job interview dressing advice

I'm not surprised that Isis is the big sister of the science blogosphere, whom people go to for fashion advice for job interviews. She's got some good points, and I'll leave it to the ladies commenting over there and the fashionable academic to give advice on tailoring and suits. Instead, I'll be the girl scout and throw out some more practical advice on interview dressing for women on the circuit this year.

Bring band aids. Even if you're bringing the most comfortable shoes you own, just in case.

Consider the possibility that your luggage will get there after you, either en route to the interview, or on your way home when you have a very short turn around between flights. I had a problem when my airline made me check in my carry-on because the flight was full, and my luggage stayed overnight in Detroit without me, and I was flying to another interview the next day... Think about what your backup interview outfits/shoes/undergarments/luggage might be, try not to book back-to-back interviews, and try to get direct flights. Consider wearing an outfit/shoes on the plane that you could interview in, if necessary. (Though, the interview-ready shoe backfired on me on the very next interview after the lost luggage. I had to run through a very linear airport at break-ankle speed in order to just catch another infernal connection. This point is just up to your consideration, as opposed to the band aids, which are non-negotiable.)

If you're wearing bottoms without functional pockets, consider bringing a wristlet for the times you'll be without your labtop bag/briefcase. I found mine so useful, a neutral coach wristlet might become my standard PhD graduation gift (for females). It's perfect for dinner, it fits your room key, your phone, a lipstick and emergency money (for some reason I always brought this, even though I felt it was very unlikely that the committee would abandon me at the restaurant and I'd need to call a taxi).

This isn't dressing, but bring your own fancy shampoo/conditioner/soap. Choose ones you're sure you love, but that you usually can't afford on your postdoc salary. If you love the smell of l'occitane en provence's verbena, it will make you feel more special and more ready to be charming for 16 straight hours.
Note to friends of those interviewing... travel sized fancy toiletries would be a thoughtful gift.

Of course, feeling sharply dressed is only one small component of being ready to interview. There are many good places on the internet for more complete perspectives on the academic job search including here and here. Everyone says this, but it's really true -- try to have fun with your job interviews. If you are yourself on the interview, and you get the job, you know the department wants you... not the contortion of you that you felt would get you the job. So wear professional clothing you feel comfortable in, and don't second guess yourself on some small expression of your personality: a unique piece of jewelry, a splash of color.