Working in the finance or banking sector is not the same as working for the media or publishing sector. These creative jobs require working odd hours and racking one’s brain for new, innovative ideas. If you are from this field and have to appear for a job interview, there are certain pre-requisites you must keep in mind.

The basics that matter with all corporate work wear when you appear for a job interview also apply here. Keep yourself tidy and well groomed. Use a deodorant and keep your fingernails trimmed and clean. Ensure that there is no body odor or bad breathe. While a business suit might not be essential for you if you are from the creative field, jeans or denims are a strict ‘no-no’. Steer clear of corporate casual attire or casual wear that you would normally prefer wearing for weekend outings with friends. You must keep the color coordination also traditional. That is to say that you must not experiment with loud and vividly bright colors. Opt for shirts with stripes or checks. Wear well ironed trousers in sober colors. You can opt for those with a plain front and yes, cardigans will also do.

If the weather is a little cooler, you can try sporting twill trousers and match it up with an under-collar sweater in muted tones. Sneakers do not look too good and since it’s your first impression that counts, you should rather opt for shoes with tie-up laces, loafers or even suede boots. Even if you know that the company where you are appearing for an interview prefers corporate casuals, when you are visiting the place for a job interview, do not dress in casuals and make an attempt to impress the interview panel with your work attire and your professionalism.

Business attire has undergone significant changes over years. Still it is highly difficult to draw the demarcation between what is accepted and what is not. Business attire in the strict sense is the traditional dress suits and the professional trousers. The entire business attire includes, matching coat and slacks, a long sleeved dress shirt, a necktie, and dress shoes. Hardcore corporate apparel for women includes a blouse layered by a suit jacket with a coordinating skirt or slacks, and a pair of pumps. Traditionally bright colors are strictly prohibited for both men and women in the workplace.

Nowadays a new trend of corporate apparel has crept up, which is known as “Business Casual”. Many companies nowadays have adopted this “Business Casual” dress trend in order to get a relaxed. “Business Casual” for men includes shirt with a collar, cotton slacks, and a pair of loafers. Jeans and gym shoes are not acceptable. The business casual dress code varies dramatically from company to company.

It is important to understand that dressing casual is not synonymous to “business casual” attire. In order to make the transition smoother for employees, many companies introduce a polo style shirt with the company logo on it. They are expected to wear these personalized corporate shirts with khaki pants or dark colored slacks along with a pair of loafers.

Whatever the dress is, the company should set its own guidelines while deciding on the business dressing code.