Business casual. The two words most feared by high school seniors.

As April nears, students have become inundated with interviews and college visits and they all have one mysterious dress code: business casual. The line between casual and business is a very fine one, making selecting outfits for this occasion exceptionally difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. Having attended numerous events myself, I’ve seen the range of acceptable and not-so-acceptable ensembles and have come up with some basic guidelines for looking top-notch when it’s most important.

The first ones are a bit of a no-brainer and often explicitly noted on the school’s website: no jeans, t-shirts, or sneakers. While it may be tempting to pair your Chuck Taylors with your best pencil skirt, flats are the classiest way to go. Tasteful heels are fine also, but personally, if I’m going into an interview, I’m going to be nervous enough already without having to worry about being able to walk.

So if your darkest skinny jeans aren’t going to fit the bill, what will? Typically, a modest, simple dress with a straight skirt or A-line fit will do the trick. The most important thing is professionalism, so a length that goes past your fingertips is a must, and the neckline should allow for coverage. If by chance the dress has a super cool back that just isn’t appropriate for the interview, it never hurts to throw a blazer over it. A good blazer will be your absolute best friend during interview season, so don’t be afraid to invest in one or two. They are a staple of the professional world even after high school and come in a variety of colors, shapes, and patterns. I’d suggest having at least one black one that will work with everything, but then feel free to get creative. You are going to an interview that is meant to find out more about who you are, and the first impression of that is made by your clothing, make it count.

Of course, dresses and blazers are not your only options. Depending on your personal preference or current closet collection, pencil skirts and slacks paired with a simple dress shirt are also great standbys. Length and fit play a large part here. If you choose to go the pencil skirt route, even the fabric it’s made from can make a big difference. You can never go wrong with tweeds or slacks material, but I urge you to stay away from the jersey-knit bodycon skirts. While they may be perfect for other occasions, the casual and tight fit can appear unprofessional. You do not need to go for the full Hillary Clinton pant/skirt suit, but a business styled skirt can be invaluable in your future wardrobe, as it can be paired with a multitude of dress blouses for any number of occasions. Going the dress or skirt route makes stockings a must, generally in nude tones or black. While the temps may be going into the 60s, the ultimate goal is modesty and professionalism.

Your outfit is planned out and you feel prepared for the day – but wait, accessories! Generally its best to go minimal on this front, and your best bets are most likely simple stud earrings and a bracelet or two. I generally wear a watch as well, but it is important to not get in the habit of constantly checking it, because even a glance could give your interviewer the impression that you are not interested in the conversation or feel that it is a waste of time. Hair-wise, the style is not crucial, but just make sure it appears put-together and like you didn’t roll out of bed that morning and run with it (even if you did). Makeup is also a place to keep it simple, so don’t go overboard with your best smoky eye, but rather stick to your daily routine, and you should be golden.

While it is important to appear professional and put-together, don’t let the words “business casual” bog down your creative sense of style. Putting a fun spin on basics like dressy blouses or blazers with different colors or patterns allows you to show off your personality while maintaining how serious you are about your future goals. Take a deep breath, keep your head high and shoulders back, and you will be prepared for any interview, reception, or meeting that comes your way.