Finally receiving an interview invitation from your dream company, you're thrilled after long anticipation. You prepare your resume and interview notes, rummaging through your closet for the perfect outfit.Following various interview guides, the "cute little thing" who usually dresses in cartoons dons a solemn black suit; the "slob" who prioritizes comfort splurges on a crisp, tailored suit. However, transforming your appearance to impress the interviewer may actually affect your mental state, increasing anxiety and stiffness, leading to subpar performance.Clothes aren't just about appearance; they're part of our psychological self-image. Generally, the clothes we choose to wear reflect our ideal selves and the lifestyle we aspire to. For instance, adults who wear Crayon Shin-chan outfits might secretly wish they were mischievous children free from responsibility, while young people obsessed with Korean or Japanese culture might yearn for the carefree lifestyle of street hip-hop youth.From this perspective, the proverb "judging a book by its cover" holds some truth. Self-image recognition is closely tied to a person's sense of dignity and pride. In other words, when your clothing reflects your ideal self, you feel greater dignity and pride, leading to psychological balance and stability, and consequently more confident behavior.Additionally, research by British psychologist Dr. Penny demonstrates that comfortable clothing can relax the nerves, fostering confidence and ease. So if you tend to feel tense or are having an off day, ditch stiff, form-fitting fabrics in favor of soft, comfortable cotton or wool.Meanwhile, wearing your favorite vibrant colors can make you look radiant and full of energy. Do you want to cater to the interviewer's preferences and end up timid and hesitant, or do you want to present yourself as confidently and fully as possible? After weighing the options, a brand-new outfit might not be your best choice at this moment. (Deng Lifang, PhD in Psychology, Beijing Normal University)