plain. Patterns are for accents like a scarf or tie, or the blouse underneath the jacket.

The number one BEST color?

Navy Blue – Starr says studies show a dark blue color inspired confidence and that more interviewees get the job when they’ve worn a navy suit to the interview.  It works for both interviews and around the office.

Starr offers all kinds of business coaching and etiquette help. She runs training courses including a Modern Day Finishing School of Adults. She also offers mentoring, certifications, educational DVDs, CDs and her books so check out her website at www.gloriastarr.com.