I'm amazed at the comments like, "times have changed. Stuffy suits are outdated," etc. Whereas, no one will likely expect you to wear a suit and tie on a daily basis AFTER you get the job, how you dress in an interview is not only a first impression, but how important you feel the interview is and how serious you are about getting the position. It's like a first date. Make a bad first impression and you likely won't get a second date.

I still remember conducting interviews for assistant band director candidates about 30 years ago. One candidate showed up dressed in a plain shirt and slacks and said, "Knock, knock" when he entered the band hall and was heading to my office. He was also chewing gum. I decided before we even shook hands that he was NOT getting the job.

If anyone wants to comeback at me about, "writing off a potentially good candidate" or "I wouldn't want to work for you" or some other nonsense, that's fine. I was the one who held the cards, I was the one who had to make the recommendation to the administration for a candidate who would be the best fit, and I was not the one who needed a job. You don't have to be perfectly comfortable every second of your life. Be professional. Dress for success.