By Chron Contributor Updated June 04, 2021
Finding professional interview clothes can be difficult if you're a plus-sized man or woman. You may have to shop beyond mainstream stores for wardrobe selections -- for instance, at online boutiques, thrift stores and shops that specialize in plus-size clothing. But the extra effort is worth it, since ultimately you're making a wise investment in the future of your career. Regardless of your size, choose stylish, well-fitting clothes, so you'll look and feel your best on your interview.
Plus Size Interview Outfits
Plus-sized people should wear the same business attire as any other candidate. The employment website Indeed recommends doing some research on the company dress code. For an office position, a suit is appropriate for both men and women. Men should wear a tie; women should wear a modest blouse with a skirt suit or pants suit. Dress shoes should complement your ensemble. For men, a black leather lace-up shoe is a good choice. Women should opt for a shoe with a closed toe and mid-height heel.
An Outfit That Fits
When shopping for an interview outfit, choose pieces that fit your body; don't choose based on a specific number size. The most important thing is that your clothes fit comfortably and are not too tight or too loose. You should be able to button your buttons and zip your zippers, and sit and walk easily without your clothes scrunching or bunching or riding up. Try on your outfit before the interview. If you find yourself constantly adjusting the fit, pick something else.
For Your Shape
Plus size interview outfits should complement your shape. Women who are wide on the bottom with a proportionally smaller waist and top do well in mid-calf pencil skirts or high-waist pants (with a blouse tucked in), for a slimming effect. Women who are bigger on the top than on the bottom can try tailored blouses with slacks or flowing skirts, to give their body shape a more uniform look. Long blouses or dresses cinched in the middle with a wide belt would accentuate both body types.
For plus-sized men, a buttoned vest underneath a suit jacket could fashionably camouflage a large mid-section. For both sexes, fitted blazers are slimming as well. Try to accentuate what you like about your body. Don’t wear extremely loose fitting clothes to cover up your size, as that will only make you appear larger than you are.
Colors and Patterns
Balance is important for a successful interview outfit. Don’t wear all black because you’ll look like you’re in mourning -- but don’t wear all bright colors either, because you’ll look like you’re going to an Easter luncheon just after the meeting. For the staple pieces of your outfit, such as your pants, skirt and jacket, opt for more neutral colors, like navy, forest green, tan, white, burgundy or brown. Save flashes of bright color for your accent pieces, like an electric blue shirt under a navy blue suit and vest, or a bright yellow blouse tucked into a khaki brown pencil skirt.
Belts, ties, scarves, and pocket squares can also be used to add splashes of colors. As for prints and patterns, do not wear them on your bottom half, as they will make you appear wider than you are; the same goes for horizontal stripes.
Your First Impression
Remember that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. The Wall Street Journal stresses the importance of choosing plus size interview outfit that's appropriate to the position you're applying for, and one you feel confident in. Take time for personal grooming as well, including a neat hairstyle and manicured hands.
FAQs
Plus-sized people should wear the same business attire as any other candidate. The employment website Indeed recommends doing some research on the company dress code. For an office position, a suit is appropriate for both men and women.
What to wear to an interview if you are overweight? ›
If you're deeply unhappy with how you look in a standard skirt suit, this may mean that it's worth it for you to wear something other than a skirt suit for the interview — if you're more confident and feel more professional in a dress that's been tailored to your measurements (check out our round-up of bespoke dresses ...
What should a plus size person wear to an interview? ›
Key Elements of Plus Size and Curvy Interview Outfits
Opt for well-fitted blazers, tailored trousers, or pencil skirts that accentuate your curves in a sophisticated manner. A structured blazer can instantly elevate your look, giving a polished and put-together appearance.
How to dress professionally when you are plus size? ›
Avoid oversized pieces in a professional setting; instead, focus on well-fitted clothes that accentuate your best features. Tailoring can adjust off-the-rack items to fit your body perfectly, creating a sleek and polished look.
What are 5 rules for dressing for an interview? ›
Dressing for an important interview
- Dress for the position. ...
- Dress slightly more formally than required. ...
- Pay attention to fit and comfort. ...
- Lean toward conservative colors. ...
- Accessorize with care. ...
- Maintain a polished appearance. ...
- Consider scent sensitivities.
Shirt dresses are a great option for interviews, giving a smart and professional appearance. You can style it with smart boots or loafers, and add some tights for extra coverage and depending on the weather.
Do interviewers care about weight? ›
No, it wouldn't affect my decision. As long as the candidate presented well it wouldn't bother me.
What size are you considered plus size? ›
According to PLUS Model magazine, "In the fashion industry, plus size is identified as sizes 18 and over, or sizes 1X-6X and extended size as 7X and up". The article continues "Susan Barone [...] shared, 'Plus sizes are sizes 14W – 24W.
How to stand out in an interview with clothes? ›
It's safest to stay away from jeans for an interview. Aim to look slightly more dressed up than the average employee. A polo, blouse, or button-down shirt paired with a sports jacket or sweater is a good business casual look. Wear closed-toe shoes, and don't wear athletic shoes/sneakers.
What dress is most flattering for a plus size? ›
A-line dresses have a fitted top and torso, then flares out at the waist in a triangular fashion. This style is truly flattering for women of all body shapes, but particularly for plus-size women – whether you consider plus-size starting at size 12, size 14, or size 16.
Opt for A-line dresses or empire waistline dresses that glide over the tummy, like this green animal wrap dress. This style has such a flattering print and a comfortable tie-waist detail that you can adjust if you're out to dinner. Finish the look with some barely-there heels and simple jewellery.
How do I accept my plus size body? ›
Consider the tips below to help you improve your relationship with your body.
- Stop comparing yourself to others. ...
- Do activities that make you feel good about yourself. ...
- Find inspiration in bodies that look like yours. ...
- Appreciate the marvelous things your body is capable of. ...
- Turn negative self-talk into positive self-talk.
Top five interview dos and don'ts
- Do your homework. ...
- Make a good first impression. ...
- Listen and respond accordingly. ...
- Prepare smart, open ended questions to ask the interviewer. ...
- Sell your strengths and expertise. ...
- Don't speak poorly about your present or former employers. ...
- Don't falsify information. ...
- Don't speak over the interviewer.
In a job market where first impressions are crucial, dressing to impress is your ticket to success. So, remember, whether you're walking into an office or logging onto a video call, it's better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. After all, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.
What color to wear for an interview as a female? ›
Our recommendation for your interview outfit here would be to choose a pant suit or skirt suit in either black or navy blue. Wear a light-colored blouse or shirt underneath. If you feel the look is too hard, soften it with a blouse and a few accessories.
Does weight affect hiring? ›
The study demonstrates that gender and weight status impact judgments of suitability for work and that the more physically demanding the job, the more likely it is that obese candidates compared to normal weight or candidates where weight status is not revealed are to less favorable assessments of suitability, and that ...
What questions to ask an obese person in an interview? ›
➢ Tell me how things would be different for you if you _______ (were at a healthier weight, etc.) ➢ What do you think would happen if your weight doesn't change? ➢ What are the most important things to you? What impact does your weight have on that?
Is sleeveless appropriate for a job interview? ›
In terms of tops, nearly anything goes. Long or short sleeves are fine, though you should consider skipping sleeveless or tank tops. Colors and patterns are also acceptable, even ones that are brighter or louder. And graphics might be OK, too, as long as there's nothing offensive on the shirt.
Is it unprofessional to wear a dress to an interview? ›
We recommend wearing business professional attire. Blazers, suits, dresses, dress pants, and dress blouses/shirts are all acceptable job interview attire, but what outfits should you avoid? Keep reading to learn what types of clothing you definitely should not wear to an interview.
