Like it or not, the clothes you wear to various related medical school interviews invite snap judgments that are hard to overcome, no matter how well you acquit yourself as a conversationalist and thinker. How many speakers, lecturers, and professors can you mention that repeats the same set of clothing during your class sessions? Even the USMLE review attendees are very observant – they can tell who and what day a specific blouse had been worn. It is just human nature to judge people according to what they wear on certain situation and occasions. Observation is one skill that most aspiring and well-experienced doctors can do very well. Practice makes perfect and it is best to start dressing up like a professional even during USMLE review sessions.

Gold chains or pinkie rings alone may screen out a male before a word is spoken and a female wearing pink patterned hose is also jeopardizing her chances. Dark or neutral colors, natural fabrics, appropriate footwear in tip-top shape, and the judicious use of scent combine to make a positive impression virtually anywhere. Below are the best interview clothing choices:

• Suits. Unless you're interviewing in a field where a suit would look out of place, wear one. At most places, an open-collar shirt and jacket may be fine for day wear down the line, but not when you need to make a good first impression. Natural fabrics in solid dark blue or grey suggest authority and quality, while all but the most subtle of patterns are risky. Also make sure your suit hasn't got out of style: three-piece suits were the fashion in the Eighties but would not look so spiffy today. In any case, it must be perfectly clean and pressed, spots and wrinkles leave a poor impression. This does not apply to USMLE review sessions of course, but keep your casual outfit clean and you are good to go.

• Shirts. As a rule, the simpler the better in conservative environments – no bright colors, no patterns, no French cuffs, no monograms. White or pale blue are preferred choices for color and you can't go wrong with a 100 per cent cotton fabric – preferably laundered with medium starch.

• Ties. In general, now is not the time to use your tie as an expression of your individuality. To play it safe, choose the traditional silk tie in relatively muted colors and patterns like foulard, stripes, paisley, or solid. It may also be wise to avoid ties with images and designer logos.

• Socks. These are easy. Choose a color that coordinates with your suit, usually black, dark gray, dark brown, or dark blue and make sure they're long enough not to expose bare skin when you're sitting or crossing your legs.

Shoes. Wing-tips or slip-on dress shoes in black or brown leather are the classics. Avoid any dress shoes with thick rubber soles. As important as the style is the condition. Shoes should be newly polished and heels should not be visibly worn down.

• Jewelry and Cologne. With either of these optional accessories, less is more. Limiting jewelry to a wedding band is the safest choice. As for cologne, splashing on too much can be the kiss of death. Confine any scent to a subtle aftershave, used sparingly.

Yes, dressing is personal and a way of expressing yourself, but clothing yourself for a job interview often requires a measure of compromise, especially in traditional medical fields. Even if the medical profession is of the type known for breaking the mold, traditional dress code included, you'll need to sharpen up – a jacket or tie need not be from Brooks Brothers to look smart and in good taste. As I have said, practice makes perfect so get used to being snappy even during USMLE review sessions.