What to wear to a job interview: do’s and don’ts

Preparing for a job interview entails more than researching the company and preparing answers to common questions. Before you take a final look in the mirror the morning of your meeting, there’s a vital thing you need to do: decide what to wear to the job interview. 

Dressing for success doesn’t mean giving up your individuality. Following a few simple guidelines, you can choose professional interview attire that complements your qualifications while letting your personality shine.

Why is it important to choose the right outfit for a job interview?

We all know we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. But the reality is people tend to draw conclusions about a person’s likeability, trustworthiness, and competence within milliseconds of an introduction. And in an already stressful situation, like meeting with a potential employer, worrying about first impressions can add an extra layer of anxiety. 

Your interview attire is an opportunity to quash some unnecessary stress. On the one hand, your outfit says a lot about your professionalism and respect for the company.

You might be the most qualified person for the job, but if your clothing doesn’t match the organization’s dress code, 71% of employers say they won’t hire you. And while this experience isn’t necessarily fair, it’s the reality for many job hunters. 

But learning how to dress for an interview isn’t all about vanity and first impressions — and it’s easier than you think. By taking the time to put together a strong outfit, you can head into the interview feeling confident instead of tense.

What you wear can also influence the way you perform in the meeting. A study from California State, Northridge, and Columbia universities found that dressing up boosts cognition, improving abstract and creative thinking skills. In other words, wearing a power suit might just help you ace those tricky open-ended interview questions.

Dressing for an interview doesn’t have to be complicated or blow your budget. You probably already have what you need in your closet — it’s just a matter of pulling it together.

What to wear to your next job interview

When deciding what to wear to a job interview, women, men, and gender non-conforming folks alike have plenty of opportunities to get creative and stylish. 

The right clothes for your meeting depend on industry, company culture, and the job you’re interviewing for. You can narrow down your choices with the following steps:

1. Know your audience

Take some time and research the company you’re interviewing with. A tech start-up's clothing expectations will be very different from those of a bank or law office. With that said, you should always aim to elevate your interview outfit slightly above the organization’s typical day-to-day dress.

Your best bet is to ask about the dress code when setting the interview with the recruiter. If you forget or feel uncomfortable, check out the company’s website, social media feeds, or Glassdoor profile for information.

Even if they use stock photos of corporate life, the models’ clothes can still give you an idea of the image the business wants to present, and you can dress accordingly.

Generally, there are three professional wardrobe styles: 

Casual workplace interview 

When you think casual workplace, you probably picture laid-back, high-energy companies, like tech firms and creative agencies. You’re right — but more staid companies like Goldman Sachs have started to embrace the casual workplace trend. Some ideas about what to wear to a casual job interview include:

• Dark jeans, khaki pants, or chinos
• Blouse, button-down shirt, or polo top in a bright color or pattern
• Casual dress or skirt
• Cardigan
• Comfortable closed-toe shoes such as flats, heels, oxfords, or loafers

Business casual interview

Client-facing roles usually require employees to dress up a little more. For companies like financial institutions and engineering firms, a more professional wardrobe conveys competence and expertise to potential customers.

Consider the following for a business casual interview:

• Dress slacks, knee-length dress, or pencil skirt in black or navy blue
• Button-down shirt or blouse
• Cardigan, blazer, or suit jacket 
• Comfortable closed-toe shoes such as flats, heels, oxfords, or loafers
• Complementary jewelry that doesn’t overpower your outfit, like a simple necklace or bracelet

Business formal interview

Roles in law, accounting, finance, and the government typically require formal business attire. This environment adheres to traditional wardrobes conventions, so choose from:

• Dark business suit (navy, gray, brown, or black) paired with a neutral color shirt or blouse
• Tailored dress or pantsuit with a matching jacket
• Tie in a solid color
• Close-toed dress shoes such as wingtips, oxfords, pumps, or flats
• Understated jewelry and accessories

2. Dress one step up

Whenever there’s any question about a company’s dress code, a good rule of thumb is to err on the side of being too formal. Being a little overdressed demonstrates that you’re taking the interview seriously and are making an effort to put your best foot forward. If you’re underdressed, it could suggest to a potential employer that you didn’t care to meet expectations.

3. Prioritize confidence

Choose clothing that boosts your self-esteem and self-assurance — you want to feel as good as you look. Wear a pocket square in your favorite hue. Bring a smart briefcase or bag to carry your resume and notebook. If heels are comfortable and make you feel like a million bucks, put them on. 

4. Dress for the work environment

Consider the location of your interview. Whether you’re visiting a hot job site or an air-conditioned office, dress for the temperature. Wearing layers lets you adjust your outfit depending on whether you’re too hot or cold while maintaining professionalism. 

5. Wear something comfortable

You want the interviewer to focus on your qualifications, so don’t distract them by wearing clothing that requires constant adjustment. Breathable fabrics, good tailoring, and silhouettes that allow a full range of movement will help you concentrate on what you have to say.

6. Look sharp

You want your interview outfit to reflect your care for the job. Create a pulled-together look by ironing your clothes and polishing your shoes before heading out. While it might be tempting to wear a linen suit to a job interview in the summer, the material tends to wrinkle, giving you a rumpled appearance. Stick to crease-resistant fabrics wherever possible.

7. Don’t leave it to the last minute

Save time and stress by taking your complete ensemble out of the closet the day before your interview. Hang it up and check for stains, tears, or missing buttons. Prepping early also gives you ample time to choose your accessories and press and polish your outfit for the greatest impact.

8. Be yourself

An employer isn't just hiring you for your wardrobe or qualifications — they're getting the entire package. Find ways to let your personality show through, even if you're interviewing for a formal workplace (without going overboard). This could be a tie clip, bright socks, or your grandmother's favorite broach. You never know: a fun accessory might kick off an interesting conversation.

What to wear to a Zoom job interview

Virtual interviews have become the norm, and it’s important you treat these with the same professionalism as an in-person meeting. Even if it feels like a more casual environment, appropriate interview attire is still required, so don’t skip out. Along with the above suggestions, you should also consider:

• Choosing colors that stand out: The last thing you want to do is fade into the background — go with something classic like black, gray, tan, navy, or olive that contrasts against your surroundings. Bolder colors are OK if they don’t clash. 

• Putting on a complete outfit: Even though you're only seen from mid-chest up, wear a complete outfit just in case you need to grab something during the interview and to feel more put together.

• Wearing shoes: No one will see your feet, but wearing footwear can put you in the right mindset for your interview.

• Being prepared: Test your outfit on camera beforehand so you can adjust your garments if necessary.

9 extra tips for interview attire

Remember, fashion is all about the details. Here are a few more things you can do to guarantee you dress for success:

1. Choose a hairstyle that’s neat and off your face. This will help you to avoid playing with your hair during the interview.
2. If you plan to wear heels, bring a pair of walking shoes for your commute to avoid being uncomfortable during the interview.
3. If you have a beard, make sure it looks neat before the interview.
4. Funky socks are acceptable as part of a casual interview outfit, so long as they match.
5. Finish off your outfit with a matching belt to pull the look together.
6. Research company policy on tattoos and piercings. If it’s unclear, take the conservative route and cover up or remove them for your interview. 
7. No matter how relaxed the atmosphere is, stick to smart casual for an informal interview. That means a collared shirt instead of a T-shirt and slacks or a skirt instead of jeans.
8. You want to turn heads, but not so much that it detracts from what you’re saying, so avoid sacrificing professionalism for trendiness when picking an outfit. A classic silhouette and neutral colors are always on point.

5 fashion faux-pas to avoid

Remember: clothing has the power to shape first impressions. Here’s what not to wear to ensure the success of your next interview is based on your skills, not your outfit:

1. Strong perfumes or colognes: Many workplaces recognize allergies and opt for a scent-free environment. Leave the fragrance at home to ensure everyone’s comfortable and safe during your interview.
2. Clothing that violates dress policy: If possible, research the company’s policy regarding attire before your interview. Be sure to pick an outfit that demonstrates you have the know-how to dress appropriately for the role.
3. Statement jewelry: Don’t distract your interviewer with loud, bold jewelry. Keep accessories tasteful and understated — there’s plenty of time to get funky after you land the job.
4. Clothing in need of mending: Take a close look at your outfit. Are there any rips, strained seams, or pilling? And don’t forget to check for noticeable yellowing and stains. 

Ace your interview 

Knowing what to wear to a job interview may seem like a small thing, but your clothes say a lot about you. Along with a top-notch cover letter and a killer resume, a smart interview outfit is an essential part of your job search toolkit. Your look should exude as much competence, dedication, and passion for your work as the application that got your foot in the door.

Even if you’re applying to an internal posting, your chosen clothes will help you stand out. It’s your future on the line — so give your appearance more than a passing thought.