What do I wear for a Bay Area legal interview?

Consider the type of employer, the location, and the industry. Your cheat sheet below:

Firm vs. company. Law firms are generally expecting you in a suit. In-house employers, in contrast, expect to see you in business casual except maybe if they are a in conservative industry.
Location. Public San Francisco companies in bricks and mortar industries may expect more conservative attire than in Silicon Valley, though hip, private San Francisco companies are expecting casual yet smart (e.g., designer jeans and nice shirts and shoes).
Industry. Wear suits for conservative industries, and business casual for tech clients, who are turned off by suits.
What is business casual? It’s the nicer stuff in Banana Republic. Men, wear an Oxford shirt, dress pants or khakis, leather belt/shoes, blazer optional. Women, you have more options, e.g., blouse and tailored pantsuit or jacket with dress/skirt. Don’t wear the 2L severe black suit/white shirt combo. Do wear shoes you can walk around in – sometimes there is a tour or a large campus to navigate.
Exceptions. If you’re not sure these guidelines apply to you, check in with a friend at the company. If you don’t know anyone there, call HR or the receptionist and ask what people are wearing for interviews.
Remember: your goal is to be remembered for your knowledge, skills, personality and polish. Your clothes need to support, not overshadow, that impression.