So, you figured out the suit. Congratulations. There are only 5, 214 more decisions to make your professional wardrobe complete.

Shirt

You can’t go wrong with a classic white, long-sleeve, collared shirt. It’s professional. It’s conservative. Plus, it takes all the guesswork out of picking a matching tie. Keep it clean and pressed and buttoned all the way up. And be sure to wear a clean white undershirt. Revealing your nipples when the jacket comes off is a major fashion DON’T.

Tie

Again, simple and classic is your best choice: a silk tie in a full-Windsor knot. Avoid super-wide or super-skinny ties, unless a) you are wearing a zoot suit, or b) you want to look like a reject from an Ah-Ha video. Choose a solid color or subtle pattern that complements your suit color. The key word here is subtle. Sure, you have a great sense of humor, but leave the Family Guy tie at home.

If you are in a more progressive industry, like advertising or fashion, you can take some liberties with your shirt and tie color combos. Just make sure you are wearing the look, and the look isn’t wearing you.

Shoes and Belt

We hate to tell you this, but women are right: shoes are important. Believe it or not, there are corporate recruiters out there who base their first impression entirely on your shoes. Guys who pay attention to their shoes look like they’ll pay attention to details at work. So keep them clean, polished and conservative. (This is not the time to rock those snakeskin Kenneth Coles.) Stick with dark shoes. Black ones with laces are best. And don’t forget to wear dark socks that are high enough to cover your leg when you sit down. Belts are easy — pick a nice, neat leather one that matches your shoes and has an inconspicuous buckle.

Etc.

Nix all jewelry, except for wedding or college rings. If you normally wear earrings, nose rings, eyebrow rings, tongue studs or anything else that would give your grandmother a heart attack, take it out. And cover up your tattoos.

Also, empty your pockets of any jingling coins, car keys, or other unsightly bulges. (Seriously — do you want the recruiter staring at your crotch through the entire interview?)

Carry your resume and a notepad in a small leather portfolio, notebook or briefcase. A backpack says “Hey! I’m in high school!” A messenger bag puts you in college. But a briefcase or portfolio says you’re a professional.

Get a haircut, hippie!

Don’t overlook good grooming. Nothing says “productive member of corporate society” like a neat haircut, a fresh shave, and clean well-trimmed fingernails. Keep cologne or aftershave to a minimum (or better yet, skip it altogether). Do not, however, skimp on the antiperspirant. This is a stressful situation, and bad body odor is a disturbingly common complaint among recruitment consultants.