A tank top and short skirt with matching flip flops may be a perfectly acceptable ensemble for a night downtown or a stroll around campus, but The Society of Women Engineers warns you to trade in your sandals for a pair of conservative pumps if you want to make the right impression at a job interview.

The Society of Women Engineers devoted their meeting on Nov. 21 to learning how to put together winning outfits for internship and job interviews.

The group presented “Dress for Success: a Dos and Don’ts Fashion Show,” displaying both appropriate and inappropriate interview apparel.

“We decided to host this (event), because this is the time for internships,” said Mary Pulla, SWE co-vice president of activities.

Lindsay Wilkens and Erin Kayako began the presentation by reading a list of dos and don’ts that they prepared for the occasion.

Some of the dos included long sleeve shirts, ironed clothes, stockings, low-heeled closed-toed shoes, simple jewelry, clean nails and neatly combed hair.

“If you’re wearing a skirt stockings are a must,” Wilkens said.

Wilkens also stressed the importance of wearing something simple and conservative. She advised members not to wear bright colors such as pink or clothes that have polka dots or flowers on them.

“Black is always acceptable, because it’s conservative,” she said.

When choosing between dress suits and pant suits, Kayako said women should always go with the dress suit.

“People tend to get the job or second and third interview wearing a dress suit,” she said.

The list of don’ts included sneakers, sandals, short skirts, shorts, cargo pants, anything in leather, t-shirts, turtlenecks, white sneaker socks and trendy clothes or bags.

Several times during the presentation Wilkens and Kayako smiled and said “no hello kitty bags.”

Kayako pointed out that women shouldn’t have long nails, more than 2 rings per hand, 1 earring per ear and any facial jewelry.

“If you’re planning on getting your nose pierced or a tattoo, do it after you get the job,” Kayako added.

Kayako’s final advice was not to wear strong perfume or cologne.

“You don’t want to choke out your interviewer,” she said. “Deodorant is sufficient.”

Wendy Neuberger, national SWE counselor, talked about her experiences with proper attire in the office after the list of dos and don’ts.

“It’s gotten a lot more casual,” she said. “When you get hired by a company you want to start out conservative and adjust to the culture.”

The presentation concluded with a short fashion show. The members were asked to dress up in an outfit that would illustrate either a proper or an improper way to dress for an interview.

Melissa Lalli wore a pant suit with a blouse from Express and low-heeled, closed-toed shoes from Nine West. Lalli’s outfit was conservative and moderator Mark Kessler remarked that this is something “every young professional should wear.”

Wilkens wore a black dress and flip flops from Target, white tank top from Gap and jewelry from Mandee’s. Her outfit was inappropriate for an interview because she wore a revealing shirt and sandals.

The models looked nervous as they walked down the runway, but most agreed that the experience was enjoyable.

“It was pretty scary,” Kayako said. “I don’t think I’m cut out to be a model, but it was fun.”