Graduating seniors might want to reconsider maxing out that credit card over spring break and save a little extra cash to invest in something really worthwhile — their future.

Well, not their future, exactly. Actually, it’s a suit they should be scrimping and saving for. But don’t think of it as just some clothes.

“We tell people, ‘you have spent a lot of time and money getting an education. Why economize when you’ve come this far?'” said David Durlam, co-owner of Ames suit retailers Durlam & Durlam. “[A suit] is part of the package.”

The package he speaks of is that all-important interview that can make or break a potential job seeker.

But few college students who set out to buy a suit know the planning and detail involved. Jamie Waddingham, a senior in agriculture education, has yet to buy his suit as he prepares for interviews.

“I’ll spend about $100 because I know where I can get a suit for that much,” he said. “I’m probably only going to wear it once. I’ll just find a suit I like and buy it.”

But Durlam warns: you only get one chance to make a first impression. He said expect to spend between $300-$500, including accessories, for a man’s suit.

First impressions in this case do not necessarily mean a designer label or the latest trends, though.

According to MTV’s “Now What? A Guide to Jobs, Money, and the Real World” by J.D. Heiman, a “nice, staid, conservative suit… like blue or gray” is preferred.

Waddingham said he has been taught the “red power tie” is to accompany the traditional dark suit. For interviews, though, this may be too much.

“If you are looking for a suit for an interview situation,” Durlam explained, “buy traditional. It’s always appropriate and it stands the test of time.

“As far as appropriate business attire goes, charcoal, navy or a dark olive are all good colors [for suits,]” he said. “Stay away from anything extreme, colorwise or style-wise. Ties should be a pattern, a muted stripe or plaid.

Guys might want to dole out the big bucks for shoes. Heiman’s book says “good leather shoes are one item you should not skimp on. Invest in a good conservative pair you can wear for years.”

Is all this really worth the money? Mike Evans, a senior in athletic training, said he wonders about the quality of more expensive suits versus those off the rack.

“I want to know what’s the best quality suit I can get for my money,” he said.

With the whole “traditional” ensemble in tact, guys can expect their suit to last at least five years, Durlam said. That is, of course, if it is of good quality, well-maintained and that beer gut doesn’t grow any more.

Fit is also a concern for Evans. With his athletic build, he often finds it difficult to find pants that are comfortable.

Durlam suggested that men going to try on suits should come equipped with a dress shirt to wear under the coat and dress shoes for a more accurate fit.

Because men are more pumped-up than ever, there are suits now that have an “athletic cut,” he said. He also said to allow a couple of weeks for alterations between trying on the suit and receiving it.

Once you get the new duds home, hang them up. Don’t forget to iron your shirt before wearing it, shine your shoes and shave that failed attempt at a goatee. And downplay the jewelry. Remove those earrings (or nose-rings, lip-rings, eyebrow-rings, etc.).

A new suit and the right appearance not only wins bonus points with the interviewer, it can help the interviewee’s performance.

“Wearing the right clothes for the situation,” Durlam said, “it helps build confidence.”