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Showing up to a job interview with a skirt short enough to double for a wide belt would probably get you the wrong kind of jobs. Wearing dress pants below your rear is also not the way to showcase your positive attributes to an interviewer.

With graduation coming up in May, many students will be attending interviews out in the career circuit. As a hiring manager at a local retail store, I've seen a lot of the 'do's' and 'don'ts' of interview attire. While the above two definite 'don'ts' are obvious, there are a lot of 'do's' that can help you look and feel the part.

One of the biggest areas that job applicants miss is their personal presentation on initial contact with an employer. This means that most applicants neglect to dress the part at all times, whether it's handing in an application for an internship, hanging out at a job fair or just picking up information about a job. Turning in a resume while wearing a pair of jeans and faded concert T-shirt may show a lack of concern for details, even if it's just a front desk receptionist taking your papers.

So how do you look the part? I will always advocate the classic business suit. Any person who is serious about securing a job needs to consider wearing a suit. Black, gray or navy will do just fine. Pink, teal, white or chartreuse suits need not apply.

Many men may argue that a black suit should be reserved for funerals, weddings and other special events. In fact, GQ just recently printed an article regarding the black suit in the office as 'overdone'. For an interview, if a black suit is all you own, take caution as to what goes underneath. Dark colors like reds, black and grays should be avoided. A simple white, light blue or light green (avoid neon) shirt with coordinating tie looks crisp and professional.

Women have a lot more options than men do, however most women tend to air on the conservative side. While a button up white shirt under a black suit is classy, it also tends to produce the 'I'll be your server for the evening' look. The 'waiter style' can be avoided by throwing a soft pink or blue button up shirt underneath the suit. Again, this always produces a very crisp look.

Women aren't limited to button up shirts. A soft sweater or crew neck shell is fun underneath a suit. It can show a level of creativity.

Don't forget the shoes! Men, avoid slides, even if they're nice streamlined shiny black slides from this season's finest shoe collections.

Women need to avoid strappy, 5-inch stiletto heels. A 3-inch heel or lower is suitable (depending on height). The heels give your posture a confident thrust by pushing your shoulders back and straightening your spine. Closed toe pumps or sling backs are just fine, but strappy shoes should be reserved for bar hopping.

Grey suits go better with pastels, especially this season. For men, contrasting colors like olive green or pale pink under a gray suit often look very stylin', but might come off as too trendy. That choice is yours to make.

The bottom line is that you know what looks good on you. Choose a cut of a suit that fits your body the best; don't be tempted by trendy, over the top cuts that will fade into the archives of Vogue next season.

Remember to always look the part to feel the part, smile, and have a great interview!

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