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Ask the Image Expert Sherry Maysonave is the founder and president of Empowerment Enterprises, one of America's leading communication-image firms. Sherry conducts corporate seminars and coaches executives, professionals, and politicians in achieving excellence in communication and image. She is also the author of Casual Power: How to Power Up your Nonverbal Communication and Dress Down for Success
Suit Fabric and ColorQuestion: I recently just bought a suit for interviews, a basic black. However, since I am on a tight budget, I decided to buy a pair of slacks belonging to one suit and a jacket from another that was onsale. They are very slightly different shades of black (in the store lighting), but similar material and feel. They convinced me that it was okay that it wouldn't be noticible at all. Was this a bad decision? Should I have bought a perfectly matched suit?Peggy Answer: Ideally, you should have bought a perfectly matched suit or purchased separates that are designed to be worn together, particularly for an interview outfit. Unless you have a trusted relationship with a salesperson, always beware when the “it-won’t-be-noticed” pressure is applied. Since the garments are black and similar in fabric and feel, the color difference may indeed not be noticeable. Now, that you have them and since you’re on a tight budget, there’s something else more important here to consider. The trick is for you to wear the jacket and pants together without question, or you risk your confidence being adversely affected. That alone can sabotage your interviews. I recommend that you wear an eye-catching blouse (still in good taste and still professional looking) under the jacket. This will take the attention away from the area where the jacket and pant fabrics meet. Dynamic accessories (such as an artful pin on the lapel of the jacket, or a tailored necklace at the throat, or a lovely strand of pearls, etc.) will accomplish that goal, too. Be sure to complete your look by wearing your hair in a smart style, wearing tastefully applied makeup, and wearing businesslike black shoes (closed toe/closed heel) with sheer black hosiery. All of this will help to keep the attention on “you,” not so much the details of your clothing. And don’t forget to walk, stand, and sit with erect posture. To further ease your mind, slight shading differences with dark colors is sometimes present in various lighting, even with suits. I cannot say for certain that it will or won’t be noticed, since I cannot observe your pieces. But wear them proudly and be sure to smile and speak confidently.
Best of luck to you,
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