What to wear to a job interview:fashion insiders share their secrets

Aninterview for a jobis nerve-wracking enough without having to worry about what you"re wearing.But a few wardrobe and grooming tweaks can give you the confidence to walk into an interview and introduce yourself in an assertive way.We grilled some fashion experts - and employees - for some failsafe trips for interview success.

And, think of it this way...If you don"t get the job at least you"ve invested in some good new shoes.

Power dressing aside, its more important to dress like yourself than channel your inner Claire Underwood or Alicia Florrick (the fiercely sharp businesswomen in House of Cards and The Good Wife, respectively)."Wear something that makes you feel confident, and shows the true you, says Browns Fashion buyer, Rebecca Osei Baidoo.Stylist and brain behind blog The Frugality, Alex Steadman, also chimes in:“I"ve had a few interviews where I didn"t get the job, but myself and the interviewer bonded over where my top was from.I left still feeling good about my outfit, at least!”

“Youll be in a panic and attempting to project a certain type of person who doesnt necessarily reflect you or your natural style.Whether its sky-high heels, a blazer or a neck scarf, if you wouldn"t normally put it on in the morning, I can usually tell,” notes global head of personal shopping and client relations at Net-a-Porter, Lupe Puerta.If you are even slightly unsure of an item, leave it at home, the worst thing to knock your confidence is feeling body-conscious.

Does your new potential workplace expect or allow a certain dress code?“This sounds like common sense but I have interviewed a few people in my time who were dressed in a black suit.The great thing about working at Net-a-Porter is that youre encouraged to embrace fashion,” acknowledges Puerta.

Tank editor Caroline Issa recalls that after finishing business school, “it was drummed into students that a good suit, tailored well, should be the main investment for any graduate”.Message: dress to complementyour audience.

“Clean, crisp clothes that fit well and look like you have made an effort, without making a statement, arealways the best start,"advises buying and merchandising director at Farfetch, Candice Fragis.

Clockwise from left:Proenza Schoulerbutton detail culottes, £790, Farfetch; Roksanda Tamar top, £440, Farfetch; Halo drop hoop earrings, £450, Astley Clarke; Slingback heels, £39.99, Zara

Issas faith remains in well-cut suiting:“Even if you want to wear it in a crazy colour or pattern, its a no-brainer when trying to look put together.”

J. Crew and Theory are the first port of call for the editor on the high street, while Akris and Paul Smith provide sleek options for those with a larger budget.

Clockwise from left:Nibel jacket, £304, Theory; Cotton shirt, £135, Paul Smith; Campbell trouser, £98, J.Crew;High heel sandals, £218, J.Crew

“I"ve never had a job that involved wearing a suit but I still like to feel pulled together and chic,” says Steadman.“A shirt always makes me feel smart yet still relaxed and you can personalise it with jewellery - I love the relaxed yet expensive look of an Equipment shirt with a well cut pair of trousers (I swear by my COSpair)”.

Steadman is not alone in her thoughts.There hasbeen a 40 per centincrease in blouses arriving in shops over the last month, as more and more women are seeking the sartorial staple,according to retail data analysts Edited.More on that here

Clockwise from left:Equipment shirt, £245, Net-a-Porter; Oracle diamond Luna necklace, £445, Laura Lee; Sequin necklace, £205, Laura Lee; Skinny fit trousers, £59, COS; Kiltie pumps, £68, Office

Browns buyer Baidoo recommends to start planning your outfit from your feet up, as “shoes often set your mood”.Puerta also notes that footwear is a good way to let your personality shine through.Why not flirt with a chunky Marni brogue or embellished Miu Miu block heel, while keeping the rest of your outfit sober?

Clockwise from left:Miu Miu patent leather pumps, £565, MyTheresa;Ankle strap pumps, £685, Valentino;Lace-ups, £410, Marni

If you are not a heel wearer, dont suddenly pull on a pair.It is far more chic to look confident in a pair of flats, than navigate the interview room looking like Bambi.

“Tone down outfits and let accessories be the differentiator,” offers Puerta, who sticks to classics with one edgy piece thrown into the mix.It is all about balance, even the simplest of gold necklaces or trinkets can elevate an outfit.

Clockwise from left:Evil eye necklace, £270, Monica Vinader;Detour rings, £50, Maria Black;Wishbone earrings, £45, Daisy;Forget me knot stacking ring, £144, Alex Monroe;Little star bracelet, £350, Astley Clarke

“Make sure your shoes and your bag are not scuffed – I always notice,” says Puerta of her past experiences of an interviewer.Fragis also confesses.“I am weirdly observant about well kept nails; never have chipped polish for an interview, keep them clean - its the little details that can be the finishing touch on a good look.”

“The best thing is to take a deep breath and smile,” reminds the Net-a-Porter team.“At the end of the day we all want to work with happy, positive people.”