Okay, so you're suited up, shirt tucked in and you need those final details before you put on your shoes and go. Today is about those two big details you can't leave home without.
the tie
It's such a simple addition, and some argue that it's wholly unnecessary these days. But that aside, you need a tie. And although you can have a little fun with your interview outfit/suit in general, you can only have limited fun with your suit accessories in a professional setting. No bow ties or skinny ties here (as much as it pains me to say), and go easy on the pattern mixing.; there's a fine line between just right and too much. Go with a knot that's comfortable, but fits correctly with the corresponding collar.
The easy and traditional thing to do is to go with a white or light blue shirt with a straight or semi-spread collar and patterned tie, and although that's not wrong, per se, you'll stand out if you go with a well-patterned shirt and solid tie, in the correct color combination. It's a striking look that's on the rise as patterned shirts are having a moment. If you're too afraid of the pattern mix or you've already got a suit-on-shirt pattern mix and don't want to tempt anything with a third pattern, it's a go-to that won't let you down.
The easy and traditional thing to do is to go with a white or light blue shirt with a straight or semi-spread collar and patterned tie, and although that's not wrong, per se, you'll stand out if you go with a well-patterned shirt and solid tie, in the correct color combination. It's a striking look that's on the rise as patterned shirts are having a moment. If you're too afraid of the pattern mix or you've already got a suit-on-shirt pattern mix and don't want to tempt anything with a third pattern, it's a go-to that won't let you down.
the shoes
The shoes can be tricky, and they can really break a suit outfit if they're bad enough. If you're going to own only one pair of dress shoes, they should be black, and the toe shape should be neutral--not too round, not too pointy, not too square. The style is really up to you. A plainer dress shoe is probably the most versatile, but an oxford is a nice wardrobe component. If you don't like laces, there are nice no-lace options, but it's personal preference once you've chosen a good shape.
Of course, you should have an alternative to black in your closet arsenal as well. A mid-brown is going to be the most go-with-everything for your money, but if shoes are your thing, a good oxblood can also serve that purpose. A darker brown is harder to pair with the colors suits tend to come be, but the right shade in the right finish can go a long way if it's not your only pair of dress shoes. The shape principle still applies to these other colors, and I recommend having a trusty black and a brown/oxblood to go with your black, and all your grays and navys. Then if you still don't feel footwear fulfilled, you can go for more adventurous styles, designs and even colors.
-E
Of course, you should have an alternative to black in your closet arsenal as well. A mid-brown is going to be the most go-with-everything for your money, but if shoes are your thing, a good oxblood can also serve that purpose. A darker brown is harder to pair with the colors suits tend to come be, but the right shade in the right finish can go a long way if it's not your only pair of dress shoes. The shape principle still applies to these other colors, and I recommend having a trusty black and a brown/oxblood to go with your black, and all your grays and navys. Then if you still don't feel footwear fulfilled, you can go for more adventurous styles, designs and even colors.
-E
