17 things you should never wear to a job interview

That dress that's just a little too tight? Those shoes that have salt stains?

You want to wear your best, most-polished clothing to the interview so you can feel confident from the get-go. Don't start off on the wrong foot with clothing that doesn't feel comfortable or look presentable.

If you're taking public transportation or have a tendency to spill coffee on yourself, avoid wearing light colors, Barbara Pachter, author of "The Essentials of Business Etiquette" and business communications coach, told Business Insider.

Stained clothing is the ultimate no-go for job interview looks. Dark colors are the least likely to show stains, and are the safest bet.

Unless you're interviewing for a job in the fashion industry, you're probably going to want to keep your outfit on the conservative side.

Opt for neutral or earth tones, simple makeup and jewelry, and quiet patterns, the experts advise.

Your interview look is probably not going to put you on a street style blog, but you want to be remembered for your confidence and abilities. Not your clothes.

Even if you're interviewing with Mark Zuckerberg, you shouldn't wear jeans and a T-shirt.

Granted, if you know the whole office is ultra-casual, you shouldn't show up in a suit. But you also shouldn't be quite as low-key as the rest of them.

"You go in the middle," Aimee said. "You're not as casual as everyone else is but you're also not too formal."

If you know everyone is in flip-flops, opt for baseline casual — dark denim and a nice blouse or shirt.

Yes, athleisure is trendy, and it's crossed the over into workwear. But athleisure is still considered inappropriate in most conservative offices — and it definitely shouldn't be worn to a job interview.

Pachter suggested a light touch with your hair, nails, and makeup. It's not the time to rock your purple lipstick and super-long acrylics.

She said men might consider a nice watch and simple cufflinks.

The experts suggest leaning towards quiet colors — navy, black, gray, or brown.

Even if it's a casual office, you will want to go a notch or two above what everyone else is wearing, Aimee said.

Opt for fancy sneakers, loafers, or flats if you think dress shoes aren't right for the company.

Navy, red, gray, or a pattern of these shades are safer options, the experts say.

Black ties should only be worn for black tie events.

Store these in your bag before you get to reception area. Your future boss is going to be annoyed with you if you can't hear him or her because you're too engrossed in a podcast.

"Neither gender should show underwear, but they should wear underwear!" Patcher said.

One spray is fine. But your interviewer might be allergic to your perfume and get a sneeze attack.

Now is not the time for your coolest sneakers or your D-ring cloth belt.

Even if it's a super casual office, men should stick to a leather belt or more upscale sneakers. Don't look like you could go for a jog.

Again, err towards the conservative. Unless you know it's a casual environment, experts say women should stick to ear lobe piercings while men may want to remove them all.

Jeans are common in casual offices, but usually black jeans are the most acceptable.

Don't go with the most casual wash and cut for the job interview, or you'll appear unprofessional.

If you feel stifled by having to wear a suit for a job interview, it might be a sign that the company's environment isn't a fit for you.

"Let your personality shine through," Aimee said. "If you're interviewing for a job and you feel the attire is off-putting to you, that's a signifier that the job is not a good cultural fit for you."