What to Wear to a Job Interview

3. Wear a little makeup

Emma Thompson beams with bold red lips; Cicely Tyson's makeup is soft and defined, giving her glowing skin; Brandless cofounder Tina Sharkey chooses neutral, defined makeup.

Getty Images (3); Raymond Hall/GC Images; Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic; Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg

If you usually don't ... do! It helps you project a healthy, vibrant look, with the appearance of luminous, dewy skin, as well as restores definition to your features. All you really need is a tinted moisturizer or radiance-boosting foundation,  a rosy  or tawny cream blush for warmth, waterproof gel eyeliner pencil, and mascara to power up eye shape and a lip color you love — from a nude neutral to glossy pink or matte red. Short nails and a manicure are musts — opt for a light, natural, classic red or a dark, edgy shade (depending on the work environment).

4. Statement jewelry makes you unforgettable

Matarin Capital Management exec Nili Gilbert with a blue stone necklace and drop earrings; actress Uschi Glas with a tassel pendant necklace; CNN's Christiane Amanpour with gold statement earrings.

Getty Images (3); Christinne Muschi/Bloomberg; Tristar Media; Jim Spellman

What used to be a no-no is now a yes-yes! There's nothing wrong with studs and a strand of pearls, but knockout necklaces and big earrings offer a look-at-me twist we can't resist — and shouldn't. They show out-of-the-box thinking and self-worth. And guess what? You can match now (it’s back) or not ... it's all fabulous. 

5. When in doubt, wear a dress

Journalist-author Cynthia Leive in a colorful but professional tweed sheath; British TV newswomen Kay Burley, in an orange fit-and-flare dress, and Sarah Hewson, in a navy long-sleeve sheath; actress Kate Flannery in a red dress with narrow belt, blazer and red kitten heels.

Getty Images (3); John Sciulli; John Phillips; Rachel Luna

All work cultures are different, but if you are on the fence about an appropriate outfit, stick to a basic dress with a high no-cleavage-please neckline. Choose a sheath, shift or fit-and-flare silhouette with a sleeve that makes your arms comfy and revs up the color and print. This is work, not play. So it is not the moment for off-the-shoulder, cold shoulder, wraps or slits that might show too much leg when you cross yours.

6. A tailored pantsuit will save you

Catalan chef Carme Ruscalleda wears a black-and-white bow blouse with a black pantsuit; Swedish banker Annika Falkengren dons a classic pantsuit.

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It's the default outfit with sensibility and sizzle, especially in fields such as law and finance. Choose a suit with updated features like slim, tapered legs and a sleek, well-fitting blazer. But whether you're going for an administrative assistant or management spot, spice up the structured uniform with statement jewelry, a colorful or bow blouse and stylish shoes. Something else to love about pantsuits: You can skip the pantyhose and not worry one second about veiny or spotty legs. 

7. If they dress down, you dress up

Makeup entrepreneur and artist Bobbi Brown in black slim pants and heels with tonal navies and scarf; "Bosch" actress Joni Bovill in a mint-green tunic overblouse with slim black ankle pants; Patrica Heaton in a green, floral-print bow blouse and navy flares.

Getty Images (3); Michael Loccisano; Paul Archuleta; Gary Gershoff

There's a difference between “dress casual” at 25 and at 50. If your interviewers are in distressed jeans, T-shirts  and  sweatshirts, you should wear pants or a leather skirt with a blouse or a blazer over black jeans. Err on the side of looking more polished or creative — not enough to look ridiculously conspicuous, but to take it up a notch.

8. If you're going for a creative job, show some flare

Humanitarian and author Zainab Salbi in a warm brown jersey, draped top and long skirt, with a statement necklace and short gray hair; fashion designer, stylist and author Rachel Zoe in a silk blouse, black velvet flares and a zebra-print tailored coat; Italian singer Petra Magoni in a black leather biker jacket, long leopard scarf and pencil skirt.

Getty Images (3); Astrid Stawiarz/Urban Zen; Stefanie Keenan/Baby2Baby; Ernesto S. Ruscio

If your interview is for a job in fashion, public relations, entertainment, art or music, show off your originality and imagination with an outfit that stands out. However, you don't want your clothes to steal the show or distract from your conversation, so stick to neutral pieces that are unexpected — a draped top, an asymmetrical neckline, a suede skirt, a dramatic animal-print scarf, coat or jacket.

My last words on interviews: Do not fall into the trap of trying to look like younger colleagues. Don't wear a strong perfume — if any. And resist cookie-cutter dress codes. Just respect the workplace and be your best self. 

For more beauty and style tips for women age 50-plus, check out The Woman's Wakeup: How to Shake Up Your Looks, Life, and Love After 50 by Lois Joy Johnson and AARP's Beauty & Style issue.