You're floating on cloud nine because you finally landed the interview that could change the course of your entire career. It's an exciting moment indeed. And while your resume and cover letter obviously made a great impression, now you have to do the same. Easy, right? Yes, because you've already tirelessly researched the company - you could probably write a thesis on it. You've spent days preparing for every possible question they might ask and you're glowing with confidence. However, just when you think you’re good to go, the dilemma of ‘what to wear to an interview’ suddenly hits you.
Although this can seem like a daunting task, it's important not to get overwhelmed. Remember, the goal is to dress in a way that is both professional and comfortable. You want to make a good impression, but you also want to feel confident and at ease. So, do you wear a formal suit, or will that come across as being too rigid? On the other hand, you don't want to feel underdressed or too casual.
Ultimately, what to wear to an interview depends on the specific job, the company culture, and the type of industry you'll be working in. So, before you go out and spend money on a new fancy outfit, read our guide on how to dress for different types of interviews and industries and what to avoid when choosing your attire.
What to Wear for an Interview Across Different Environments
Dressing appropriately is paramount because – rightly or wrongly - the visual message you send affects how you’re perceived. Remember, your dress attire says a lot about your professionalism, confidence, and respect for the company. So, let's look at four work environment scenarios and how you should dress to help you make a great impression in your interview.
Video Interview Attire
Virtual or video interviews have become the norm across the employment landscape, so it’s certainly likely that you may have to prepare for one. It's important to remember that even though you're likely interviewing from the comfort of your home, it still requires the same level of professionalism and preparation as an in-person interview.
Since the video interview will only show your top half, it's essential to dress appropriately from the waist up. However, we are not suggesting that you wear pajama bottoms or (gasp) just your underwear, as you never know when you may need to shift around or get up to grab a document.
When deciding what color to wear to an interview where you'll be using a video conferencing platform, try sticking to neutral, solid colors that won't distract from your face or clash with your background. In general, your video interview attire should match the company's professionalism and feel comfortable to you.
Formal Business Interview Attire
Need help deciding what to wear to an interview in a formal setting? Think conservative, traditional, and strict dress code. If you’re interviewing for a job in sectors such as banking, finance, or law, prepare to dress in full business professional attire. While it may sound rather stiff, attention to detail in your appearance is often paramount in these industries by nature. Above all, make sure your outfit looks immaculate.
A suit is the most traditional and professional option. For men, it's best to choose a well-tailored two-piece suit in a classic color such as black, gray, or navy. Pair this with a dress shirt, conservative tie, and polished shoes.
For women, a pantsuit in a solid color or a knee length skirt suit with a blouse is a good choice. You can also complement your outfit with simple jewelry such as elegant earrings, an understated necklace, or a classic watch.
Business Casual Interview Attire
A two-piece suit may not be necessary if you're applying for a job in a more informal environment such as hospitality, retail, education, or administration. Isn't that a relief? When selecting what to wear to an interview that’s business casual, you can dress one notch below formal while still keeping it professional. You can always add a bit of personality or a pop of color to your outfit.
For men, you could wear chinos or dark dress pants, with a collared shirt and blazer. Depending on the company dress code, you may or may not have to wear a tie. But, avoid wearing jeans and shirts without sleeves or collars.
A knee-length skirt or a pair of slacks with a blouse is a smart option for women. You could also wear a fitted dress with a simple pattern and a jacket or blazer. Avoid short dresses, and when wearing tights, make sure there are no ladders or holes.
Casual Interview Attire
When choosing what to wear to an interview in a casual environment such as a start-up or tech company or in industries like entertainment and media, you can have a bit of fun. Depending on the company, you can typically dress down and wear clothes infused with your personality and style. Keep in mind, that no matter what outfit you wear, make sure you still look put together and not like you just rolled out of bed.
A casual dress code for men could include:
- dark-washed jeans
- chinos
- collared polo shirts
- simple shirts
- loafers
- sneakers
For women, you could wear:
- a pair of tailored jeans
- a blouse
- a cropped cardigan
- a casual dress
- flats or short boots
You could also choose one or two accessories that show off your personality. Also, consider adding some brighter colors without making your outfit overly distracting. Remember, although this dress code is more relaxed and comfortable, avoid looking like you're running errands or going to the gym. It's always better to be a little overdressed.
General Tips on What to Wear to an Interview for Women
Regardless of the work environment, remember these basic tips when thinking about what to wear to an interview:
- keep your outfit simple and understated
- choose colors that are classic and timeless such as black, navy blue or gray
- opt for simple and unobtrusive jewelry and accessories
- wear appropriate shoes such as closed-toed heels, flats or short boots
- make sure your hair is clean and neatly styled
General Tips on What to Wear to an Interview for Men
If you're undecided about what to wear to an interview for any business environment, follow these simple tips to make a great impression:
- opt for a suit, shirt and pants or blazer in a neutral color such as gray, navy blue or black
- make sure to wear a belt with your pants, especially with suit pants, as this helps bring your whole look together
- remember to wear matching socks
- keep jewelry and accessories to a minimum and if you have to wear a tie, choose a solid color
- wear closed-toe shoes such as dress shoes or loafers in black or brown
- maintain proper grooming and trim your facial hair or beard
Job Interview Tips for Dressing the Part
If you're still pondering the question of “What should I wear to an interview?”, go the extra mile and do some research regarding the specific company to find out more. This way, you can free up mental energy to prepare for your important day.
Consider the General Culture
Take into account the company culture when figuring out what to wear to an interview. For example, a more relaxed culture like at a tech company or startup, will likely have different expectations than a finance or law firm. Or if you're interviewing for a job in a creative field, you may be able to wear a more colorful or trendy outfit.
Research the Company's Dress Code
Look at the company's website and social media profiles as they may offer clues about the dress code policy there. If possible, visit the company's location and see firsthand what employees typically wear. This can give you a good idea of the level of formality you should aim for as well as the company's environment.
And if you know someone who works at the company or has worked there in the past, even better! They'll likely be able to tell you everything you need to know.
Ask the Interviewer or HR Representative
If you're unsure about what to wear, don't be afraid to call or email your point of contact for guidance. They will appreciate your attention to detail and respect for the company's culture.
You could ask simple questions like "How do people here typically dress?" or "What's the company's dress code?" Not only can this prepare you for the interview, but it can give you a valuable insight into the company’s expectations, which may help you decide whether or not to accept an offer when it comes.
Always Dress to Impress
If you're still undecided about what to wear for an interview, it's always better to err on the side of dressing more formally. For example, suppose the company's executives and employees typically wear jeans or casual dresses. In that case, you might consider wearing a pair of casual pants and a shirt or a pencil skirt with a tucked-in blouse.
Even when the expectations are casual, it can make you feel safer and more comfortable to show up a little overdressed, rather than the ultimate faux pas of being underdressed in a professional environment. Above all, choose an outfit that’s comfortable and reflective of who you are.
What Not to Wear to an Interview
Now that you have a better idea of what to wear to an interview, let's talk about what not to wear. Remember, the key to making a great visual first impression is to be mindful of the message your clothing choices send to your interviewer.
Ultimately, you want to communicate that you are serious about the job opportunity while showing respect for the company. While your attire will depend on the type of interview and environment, there are specific things you should always avoid, such as:
- Strong perfumes or colognes: This risks being distracting and can make the interviewer uncomfortable. It's best to choose a light fragrance or avoid wearing any fragrance at all.
- Revealing clothing: Showing off unnecessary body parts communicates that you don't understand professional norms, so it's best to choose clothing that is modest and discreet. While we’re not suggesting that you dress ultra-conservative like you just came out of the Victorian era, it’s still important that your outfit conveys your professionalism.
- Overly trendy clothing: While it's okay to show some personality and style, wearing overly trendy clothing can give the impression that you are more focused on your appearance than the job itself. It's best to stick with classic and timeless pieces that communicate professionalism and respect. A smart choice is to choose clothing that is easy to mix and match, always stays in style, and looks modern. This could include white buttoned collared shirts, sweaters in neutral colors, dark blazers, and tailored dresses.
- Loud or distracting patterns: Clothing with flashy or distracting patterns, colors, graphics, or logos can be off-putting. Instead, choose clothing with simple and classic patterns or solid colors, with labels on the inside only.
- Wrinkled, stained, ripped, or ill-fitting clothing: Showing up to your interview wearing an outfit that you just pulled out from the bottom of a big heap of clothes is a recipe for disaster. Make sure you iron or steam your outfit the night before and check for any rips or loose buttons. Also, try your outfit on beforehand - if it looks and feels uncomfortable, so will you.
- Heavy accessories or jewelry: Adorning yourself with overly ornate or flamboyant earrings, necklaces, rings, hats, scarves, or hair clips may be suitable for a party or night out at the club, but please limit these in your interview. Instead, choose simple and classic accessories that complement your outfit without drawing too much attention.
Nail What to Wear to an Interview at Your Next Opportunity
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