Your outfit choice for a job interview is extremely important. Along with your qualifications and interview answers, your attire creates an impression of you in the interviewer’s mind. Dressing professionally shows you are serious about the role, while sloppy attire conveys disinterest. Follow these do’s and don’ts when deciding what to wear to your next interview.
Do’s for Men
Wear a Suit
The standard and safest interview outfit for men is a two-piece suit, ideally in a dark color like black, navy or charcoal gray. A suit projects an image of professionalism and competence. Stick to conservative suits in traditional cuts, saving trendy styles for non-interview wear. Make sure the suit fits well and leaves only about 1/4 inch of shirt cuff visible.
Opt for a Long-Sleeve Dress Shirt
Pair your suit jacket with a long-sleeve collared dress shirt. White and light blue shirts are classic choices that pair with any suit color. Make sure the shirt fits properly through the shoulders, sleeves and collar. Keep the top button open or fastened, based on your preference.
Choose a Subtle Tie
A tie pulls your interview outfit together and finishes the suit look. Go for a tasteful, simple tie in a color and pattern that complements your suit and shirt. Stick to tie widths between 3 1/4 to 4 inches. The tip of the tie should fall to around the top of your belt.
Wear Dark Dress Socks
Socks are an often overlooked part of men’s interview attire. Opt for dark dress socks in black, navy or a color that matches your suit. They should be calf-high so no skin is visible when you cross your legs. Avoid cotton athletic socks.
Shine Your Dress Shoes
A polished pair of lace-up dress shoes completes your interview look. Black and dark brown are shoe colors that match any suit. The shoes should be comfortable for walking yet professional looking, with a low heel and minimal detailing. Make sure to shine them before your interview.
Do’s for Women
Choose a Suit or Coordinated Separates
For women, a suit or coordinated separates like a skirt or pants with a blazer are safe interview choices. Opt for neutral colors like black, gray, navy or tan. The pieces should fit properly and be work-appropriate, not overly tight or revealing.
Consider a Dress or Skirt Set
A dress and jacket set or matching skirt and blazer combo can make great interview outfits for women. Choose conservative knee-length skirts in dark colors. Pair them with a blouse or light sweater to complete the look.
Wear Neutral or Dark Hosiery
Sheer nude or black pantyhose nicely finish an interview look with a skirt or dress. Make sure hosiery doesn’t have runs and fits skin tone. If wearing pants, dark trouser socks or tights work well. Avoid flashy colors and patterns.
Select Closed-Toe Shoes
Opt for either pumps, loafers or low kitten heels in black, nude or navy, no more than 3 inches high. The shoes should tie the outfit together, not pull attention. Make sure they are comfortable since you’ll be on your feet part of the interview.
Carry a Portfolio
Bring a classy portfolio, folder or briefcase to hold your resume, notepad and pen during the interview. This gives you something to do with your hands and is also practical. Avoid oversized bags or purses.
Don’ts for Men
Avoid Shorts or Jeans
Steer clear of denim, shorts, sweatpants or other casual pants for interviews. Even if the workplace dress code is casual, show you are serious by wearing a suit. Shorts expose too much leg, while jeans lack the polish of dress pants.
Don’t Wear Leisure Shoes
Sneakers, sandals, tennis shoes or hiking boots are too casual for interviews. Loafers, dress boots or leather shoes work best. Make sure laces are clean and tied. Avoid shoes that are dirty, scuffed or untied.
Leave off Novelty Ties or Socks
Resist the temptation to wear socks or ties with loud colors, distracting patterns, logos or slogans. These overly casual or humorous accessories detract from projecting a professional image. Stick to ties and socks in muted, tasteful colors and patterns.
Skip the Backpack
Bringing a backpack, gym bag or computer case to an interview looks immature, like you just left school. Use a portfolio, padfolio or nice laptop case instead. If wearing a backpack can’t be avoided, opt for a simple, adult-looking one.
Remove Nose or Facial Piercings
Nose, lip and eyebrow rings or studs are not professional accessories for interviews. Remove all facial piercings before meeting with the hiring manager. If needed, flip up a subtle nose stud into the nostril or replace a lip ring with a small clear spacer.
Don’ts for Women
Avoid Low-Cut Tops
Stay away from low-cut, tight or revealing blouses and tops that are overly sexy. Cleavage, midriff and shoulders should be covered. Instead choose professional button-downs, blouses, shells or knit tops to tuck into pants or skirts.
Don’t Wear Short Skirts or Dresses
Hemlines for interview attire should hit just above or below the knee, not higher. Micro-miniskirts and extra short dresses can appear inappropriate and show too much leg when sitting down. Opt for a more conservative length.
Skip the Stilettos
While acceptable for a party, super high stiletto heels are too flashy for conservative workplaces. Shoes with a 4-inch heel or higher can look unprofessional and be uncomfortable to walk in. Opt for lower pumps, wedges or modest heels.
Resist Ultra-Trendy Styles
Avoid interview outfits with bold patterns, overly bright colors, sheer fabrics or loud embellishments. Whilefine for weekend wear, bold fashions can come across as unprofessional. Stick to timeless classics in muted or neutral hues.
Don’t Wear Too Much Jewelry
Overdone accessories like dangling chandelier earrings, stacked bracelets or noisy bangles distract the focus from you. Limit jewelry to conservative pieces like studs, small hoops, a watch and simple necklace. Avoid wearing more than 3 rings.
Key Accessories for Men and Women
Certain accessories polish any interview ensemble without going overboard. Prioritize these subtle finishing touches when dressing for your interview:
Nice Watch
A watch signals punctuality and professionalism. Pick a quality leather or metal band watch, avoiding casual plastic sports watches. Set your watch to the correct time.
Portfolio, Padfolio or Briefcase
Carrying a padfolio, portfolio or briefcase conveys preparedness. Use it to neatly hold resumes, paper and pens. Women might prefer a portfolio while men can opt for a briefcase.
Minimal Jewelry
Women can wear post earrings, a delicate necklace and wedding/engagement ring. Men can opt for a watch, wedding ring and simple cuff links with a dress shirt. Avoid bulky, noisy pieces.
Neat Hairstyle
Groom hair neatly before the interview. Men should trim facial hair short or shave. Women should tidy hair away from the face. Hair should look fresh, not disheveled.
Clean Shined Shoes
Make sure interview footwear is professionally appropriate, clean of debris and freshly shined. Scuffs or salt stains detract. Shine black or brown leather shoes.
No or Minimal Cologne
Limit fragrances to light scents or forgo cologne and perfume altogether. Interviews are often in close quarters, so strong scents can overwhelm. Apply lightly or skip altogether.
Dressing for Job Interview by Industry
While most of the above tips apply broadly, some industries call for more tailored interview attire. Use these additional pointers when dressing for interviews in specific fields:
| Industry | Interview Attire Tips |
|---|---|
| Law | Men: Opt for most formal suit options, like navy or charcoal with a white shirt. Women: Wear suit sets with blazer and knee-length skirt or dress. |
| Finance | Stick to dark navy or black suits with white shirts. Subtle pinstripes and stylish accessories like a watch can work. |
| Creative | Dark jeans and a blazer can work in creative fields. But if unsure, wear a suit. Cover tattoos and remove piercings. |
| Healthcare | Scrubs are ideal, or wear a dress, skirt or dark pantsuit. Closed toe shoes a must. Avoid dangly jewelry. |
| Tech | Dark jacket and pants or skirt suffices, possibly with subtle patterns. Casual footwear like loafers can sometimes work. |
| Sales | Stick to two-piece suits in navy, black or gray. Avoid flashy accessories. Well-groomed appearance key. |
What to Wear for Video Interviews
With virtual and video interviews now common, your visible attire choices are still important even from home:
Dress in Professional Bottoms
Even if your interviewer will only see tops, dress professionally on bottom too in case you must stand. Wear dress pants or skirt rather than casual shorts or leggings.
Nice Blouse or Collared Shirt
Pick a tucked-in blouse, dress shirt or sweater in neutral solids or subtle pattern appropriate for an office. Pass on graphics or slogans.
Simple Earrings and Accessories
Jewelry and accessories on camera should be understated. Stick to simple earrings, necklace, rings and watch.
Neat Hairstyle and Makeup
Groom hair off your face and opt for simple makeup. Look polished, as your face and hair will be spotlighted on video.
Limit Distracting Backgrounds
Interview in a clean, distraction-free setting, not your bedroom. A plain wall with table below camera eye level can work nicely.
Trial Run Your Outfit
The best way to feel confident in your interview outfit is to test it out ahead of time. Here are some tips:
Wear It Around the House
Put on your full interview outfit a few days prior including shoes, suit, jewelry, bag, etc. Wear it around the house to test comfort and mobility.
Check for Wrinkles
Make note if your outfit wrinkles easily as you move and sit. If so, consider steaming it again right before the interview.
Get an Outside Opinion
Model your chosen interview look for others to get objective feedback. Ask if it conveys professionalism for the industry and role.
Take Test Photos
Use your phone to take test pictures posing in your outfit. Check if it appears flattering yet appropriate.
Make Adjustments
Tweak your outfit as needed based on fit, wrinkling, feedback and test photos. Better to identify issues now than right before the interview.
Conclusion
Acing the interview attire portion is easy with the right preparation and wardrobe. Follow these dos and don’ts to project just the polished, professional image you want. Show you are serious about the job by dressing for success. Avoid distracting mistakes by choosing versatile, well-fitting options in muted suits, dresses or separates. With the right interview ensemble, you’ll be ready to make a strong first impression.
