Admittedly, looking for work most definitely is work. The soul searching, networking and flashes of panic that go along with any job hunt are not fun. But, finally, here's something that is. Shopping! To prep for the interview, you have to  strike just the right note between conservative and edgy. So, what to wear? Classic, updated pieces such as pencil skirts and wide-legged trousers with a coordinating softer jacket are a place to start. "It's not always necessary to wear a tailored suit," says Allison Berlin, a Manhattan-based stylist and founder of Style Made Simple.net, a fashion consulting company. "The trick is to find classic pieces that come off as modern and fresh." Infuse a little personality into your overall look with your blouse or shoes. And while you're shopping, remember there's lots of controversy over hemlines and necklines in the business world these days. Even if you've got the cutest figure ever, better to keep it modest.

"No-no's include anything super short, super long, super tight or super anything," says Berlin. As a rule, skirts should come to the top of your knee, no more than an inch or two above. Make sure that the buttons on your blouse don't pull and when wearing a shear blouse, don't forget the camisole. The golden rue: "If you're questioning it when you're getting dressed," Berlin says, "don't wear it."

When it comes to accessories, fight the urge. Unless you're interviewing for a job at a funky art house or button-down tech company, it's best to keep your bling in your jewelry box. If you must, wear a small stud earring and a simple necklace. Stay away from jewelry that doubles as a conversation piece—no cocktail rings, chandelier earrings or bangle bracelets that clang when you gesture. Keep the cap on your perfume bottle, too.

With make-up, neutral colors are best. No smoky eyes, no shimmer, sparkle or glossy lips. Marylisa Diaz, a make-up artist at the Julien Farel Salon on Madison Avenue in New York City, suggests eyelids covered in a flat, neutral base color that's a shade lighter than your skin tone. "The eyes are the window to your personality," Diaz says. "You want them, not the make-up, to be the focus." Use a high-quality mascara (Diaz likes Yves Saint Laurent Volume Effect Faux Cils' Luxurious Mascara, $26.) and powder liner on the top lid only. Avoid heavy foundation. Instead, Diaz suggests using tinted moisturizers and a powder base, such as bareMinerals (available at Sephora.com), made of crushed minerals that can be brushed on.

When it comes to hair, stick with a classic look with the length somewhere between the chin and the shoulder. Avoid getting your hair cut less than two weeks before your interview if you can help it. If you want to have it professionally blown straight, do it the day before your meeting. It often looks better the second day. Color is very important. For blondes, shades of butter vs. platinum. And for brunettes, reddish or warm browns vs. ash, which can appear green under certain lights.

Finally, splurge on a power piece. Whether it's a great suit, shoes, underwear, bra or lipstick, find something that makes you feel invincible. When you look put together, people will think of you as someone who is super capable and competent. You've paid attention to the details, and that's what your new boss will love about you.

What to Wear

The conservative pinstripe may be perfect for a Wall Street interview, but it's decidedly unhip if you're seeking a spot in high-tech. Here, industry-by-industry advice from Working Mother fashion editor April Zdrilic-Shen and from Brenda Kinsel, author of Brenda Kinsel's Fashion Makeover: 30 Days to Diva Style!

Financial (think power suit)

The power suit has softened—a jacket and matching skirt or pants in menswear fabrics is in. Look for feminine pockets on the jacket or interest in the sleeves to keep it from being too serious. Mix up the fabrics and patterns a bit. Try pinstripe pants with a tweed jacket. Keep accessories to a bare minimum. Handbags? Only classics need apply.

The Power Piece: The perfect-fitting suit. The jacket shape should be modern (a preferred silhouette is a peplum or princess-seam style) and no longer than the upper hip—a jacket that's any longer looks dowdy and will dwarf you.

Designers and stores to consider: Nordstrom, Express, Macy's, Lafayette 148 New York, Jones New York, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Liz Claiborne Inc. and Sisley. For amazing shirts, try Anne Fontaine.

Fashion/Beauty (think uptown funk)

Shoot for standing out in colors, textures and patterns. You want to look three steps ahead of everyone else. Try skinny pants with a fluid blouse—chiffon or silk with some detail at the neck and volume in the sleeve—and finish the look with a fitted man-tailored vest worn buttoned. Handbags should be bold and glossy. No plunging necklines! High heels are a must, but go with round-toe, peep-toe pumps or ankle boots.

The Power Piece: They'll be judging your handbag and your heels, so make 'em hits.

Designers and stores to consider: INC International at Macy's for trendy pieces. Mix some H&M in with classic items. Also try Michael Kors, L.A.M.B., Tibi and Rebecca Taylor.

Ad Agency (think classic but with flair)

High-waisted, full-cut trousers in a menswear stripe with a feminine white blouse that sports great detailing and a black cropped jacket make an ideal ensemble. Don't let the handbag get sloppy. No hobos! Go light on the accessories, but don't forget them, either. Try a bangle bracelet or a multiple-strand beaded necklace in a bold color.

The Power Piece: Great handbag and belt. These are two places you can let your personality shine through.

Designers and stores to consider:Chaiken, alice + olivia for pants. Simply Vera at Kohl's, Black Halo, Adam + Eve, Eskell, Tahari and Theory offer great modern cuts in pants and jackets.

Academic (think classic casual)

You want to be taken seriously, so consider colors in the darker tones or neutrals. No lime green or hot pink. The fabrics and silhouette should be modern and sophisticated. Shoes should be comfortable and conservative—no Jimmy Choos!

The Power Piece: A well-fitting, expensive-looking sweater (read cashmere here).

Designers and stores to consider: J.Crew, Tory Burch, Armani Exchange and Isaac Mizrahi for Target.

Tech (think downtown hip)

If there's an interview situation where you can have a little fashion fun, this is it. Try a trendy T-shirt or a print blouse (stripes, flowers, paisley) with a cotton blazer-style jacket and nonmatching pants or skirt. Even a wrap dress paired with tights and boots would work well.

The Power Piece: Great-fitting pants. They'll anchor anything else.

Designers and stores to consider: Isaac Mizrahi for Target and Michael Stars, as well as vintage boutiques, for tees. Gap for jackets. Other hip designers to look for: Vince, DVF, Laundry by Shelli Segal and Adam + Eve.