Hello, and welcome to Part Three of what may very well be a never ending series on suits! Which will be useful come fall when the Casual Friday look is replaced by the sheath dress and her cousin, the suit.

I can’t tell you how happy that makes me.

Stara started this whole thing with a question about what kind of suit to buy for a job interview, specifically an interview for a fairly conservative office; she also asked what she might wear UNDER the suit. She specifically wanted options that were NOT a button front shirt, and I have to agree that the button up shirt, while always appropriate, isn’t very exciting.

So let’s talk about what the other options are!

Whatever you wear under the suit, you want it to be comfortable. Assume that for the duration of the interview, you will NOT be removing the suit jacket; if it’s warm where you live, or if you just get warm when you’re nervous, consider a shell or short sleeved top in a light fabric, like silk or cotton. You can add a cool bracelet if you don’t like the look of jacket sleeves without a cuff, as long as it’s not anything noisy or overly shiny (this is a JOB INTERVIEW, people, not a date).

Choose a layering piece that is appropriate for your shape; cleavage is never acceptable at a job interview. Make sure that your blouse or sweater fits properly through the bust and that you are wearing the right bra, one that keeps The Girls where they should be without drawing the interviewer’s attention specifically to your chest. A V neck is fine (and flattering) but ONLY if everything is covered. I cannot say that enough. A camisole may be the perfect layering piece for an evening out on the town, but it is totally inappropriate for a job interview. Or, really, for the office, unless it is UNDER something. Lingerie is not meant to be seen at work. Ever. The end.

With a basic neutral suit, I really like a blouse with some pattern or color, something to give the suit — and you — some personality. But choose EITHER a pattern OR a bold color — don’t do a pattern blouse in bold colors. A neutral blouse in a great pattern is perfect for an interview.

Banana Republic short sleeved chain link blouse, currently $49.99

If pattern is not your thing, opt instead for a brightly colored piece under your suit jacket. Be sure to choose a color that is flattering on you; your goal is to keep the interviewer’s attention on YOU, not on your outfit.

Banana Republic button ballet-neck sweater, $68.00

No matter what you choose to wear under your suit, look for interesting details (the stand up collar on the blouse pictured here, or the buttons on the sweater) and good quality fabric and construction. If you want, and are able, to wear something a little funkier, like a tee, under your suit, choose a really great tee, like one from Michael Stars, rather than one from Old Navy. This isn’t a tee that you will wear to work in the yard, it is part of your office wardrobe, and having a piece that will last and flatter is worth the price tag.

Coming Tuesday: what to wear on your feet! and legs! And then I think we may be done with the interview suit. For now.