Interview Outfits: 3 Tips for What to Wear to an Interview

In an in-person job interview, your appearance is likely the first thing your interviewer will notice about you, which means it’s your opportunity to make a great first impression. Dressing professionally and appropriately for the position can help you make the right statement.

• You can show you fit in. When your interview attire is similar to what the company’s current employees wear, you make it that much easier for the hiring manager to picture you in the role and imagine you as a new hire.
• Your clothes make it clear you did your homework. If you dress appropriately for the role, you’re showing you are familiar with the company culture and expectations in your field.
• Your outfit can reflect your interest in the position. By putting some thought into your outfit for a job interview, you’re telling the interviewer that you’re motivated to get the job and that you pay attention to details.

Your job interview outfit depends on a variety of factors. For instance, a matching suit might be appropriate for an interview at a law firm but would be awkward and formal for an interview at a beer distributor. Aim for attire that matches the types of clothing current employees wear, as this helps your interviewer picture you in the role. If the dress code for employees is casual, dressing one rank higher in terms of formality is usually a safe bet.

Your interview look can help you feel confident. Here are a few tips to help you prepare the perfect interview outfit:

1. 1. Research how current employees dress. If you’re unsure what the company culture and office dress code are like, do your research. Browse the company’s website and social media accounts to find pictures of employees at work to understand what’s appropriate and what not to wear. If you still can’t get a good sense of the dress code, don’t be afraid to ask the recruiter or human resources (HR); they can give you a sense of the company’s values and expectations or even explain the company dress code.
2. 2. Keep it neutral. While your personal style may be all about statement pieces or bold patterns, you should opt for something neutral for the interview. It can help keep the focus on your qualifications and achievements. And once you’re hired, you will likely have more freedom to incorporate bolder colors and patterns into your professional look.
3. 3. Wear clean and wrinkle-free clothes. For a tidy and professional look, make sure your interview clothes are free of stains, spots, smells, and wrinkles. This will help you look as prepared and professional as possible.

Job interview outfits vary based on office dress codes. Here are some different workplace dress codes and ideas for what to wear in each work environment:

1. 1. Business professional or business formal: Common in law offices and financial institutions, business professional or business formal is the most formal work attire. For business formal workplaces, the best interview-appropriate choice is a matching suit or pantsuit—a suit jacket and slacks in the same color—over a white button-down shirt and clean dress shoes. The safest suit color choices are dark, neutral colors like black, gray, and navy blue, rather than bright colors or patterns. A tie is customary with a business formal suit.
2. 2. Business casual: A relaxed version of traditional business workwear, business casual is common in professional offices and customer-service roles. For a business casual outfit, opt for a collared shirt or blouse with long sleeves, slacks or a knee-length pencil skirt, and professional, closed-toed shoes like loafers or oxfords. You can also wear a blazer or structured cardigan. Business casual attire does not include low-cut necklines, jeans, shorts, or open-toed shoes like flip-flops.
3. 3. Smart casual: As a more casual form of business attire, smart casual combines well-fitting, polished business wear with elements of casual attire—think blouses, polo shirts, dress shirts, chinos and khakis, dress pants, dark-wash jeans, and practical footwear. Smart casual is common in startups.
4. 4. Casual: If the company where you’re interviewing has a casual dress code—employees wear things like T-shirts, hoodies, shorts, and sneakers—a good rule of thumb is to dress one level of formality up for your interview. Opt for a smart-casual look to appear as polished and prepared as possible. Once you get the job, you can switch to more casual outfits.
   

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