Key Takeaways
- Deciding what to wear to an interview can feel overwhelming, but researching the company in advance and knowing what type of workplace it is—business casual, corporate, or creative—can help you prepare effectively.
- It’s important that you feel comfortable in your interview outfit, dress one step up from the rest of the company, and ensure your outfit has no wrinkles, pet hairs or stains.
- Do not wear overly casual clothing, distracting patterns or bright colors, ill-fitting clothes, too much cologne or perfume, or distracting accessories.
Have an interview coming up? It’s time to dress to impress—but what do you wear? While the right look will depend on the company you’re interviewing at, there are some general dos and don’ts to keep in mind. We are here to break it all down for you so you can focus on landing the job, not stressing about your fit.
How To Choose the Right Outfit for an Interview
When it comes to deciding what to wear for an interview you’ll want to keep these tips in mind:
1. Research the Company
Before you go and buy a new outfit, you’ll need to know what to wear. You can figure this out by scrolling through the company’s website or social media. This should give you a sense of what people wear at the office. Still unsure? Just ask! A simple call to the company can set you up for success. Say something like, “Hi, my name is Rachel, and I have an interview coming up. I want to make sure I dress appropriately. Could you share what the typical office attire is?”
Here are some examples of what to wear for an interview based on the types of jobs and workplaces you may be applying to:
Business Casual
Industries May Include: Marketing, tech startups, education.
A casual workplace interview can be both easy and difficult to choose an outfit for. Why, you ask? Take a step into any casual workplace and you’ll see a range of outfits—from khakis and hoodies to dress pants and button-downs. The key here is to blend some elements of formal and casual. This could include:
Knowing what to wear to an interview will help you put your best foot forward.
- Dark Jeans
- Non-Denim Pants
- Chinos
- Button Down
- Polo
- Knee-Length Dress or Skirt
- Blazer
- Blouse
- Sweater
Corporate
Industries May Include: Finance, law, consulting, corporate offices.
A corporate office will require full-on business professional attire. In this case, choosing an outfit is pretty straightforward—think sharp, structured, and professional. Here’s what to look for:
- Dark Well-Fitted Suit
- Dress Shirt
- Tie
- Closed-Toed Shoes
- Pant Suit
- Button-Down Shirt
- Knee-Length Skirt
- Kitten Heels
- Minimal Accessories
Creative
Industries May Include: Advertising, art gallery, graphic design, social media.
In a creative industry, you’ll typically notice the attire to be more fashion-forward. While employees still look professional, their outfits might reflect more personality. You’ll find that you have more freedom here when choosing your outfit, but remember to still keep it polished. Clothing options could include classic base pieces like:
- Dark Jeans
- Chinos
- Collared Shirt
- Stylish Sneakers
- Loafers
- Casual Dress
- Trendy Jeans
- Blouse
- Sweater
Now, to add some creativity to your outfit, try the following:
- Accessorize with bold colors
- Choose a pattern that reflects your personal style
- Wear a tie with a unique pattern
- Experiment with different textures
- Choose trendy jewelry that compliments, not clashes with, your outfit
2. Dress One Step Up
Once you know what you need to wear, aim to dress one step above the rest of the company. This will show that you care about the job. Now this doesn’t mean you have to show up to an interview for a laid-back startup in a three-piece suit, but it does mean putting in extra effort to look polished and intentional. If the office tends to lean more casual, opt for business casual—such as adding a nice blazer and dress shoes to dark jeans and a button down. Your goal should be to look professional, but not out of place.
3. When in Doubt, Go Neutral
You want the interviewer to remember you, not just your outfit. Choosing neutral colors like black, gray, navy, and beige always look professional without demanding the attention of everyone in the room. It is all about the right context though. A bright blue sweater at a law firm? Probably not the move. At a creative agency with bold brand colors? You’ll most likely fit right in as soon as you walk through the doors.
But if you’re ever second guessing something, or you’re still unsure about the company’s overall vibe, choose a neutral. They have a timeless look, you’ll feel comfortable in them, and most importantly, they let your qualifications do all the talking.
4. Ensure Your Outfit Is Polished
You want your outfit to look crisp and clean when you walk into the interview room. This means washing, ironing, steaming, and lint-rolling your clothes. Pet hair, wrinkles, and stains will not leave a good impression. The little details do matter—and your outfit can show you’re professional and prepared from the second you shake the interviewer’s hand.
5. Aim To Feel Comfortable and Confident
While it would be nice if we could all interview in our favorite loungewear or worn-in pair of jeans, we are talking about a different type of comfort here. First and foremost, make sure you choose something that actually fits and feels comfortable enough to wear for a couple of hours. High heels that squeeze your toes too much or a shirt that restricts your movements is not going to help you present your qualifications well. When you wear something that feels comfortable, you’ll be more confident during your interview.
6. Check for Employee Dress Code or Attire Policies
While many companies are more relaxed on presentation these days, some still have strict policies in place. In one study, 51% of employers admitted to judging candidates based on appearance, with 43% saying they didn’t hire someone because of visible tattoos and 30% rejecting candidates based on hair color. So, while times are changing, hair color and tattoos still matter to some companies. If you’re unsure about a company’s stance, politely ask before your interview to get clarity.
What Not To Wear to an Interview
There are plenty of combinations of outfit choices you can make when trying to decide what to wear to an interview, but there are some things that just don’t belong in an interview. Before you even start planning, go ahead and cross these off the list:
- Overly Casual Clothing: This means no ripped jeans, graphic t-shirts, hoodies, or flip flops.
- Distracting Patterns or Bright Colors: A little pop of color or pattern is great—but just remember, you want to steal the show, not your outfit.
- Ill-Fitting Clothes: If it’s too tight or too baggy, do not even consider it as an option.
- Too Much Cologne or Perfume: Wearing too much fragrance to an interview can be distracting and potentially leave a negative impression.
- Distracting Accessories: Aim for minimal, timeless jewelry rather than large, flashy pieces.
Dress To Impress
You were chosen for an interview because your resume and cover letter stood out to an employer. Now it’s time to show up with confidence. Trust in yourself that you are more than capable of landing the job, but don’t overlook the importance of your first impression. Follow these guidelines when deciding on what to wear for an interview and aim to look professional and polished. Once you have your interview outfit all picked out, you can focus on what really matters—acing the interview. Good luck!
Want to know where else you could be landing interviews? Use College Raptor’s Career Finder tool to explore jobs that match your major, predicted salaries, job openings, and more.
