Interviews are stressful enough without having to second-guess your outfit. You’ve lined up the perfect responses, done your research, and now you’re standing in front of your closet, wondering if your go-to blazer still fits. Sound familiar?
The right outfit won’t get you the job on its own, but it definitely sets the tone. You want to look polished, put-together, and like you belong in the role. And yes, dressing the part still matters—even in a world where remote work and casual dress codes are more common than ever.
So, what should you wear? Let’s break it down.
Dress for the Industry (and the Specific Company)
Not all interviews call for the same outfit. A law firm? That’s different from a tech startup. A fashion job? That’s not the same as a corporate finance role. The best way to figure out what’s appropriate? Check the company’s website, social media, or even Glassdoor reviews. If employees are in blazers and button-downs, that’s a good sign you should be too. If everyone’s in jeans, you can probably dial it back—but don’t go too casual.
When in doubt, err on the side of slightly overdressed rather than underdressed. It’s better to look like you put in too much effort than not enough.
The Classic Business Professional Look
If you’re interviewing in a formal industry—finance, law, consulting, corporate management—stick with a business professional look. That typically means:
- For women: A tailored blazer with matching trousers, a midi dress or a knee-length skirt, a blouse (silk or structured cotton works well), and closed-toe shoes like pumps or loafers. Keep accessories minimal.
- For men: A well-fitted suit in black, navy, or gray, a crisp button-up shirt, a conservative tie, and dress shoes. Avoid loud colors or trendy patterns—save those for after you get the job.
This is the safest choice when interviewing for traditional roles. Even if the company has a slightly relaxed dress code, a business professional look shows you take the opportunity seriously.
Business Casual: The Most Confusing Dress Code Ever
If the job isn’t in a strict corporate setting, business casual might be the way to go—but what does that even mean? It’s the middle ground between too formal and too relaxed, which somehow makes it even trickier to figure out.
A good rule of thumb: polished but approachable.
- For Women: Pair a blouse or a fitted sweater with tailored trousers or a midi skirt. Adding a blazer is a great way to make the outfit feel polished, but it’s not a must. For shoes, go with flats, loafers, or low heels—comfort and professionalism are key.
- For men: A button-down shirt or a fine-knit sweater with chinos or dress pants. No need for a tie, but a blazer can be a nice touch if you want to level it up. Loafers or dress shoes complete the look.
Avoid jeans (even dark ones), sneakers, and anything too trendy. Business casual still leans professional, just with a little more flexibility.
Creative and Startup Environments
Walking into an interview at a creative agency or startup can feel like stepping into a different world—one where hoodies and sneakers are the norm, and suits stick out like a sore thumb. But that doesn’t mean you should show up looking like you just rolled out of bed. The goal here is to look polished but in a way that fits the company culture.
- For women: Try well-fitted trousers or dark-wash jeans with a stylish blouse or a sleek knit top. A structured blazer or a chic jacket can pull everything together. For shoes, think ankle boots, loafers, or classic sneakers—clean and stylish, not the ones you wear to the gym.
- For men: A fitted sweater, a button-down, or even a nice turtleneck paired with chinos or dark jeans works well. Blazers or casual jackets add a refined touch without feeling too corporate. Stick to clean sneakers, loafers, or Chelsea boots.
This is your chance to let a bit of personality shine—maybe a pop of color, an interesting accessory, or a cool print. Just keep it balanced. You want to look like you belong in the industry, not like you’re trying too hard to stand out.
Remote Interviews: Yes, You Still Need to Dress Up
Video interviews have made things a little more relaxed, but don’t fall into the trap of dressing too casually. First impressions still matter, even if the interviewer only sees your upper half.
Wear what you would if the interview were in person—at least from the waist up. A structured blouse, a collared shirt, or even a blazer gives off a polished vibe. Avoid distracting patterns, oversized hoodies, or anything that looks sloppy on camera. And yes, wear pants. You never know when you’ll have to stand up unexpectedly.
What NOT to Wear to an Interview
Some outfit choices can send the wrong message before you even say a word. Even if you’ve picked something that technically fits the dress code, a few missteps can make you look unpolished or out of place. Here’s what to steer clear of:
- Clothing that looks like it needs a good ironing – Wrinkles can make even the nicest outfit look sloppy. If you don’t have time to iron, a steamer or even hanging your clothes in the bathroom while you shower can help.
- Anything overpowering—whether it’s perfume, cologne, or accessories – A statement necklace can be chic, but if it jingles every time you move, it’s distracting. The same goes for heavy scents—stick to something subtle.
- Trendy pieces that might not age well – That oversized blazer or neon-green suit might be all over fashion blogs, but will it still look good in a few months? Stick with timeless, well-fitted pieces instead of chasing trends.
- Too much casual, not enough polish – Even if the office dress code leans relaxed, save the leggings, graphic tees, and ripped jeans for another day. You want to look like you put in effort, even if the company is laid-back.
- Shoes that are uncomfortable or too casual – If you’re limping by the end of your interview because your heels are too high, or your shoes look like they belong at the beach, it’s a problem. Stick with polished, comfortable footwear that won’t steal your focus.
Final Thoughts
Dressing for an interview isn’t about impressing people with designer labels or following rigid fashion rules. It’s about showing respect for the opportunity, feeling confident in your skin, and making a strong first impression without saying a word.
When in doubt, lean toward polished and professional over casual and trendy. Pay attention to the details—clean, well-fitted clothes, appropriate shoes, and a look that reflects both the company’s culture and your personality. And if you’re unsure about your outfit, do a test run. Try it on the day before, check it in good lighting, and make sure you feel comfortable moving in it.
A great interview outfit won’t land you the job on its own, but it will help set the right tone. Walk in looking put-together, and you’re already one step ahead.