A question came over the wires recently: I am interviewing for an art consultancy internship on Tuesday, and I don’t know what to wear! I’m trying not to be too boring by going with typical suits or slacks. I’m hoping to incorporate my personal style somehow but also not appearing too casual. It’s an art consultancy, so they may want to see some personality, what do you think? Any advice would be so appreciated.

Here’s my reply: I didn’t wear a suit when I interviewed for this job; I felt, at that time, and I feel the same way now, that it’s an outdated "rule." I wore crisp, cream, wide leg slacks, a navy blouse, a cream trench, and an arm full of skinny bangles — but I like to think it was my sparkling personality that won me the gig.

When I interview interns I expect them to treat the interview like a job interview. I expect them to look the part, and I expect a follow-up note afterward. I’m old-fashioned in some regards, but not at all in others.

I think that especially for a position like the one you’re up for, your potential employers want to know who you are. And let’s face it: Our wardrobes are our most public layers — our style is how we say, "Here’s what you can expect from me."

So, to that end, I’d suggest you wear something that’s very you. Keep in mind that an interview goes both ways; you need to assess whether or not this company is right for you as well. If you give them you and they’re not into it, chances are its not a good fit in any case.

Of course you want to be polished and put-together and professsional, but I think the last thing you want to want to do is go out and purchase some lower quality suit or jacket or slack – never to be worn again – in order to look like something that you’re not.

-Avoid too much jewelry — I’m not really sure what I was thinking with that arm full of skinny bangles — because I think that can be distracting and visually ‘noisy.’

-Carry a nice bag and wear unscuffed, reasonable (not stilt-like) shoes.

-Be ironed and free from fuzz. I still shudder when I think of the gal who came in to meet with me, covered from head to foot in faux-angora sheddings.

-Be seasonally appropriate (I once had an intern candidate show up in what looked to me like an Easter sunday dress, no hose, in the middle of December. I just wanted to put a blanket around her and send her home)

-Don’t wear anything too tight, too short, or too revealing. And save smoky eye liner and dark lipstick for the celebratory drinks you’ll share with friends afterward.

-Appear, above all else, totally at ease in what you’re wearing. ie: Don’t tug at your shirt or fidget with your cuffs. That always looks bad. Wear what you feel good, smart, and clean in, because ultimately, you can’t look good and smart and clean if you don’t feel that way.

Try: cropped slacks, hot little shoe-boots, and a crisp white shirt with a navy cardigan.

Try: a pencil skirt with a longish thin sweater, belted.

Try: a daytime dress with a boyish little jacket over it.

Try: wide leg slacks with a blouse + a vest

Try: the slideshow for more fun inspiration, courtesy style.com