Four things to know when buying your first interview suit

If you're going for your first job interview, there's just one appropriate thing to wear: A suit.

There's a difference between buying a first suit for interviews and a whole wardrobe once the job has started. Think of a first suit as a springboard, giving the wearer the necessary look to shine, without making an impression on its own.

Here are a few things to consider:

1. Stick to basics

Blue or medium to dark grey, two buttons, no pinstripes. Black is too formal, and earth tones are too casual. Two button suits are the professional standard. Though you will see one and three button suits, they should only be considered when you require multiple suits.

2. Don't break the bank

You want a suit that will last you through multiple rounds of interviews. At the same time, you don't want to spend thousands on it. What will an interviewer think if you show up at an interview for an entry-level position in a suit that's more expensive than theirs? It's not a risk worth taking. However, avoid very inexpensive suits, as they will look cheap.

3. Fit is critical

Jacket: The best method for determining fit for an off-the-rack suit is to start with the jacket. Bring a dress shirt with you to the store so you can recreate how it'll be worn. Put on the jacket and button the first button. Put your fist between your torso and the jacket where it buttons. Can you fit it there comfortably? If so, size down until you can't. Buy the size larger than the one where your fist no longer fits. The point of this exercise is to make sure the suit looks normal when buttoned.

Trousers: It's better to buy larger rather than smaller, since it's easier to have pants taken in than to have them let out. If a pair feels a little tight, size up. The general rule is to have a little break — how much of the pant leg sits on top of your shoe. More fabric than that and the pants will look too baggy, which will make you look shorter.

4. Skip the accessories

Leave them at home, unless it's interesting socks. The interview suit is meant to make you look polished and professional so that you can get down to business and impress the interviewer with your skills and attitude. The suit has done its job perfectly if the interviewer can't remember it, since you want them to remember you rather than what you wore.