First impressions are lasting impressions, so your interview attire is almost as important as what you say during the interview. Finding the right outfit for the interview can be so stressful. Wearing the right clothes that fit the style of the position and company can hugely influence whether you land the job you are working so hard to get.
Here we will go over everything you should know about what to wear (and not wear) to an interview. Not only should you wear clothes that fit the company’s culture, but also comfortable ones to ensure you feel your best and are confident in your interview.
Best Outfits For Interviews
The best interview outfit depends on the position you’re interviewing for and the organization. For example, you wouldn’t wear the same outfit to interview for an executive position as a cook. Dressing to make a great impression looks different for each company, even when interviewing for similar positions.
You’ll want to do some digging to get an idea of the dress code for each organization. Does the company have a suit and tie style, or are they laid back with a more casual dress code? After some digging, if you’re still not sure of the attire for the company, call the office and ask the receptionist or the hiring manager.
The best outfit to wear to an interview also depends on you. When you feel great about the way you look, you will smile more, and your positive energy will radiate, and everyone you talk to in the interview will notice.
Understanding the dress code for the company is the first step in figuring out what to wear to the interview. No matter what you wear, it’s best always to look professional, polished, and put together. Let’s go over all the different dress code styles to help you make the best impression with any company you interview with, whether formal or laid-back casual.
Professional Business Attire
Many times when going to an interview, you will want to wear professional business attire. If you are unsure of the company dress code, it’s safe to go with this style. It’s best to wear some color but not be too flashy as you want the attention on what you say rather than your outfit. Business attire looks different for men and women. Men might wear dress shoes, a belt, and dress shirts. Women might trousers or tights. Leather shoes are almost always the best type of shoe to wear to appear classy and professional.
For women, it could be a professional, classy dress or dress pants and a blouse. If you wear a black dress, a pop of color in your jewelry will brighten you up. Heels or ballet flats will complete your professional attire.
For men, it could be slacks with a shirt, suit jacket, and tie or a button-down and slacks. Don’t forget your slack socks and penny loafers to complete your look. Choose dark shoes that are freshly polished, like black or brown leather ones. Long sleeve collared shirts are a staple to have a few of if you’re working for a company with professional attire. If you’re not a jacket wearer, then you could wear a long-sleeve button-down with a nice sweater over it.
Business Casual Attire
Business casual is the most popular dress code style within companies. If you decide to wear business casual attire to an interview, keep in mind that that does not mean a t-shirt, jeans, and flip-flops. Some companies have a business casual dress code but no jeans, while other companies allow jeans. If you’re unsure if the company you are hiring with allows jeans or not, then it’s best not to wear them.
For men, business casual could be khakis with a button-down shirt or polo. Some companies allow clean tennis shoes, but again, if you’re not sure, don’t wear them.
Business casual for women could be a pencil skirt with a blouse, a professional but not formal dress, or slacks with a blouse and a blazer. Good shoes are flats like ballet flats or heels if you choose. Keep in mind, that dresses and skirts should always go to the knee.
Smart Casual
Smart casual is a new trendy dress code style many companies are using. It allows a more hip casual look while still looking professional. It’s the dressiest version of casual pieces and combines them with business staples that are more low-key and trendy. For example, you could wear dark-washed jeans with a stylish button-down shirt and a relaxed blazer.
Casual Attire
If the company you are interviewing with has a casual dress code, you are safe to wear a lot of the clothes you may already wear daily. You still want to make sure you look professional, though. Meaning doesn’t wear your ripped jeans and Beatles shirt to the interview. Slim fit dark-washed jeans and a nice shirt are acceptable or relaxed fit khakis and a button-down short sleeve.
While the company may let you dress more casually, you still want to dress a little more professionally during the interview to ensure you look your best.
Accessories
A polished and put-together look for women includes accessories, but you want to keep your jewelry professional and simple. Avoid chunky jewelry that may be distracting. Safe choices are stud earrings or small hoops, a delicate necklace, and a simple thin bracelet that doesn’t jingle. A nice watch always classes up an outfit.
Shoes
Wear closed-toe shoes that are clean and free of scuffs. Your shoes should be appropriate for the attire and dress code you’re aiming to achieve. Avoid bright-colored shoes, stilettos, or strapped sandals. For men, acceptable types of shoes are Oxford’s, Wingtips, Derby’s, Loafers, or Chukka Boots. If the dress code is smart casual or casual, you can typically wear a pair of clean, classy tennis shoes. No, gym shoes.
Colors
Neutral colors are best to wear to an interview. Colors like black, white, tan, and navy are great choices. You could add pops of color in accessories but nothing too loud or flashy. Remember, you want the attention to be on what you have to say and your skills rather than your attire.
Comfort
Choosing clothes that are uncomfortable for an interview can be a big mistake. If you are tugging at and fixing your outfit or just uncomfortable during an interview, your attention may be on that rather than how you should best answer the interviewer’s question. So choose comfortable but professional. Try the outfit on ahead of time to ensure you feel your best in it.
What Not To Wear to an Interview
Here is a basic list of what you shouldn’t wear to an interview, no matter the company dress code.
Ripped jeans
shirts that show your mid-drift
Shirts that show cleavage
Tennis shoes
Flashy outfits or gaudy and loud jewelry
Clothes with holes or stains
T-shirts, especially ones with words or large logos on them
Perfume or cologne. You want to smell clean but keep in mind, that some scents are bothersome to others and can be intense and distracting in a small meeting room.
A lot of makeup
Long nails or neon/loud nail polish
Ill-fitting clothes
Tank tops
Dresses or skirts that are above the knee
Leggings or athletic wear
Remember your hygiene should be on point the day of the interview, including clean and trimmed nails, a clean shave, and your hair nicely combed and styled. Don’t forget to check to ensure you don’t have bad breath or food in your teeth. You only have one chance to make a good first impression, don’t blow it by missing an essential piece of your overall appearance.
Time To Rehearse
Now that you have your outfit ready, you can take any extra time to rehearse possible interview questions and answers while you are dressed for success. You can never be too prepared for an interview.
Nail Your Interview and Land Your Dream Job
Figuring out what to wear to an interview can be a daunting task. Use these tips to make it less stressful, pick the perfect attire and make you feel and look confident. Do your diligence to learn about the company, its culture, and dress code, so you know the level of professionalism and look you’re aiming to get.
Remember, you have one chance to make a good first impression. Your appearance is what the interviewer judges you by when they first see you, so choosing what to wear for the interview is extremely important. Be confident, dress comfortably, and be yourself to leave a great lasting impression and land the job you want.
Sources:
27 Most Common Job Interview Questions and Answers | Inc.com
What to Wear to an Interview to Ensure You Land the Job | Vogue