One study demonstrated that women who carry an expensive designer handbag to an interview are offered a higher starting salary (on average) than women who carry an ordinary handbag. Do you think these recruiters were aware the candidate’s handbag was influencing their salary offer? Recruiters often say that a woman’s clothing does not influence their hiring decision, but considerable empirical research shows that’s rarely the case.
Why does it matter...?
Beware of ‘expert’ advice on dressing for the workplace that’s not grounded in demonstrable facts. Following the advice of so-called experts – even recruiters -- can lead to unintended and disappointing consequences.

Where do you get your ideas/insight about dressing to communicate certain messages during an interview or other important events? How reliable is it?