Exactly. What kind of schmuck wants to look like some kind of business professional? What are you trying to do, give the impression that you put some thought into your appearance and have respect for the interviewer's time?
A suit? Get with the programme; we have a strict uniform in this game and you'd better not have the self-confidence or the sense of style to step outside the uniform. We hire people who are just like us, and don't you forget it. Monoculture and groupthink? Damn right. That's what we want.
I've worn a suit to most of my interviews, including that for my current position.
Edited to add: I am surprised at "patent leather shoes" - for daytime business attire that's neither common nor traditional (which isn't necessarily a problem, but is certainly bolder). It's also possible he didn't actually mean "patent leather".
A suit? Get with the programme; we have a strict uniform in this game and you'd better not have the self-confidence or the sense of style to step outside the uniform. We hire people who are just like us, and don't you forget it. Monoculture and groupthink? Damn right. That's what we want.