With career fairs and interviews just around the corner, it’s time for students to think about upgrading their wardrobes.

“You only get one chance to walk up to somebody and shake their hand and impress them,” said Dave Swanson, manager of Moorman Clothiers, 226 Main St.

But where to begin? Most students have hardly ever worn a suit, much less bought one.

“That’s what we’re here for,” Swanson said. “Very seldom does a young man walk in here and know what he’s supposed to be buying.”

That’s the advantage of going to a specialty shop.

“Instead of having a cashier, to have somebody that personally helps you,” said Susan Hart, co-owner of Teal & Tenacious, 314 Main St.

For women in an interview situation, said Sara Weyer, co-owner of Teal & Tenacious, she recommends that students stay away from bright colors or short-lived trends.

“For a job interview, wearing really trendy things would not be advised,” Weyer said. “What we would steer them toward are conservative colors — a nice business-looking jacket or sweater.”

For men, Swanson said, there are several options for suits, from gray to charcoal, and with or without pinstripes. Any dark-colored suit will do; it doesn’t have to be black.

“I think there’s too much of an over-emphasis on solid black,” Swanson said.

Then the flare comes from the shirt and tie.

“Where a guy will really get his personality is in the necktie and the shirt that he picks out,” Swanson said.

Some of what students need to create an outfit, they may already own.

“A lot of students are on a limited budget, so [they should first] look at what they have in their closet,” Weyer said.

But if they need to make a new purchase, students should think of it as an investment in something they’ll be able to wear years down the road, Swanson said.

After all, formal fashion doesn’t change all that quickly.

“As far as suits go, things have stayed pretty constant in the last 15 years,” Swanson said.

Minor trends come and go, such as narrower lapels and ties, but essentially, a suit is a suit.

“A black suit today was a black suit 30 years ago,” Swanson said.

If students can, he said, they should spring for something quality with the intent of keeping it and wearing it for a long time.

“I don’t know that price is so important as making sure the right suit is the right suit,” Swanson said.

Apparel for women isn’t quite as stable.

“Women’s style will change, and you can look really dated if you’ve got something on that’s 10 years old,” Weyer said.

So by opting for a traditional look when buying, students can ensure that they’ll be able to wear it for years to come.

“As long as it’s in a traditional cut, you’ll be able to wear it longer,” Weyer said.

If you’re still not sure, just ask. Both shops have experienced salespeople who pride themselves on service.

“Service, to me, is making sure the garment fits, making sure that they have the right color on … making sure the suit fits 100 percent when they leave the store after it’s been altered,” Swanson said.