What to Wear to Interviews Now
This was a question I recently received from a follower, and I thought it deserved a longer answer.
Summer is coming to an end, and if you are looking for a new job, you might be wondering: What should I wear to an interview now that dress codes are more casual?
The answer will depend on the company, the position, and the industry, of course. But I have a few suggestions.
Start with some research
I know you'll research the company before the interview. I also suggest researching what people actually wear to work there.
Look at the company's website, social media, LinkedIn, or photos from events. Is the environment very corporate? Creative? Business casual? Very relaxed?
You don't necessarily need to dress exactly like the employees, but this information will help you understand the culture and decide how polished your interview outfit should be.
Polished doesn't have to mean a matching suit
Even for a business-casual environment, you could wear a shirt with pants and add a blazer or jacket. But it doesn't have to be a full matching set.
Try wearing the jacket and pants in different colors. The outfit can still look polished and professional, while feeling a little more modern and creative.
And you don't have to wear only neutrals.
A blouse, shirt, jacket, shoes, or accessory in a color you love can bring some personality to your outfit. You still want the focus to be on you and what you have to say, but your clothes can also say a little about who you are.
What about a Zoom interview?
Nowadays, the first interview is often on Zoom or a similar platform.
Of course, what you wear from the chest up becomes especially important. Think about your top, color, neckline, jewelry, hair, and makeup, and also check how everything looks on camera before the interview.
But I still recommend getting fully dressed as if you were going to an in-person interview.
Getting dressed can help put you in the right mindset. And you never know if you will need to stand up during the call!
Pay attention to jewelry
Yes, wear jewelry if that is part of your personal style.
For an interview, however, I would avoid earrings that move or dangle too much, especially on video. I would also avoid bracelets or rings that make noise when you move your hands or type.
Your accessories can show personality without becoming a distraction.
Give yourself time to get ready
Wear some light makeup if you normally wear makeup, do your hair, and give yourself enough time to get ready without rushing.
The goal isn't to look like someone else. It is to look like a polished version of yourself and feel prepared for an important conversation.
For an in-person interview, think about your shoes too
I would avoid shoes such as mules that can sometimes look too casual for an interview and can also be noisy when you walk.
This doesn't mean you need to wear heels. A loafer, ballet flat, slingback, or another polished flat can work beautifully.
Choose something appropriate for the company and your outfit and, importantly, comfortable enough that you can walk confidently.
Wearing a color adds personality. The gray blazer softens the brightness of the purple. The navy pants create a beautiful color combination with the purple and form a smart suit with the gray blazer. Slingback shoes with low heels are perfect and you can always add tights if it is cold. A bonus: the shoes have texture. The large bag is perfect for work days, ensuring you are ready: it fits a laptop, snacks and what you need for the day and commute.
Comfort matters more than you might think
This is one of my most important suggestions.
Don't wear anything that you constantly need to adjust. A blouse that keeps opening, pants that feel too tight when you sit, a skirt that rides up, a jacket that restricts your movement, or shoes that hurt will distract you.
During an interview, you want your attention on the conversation. Your clothes should support you, not demand your attention.
And remember: dressing professionally today doesn't necessarily mean looking very formal. It means understanding the environment, paying attention to the details, and choosing an outfit that makes you feel polished, comfortable, and like yourself.
Good luck with your interview!
Hi, I’m Marcia Crivorot, a Personal Stylist based in NY. Once a month, I send newsletters featuring style tips, recommended brands, and a shopping guide. Unlock previous editions of my newsletters and receive my emails firsthand by subscribing.
Disclosure: Remember that I link products and companies based on their quality, my personal opinion, my experience, and my professional expertise. Some of the links in my posts are affiliate links, and if you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a small commission. The decision is yours, and whether or not you buy something is entirely up to you.