In general, as far as shoes go for an interview, I always say you can't go wrong with a pair of basic pumps in a black or brown or dark color. A round-toed, close-toed shoe is always acceptable. Make sure that the heel is about an inch high, not too high, and not flats. If you do chose to wear open-toed shoes, you can get by with that in many instances. But, again, it should be in a culture that would be in more accepting of a casual dress. Definitely do not wear too high-heels. And the main thing is, have shoes that are toned-down, that go with your outfit. Don't wear so bright colors, and if you are wearing open-toed shoes, make sure you're toenails are neatly pedicured and you have a polish or something on them, so that you have a finished look. If you're a woman, and you'd rather wear open-toed shoes, rather than pumps, you can get away with it, however, just make sure that the open-toed sandals, again, are kind of a classic look. And again, pay attention to the culture of the company.
If you are a woman and you are wondering about wearing jewelry or scarves in an interview - first, with the jewelry, definitely some jewelry is fine. The whole key is to keep it low key and to be minimal. The thing you don't want is something that's , number one, distracting - in terms of too bright, too much, too gaudy, or in terms of being clunky and noisy. And the same for men. A watch and a wedding band is fine, but keep it minimal. And for men - there are men who wonder about wearing earrings because many men do. And I would say, it's becoming moreaccepted, but I think I would err on the part of taking them off because you just never know for sure. Again, unless the culture is one that you know to be conducive to wearing earrings for men.
Some of the biggest mistakes that I see baby boomers make in terms of dressing for an interview is trying to look too youthful, being too worried about having a youthful look and, by that I mean, trying to dress like a twenty-year-old. You don't have to wear, if you're a woman, Ugg boots or wear a skirt that's, you know, halfway up your thighs just because that may be what some of the younger women are wearing. What you do want to do is pay attention to what is stylish in the market and you can easily do that by looking at, "Good Morning America" or your talk shows and what the women, who are baby boomer age, are wearing. Or looking in the fashion magazines and looking at what women are wearing who would be in your age group. You do want to have something that's stylish and trendy, but you want it to be conservative and you want it to be your age. Andyou can't go wrong with a nice skirt that is at the knee-length,or slightly below the knee or a nice pair of tailored trousers and a fashionable jacket, and a white blouse is almost a must-have. I mean, that is always classic for any age.
The other mistakes I see baby boomer women make, and men is, - hair. You don't need to have the most trendy, youthful style. For women, usually it's most flattering to not have your hair too long. If it is long, have it tucked back behind your ears, or put up in a nice, sophisticated do, or just a short bob. if you're worried about grey hair, that can be a turnoff so you might want to think about professional coloring or highlighting, both men and women. Men - get rid of the grey beards and big mustaches - that is a big mistake because it does age you. And, one of the biggest things to pay attention to is your teeth. So, you know, have your teeth whitened or just make sure that they're as clean and white as they can be because that can be an age determinant. However, beyond that just dress with style, dress with grace and be proud of your age and who you are.