You think nothing of rolling out of bed for 2a and grabbing the first clothes you see.  At Carleton, that's just the way it goes.  When you're looking for a job - or if you're wondering how to dress now that you have one - the rules are different.  Phyllis Korkki, who writes "Career Couch" for the New York Times, has a few pointers for "dressing the part."

Korkki believes that clothes can make the man or woman: "In interivews and in the office, dressing appropriately may be a simple way to gain an edge."  Here is a short list of her recommendations:

• For interviews, dress conservatively.  Suits are always safe.
• For a job fair, business casual is fine, as long as it's not too casual.  Polo & khakis = good; board shorts & flip flops = not.
• For the first few months on the job, stick to conservative wear and figure out the company's dress code. 

All sound advice, but dressing for work poses more than just a fashion challenge - it can be expensive too.  Korkki suggests sticking to the basics: "A few pieces in matching and muted colors, perhaps bought at a discount, can go a long way and last a long time."  However, don't scrimp on the suit!   A classic interview suit, she says, is a must-buy.

For more of Korkki's sound advice, read the rest of the column at  http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/24/jobs/24career.html?hpw.