Top Five Fashion Faux Pas for Job Interviews: Leave These Mistakes at Home

Congratulations: your carefully created resume and cover letter have resulted in an interview for your dream job! You've got your references lined up, and even prepared notes for that essential follow-up/thank you letter. Before you head out the door, though, take a minute to make sure you're not falling for one of these very UN-fashionable career faux pas:

1. Distracting hair styles or accessories: when in doubt, leave it out. That rule applies to hair glitter or sparkles, garishly bright hair bands or barrettes, and oversize hair clips. And about those caps, guys? Baseball hats are fine at the gym, but not in the office.

2. Extremely large, expensive, or (on the opposite side of the spectrum), cheap jewelry: I own a very large panda pin that I adore. It was a gift from a close friend. Fabulous for a party - but fatal for a job interview where I want to look professional rather than "cute." An ultra-expensive pair of diamond earrings that your husband gave you may seem like the ideal good luck charm. The problem: it may cause you to appear as if you are dressed inappropriately for the work place. That rule also holds true for "junk" jewelry, such as an obviously fake pearl necklace. Leave them at home.

3. Too much or too little makeup for women; an unkempt beard or "five o'clock shadow" for men: you want to look professional, and that means paying attention to how others see you. Bright blue eyeshadow, bright red lipstick, clownish circles of rouge -- all of those mistakes can cost you points on the interview scorecard. At the same time, you do want to look your best. Keep your makeup subtle and choose tones that enhance your features and skin. And gentlemen, about that unshaven look or untrimmed beard? Head to the barber for a professional look.

4. Overly casual or too formal attire: from blue jeans and dirty tennis shoes on the too-casual side to a party dress on the overly formal end, it's critical to choose clothes that are appropriate for the workplace. To some extent, this depends on where you live and the type of job for which you are applying. A public relations firm in New York, for example, may want to hire employees who wear more formal business attire. In contrast, a computer company in the Silicon Valley may expect and encourage a more business casual dress code. I recommend driving by the company a few days before your interview at the beginning or end of the day. That way, you can see what type of attire the employees wear and match your choice accordingly. And regardless of whether it's casual or more formal: make sure your attire is immaculately clean and wrinkle-free.

5. Too much perfume or after-shave lotion: use common sense about these scents! Many people are sensitive to fragrances, and giving your interviewer a migraine is not exactly the path to a job offer. It's all too easy to put on too much perfume or after-shave lotion, so be sure to use a minimum if any.