Choosing the right attire for a job interview is essential to securing a position according to Britain’s bosses, after a survey found that 37% have decided against hiring someone because of the way they dress.

The study by executive careers site TheLadders.co.uk found that the most important item of clothing male and female executives should invest in is a good interview suit. Sixty seven per cent of bosses surveyed said that an outfit should cost in excess of £300, with 94% saying an obviously cheap suit would have the candidate walking out of the door as quickly as they walked in.

In the survey senior male and female executives were asked about all aspects of the interview dress code from colours and styles to quality and investment to find the outfits that impress and depress them at interview. The results found that traditional formal interview attire says “hire” irrespective of market sector or industry.

So what attire will get you hire and fired at job interview? Here is a summary of the UK bosses opinions...

Points were scored with tailored navy suits, long sleeved shirts and black leather shoes for men, with trainers and novelty cufflinks a definite no go area. For women mid length skirts, high heels and pearls made the right impression, but it's out with bare legs, flowery patterns and sandals!

Derek Pilcher, Managing Director of TheLadders.co.uk says: “So much time is spent looking at what to communicate verbally in an interview and yet candidates often rummage at the back of the wardrobe for the old interview suit long past its sell by date. What you communicate non-verbally, your appearance, your body language, your demeanor, your mannerisms, and how you are dressed form an immediate impression with your interviewer. These first impressions are nearly always impossible to reverse or undo. Your suit sets the tone for the interview so make it the right one. ‘