Job Interview Outfit Examples and Tips

The following are a few things to consider when deciding what you’ll wear to a job interview:

• The organization’s dress-code policy: Researching the company’s policy on dress code is an important step when deciding on appropriate job interview outfits. Some companies are more lenient with their dress codes and may even allow employees to wear jeans and T-shirts to work. However, some organizations have strict dress-code policies that more formal. Ensuring you follow the company’s dress code policy will help you leave a positive first impression on the hiring manager and aren’t eliminated from potential candidates due to your wardrobe.
• How revealing your outfit is: Regardless of the organization’s dress-code policy, avoid revealing clothing. This could include too-tight dresses, skirts, shirts, or pants, low-cut tops, or shirts that show your midriff. Also avoid clothing that is too large, baggy, or overly-casual, like sweatpants and hoodies.
• The current climate: For example, If it’s mid-summer and extremely warm outside, consider wearing cooler fabrics and a short-sleeved top. Dressing for the current climate is encouraged and ensures you’re not uncomfortable during your interview or arriving at the interview drenched in sweat.
• The role you’re applying for: If you’re applying for an upper-management or C-level position, dress business formal or business professional regardless of what the company’s dress code is. A suit and tie or a dress suit is an appropriate option. It’s important to show your commitment to professionalism when attending interviews for higher-level positions. You can always dress down according to office policy after you accept the position.

Here are several ideas for job interview outfits to help guide you when choosing your own:

Interview outfits for women

Here are several outfit ideas for women based on the preferred dress code of the company:

Business casual

• A mid-length skirt, boots, and a blazer or jacket over a neutral-colored top
• A pair of corduroy pants with a tucked-in sweater, low heels, and a matching belt
• A V-neck pullover sweater with light trousers and flats
• A solid button-down top with dark gray trousers and flats
• A sheath dress with wedge heels
• An A-line skirt with a cardigan and pumps
• A fashion jacket over a brightly-colored long-sleeved shirt with a solid pencil skirt and flats

Business professional

• An A-line skirt with a long-sleeved button-down collared top and pumps
• Trousers with a solid button-down collared top with a scarf and solid-colored high heels
• A sheath dress with a cardigan and neutral high heels
• A blazer with trousers and a natural colored-blouse with pumps

Interview outfits for men

Here are a few outfit ideas for men, organized by dress code:

Business casual

• Sports coat with a button-up top and slacks paired with leather shoes
• A button-up polo shirt with slacks and a pair of leather shoes
• A dress shirt with chinos paired with Oxford shoes
• A button-down Oxford shirt with neutral slacks and a pair of loafers

Business professional

• A suit and tie with Oxford shoes
• A dress jacket with slacks, a button-up long-sleeved shirt, tie, and dress boots
• A button-up long-sleeved shirt with a tie and chinos, paired with leather loafers
• A sports coat with a button-up collared shirt, neutral slacks, and leather dress shoes

The following are a few items of clothing and accessories that you should not wear to an interview regardless of the company’s dress code:

• Ripped clothing
• Too-tight clothing
• Revealing clothing
• Yoga pants
• Wrinkled clothing
• Jeans
• Pajamas
• Hoodies
• Shorts
• T-shirts
• Overly bright or flashy clothing
• Large or distracting jewelry
• Facial piercings
• Excessive perfume or cologne
• Excessive or overly colorful makeup
• Sandals
• Flip flops
• Tennis shoes
• Earphones or earbuds
• Hats
• Beanies
• Hoods
• Visible undergarments
• Too-short skirts
• Low-rise pants
• Low-cut blouses
• Colorful pantyhose
• Visible tattoos
• Outdated clothing
• Tacky ties

The following are several tips to keep in mind to ensure you dress successfully for your next job interview:

• Wear comfortable clothing. You don’t want to be distracted by an uncomfortable outfit during your interview. Even if the outfit is professional and sends a good impression to the hiring manager, being uncomfortable can take away from your confidence and have you itching or readjusting throughout the interview. Stick with clothing you know you can sit comfortably in for several hours at a time and avoid wearing new shoes that could potentially give you painful blisters.
• Use minimal perfume or cologne. Cologne or perfume that is too strong can be distracting to interviewers and come off as unprofessional. Use minimal perfume or cologne or forego it all together for your job interview.
• Ensure you’re well-groomed. You want to show up to your interview with a clean haircut, a freshly shaved or well-kept and short beard, no body odor, and trimmed and clean fingernails.
• Don’t forget your breath. Because you’ll be speaking a lot during the interview, take care to ensure you have fresh breath. Use breath spray right before the interview or gargle mouthwash. However, avoid going into the interview with candy, a mint, or gum in your mouth.
• Get your outfit professionally pressed. If possible, have a professional clean and press your outfit to make sure there are no wrinkles and to help preserve the crisp look throughout the interview.