What to Wear to a Job Interview: A Complete Guide for Men and Women

First impressions matter—especially in a job interview, where it takes just 7 seconds for a hiring manager to form an opinion about you. Your outfit plays a massive role in shaping that impression, signaling professionalism, confidence, and attention to detail. But with varying dress codes across industries and the rise of virtual interviews, figuring out what to wear to a job interview can feel overwhelming.

Should you go full suit or business casual? What’s appropriate for a tech startup versus a law firm? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about interview attire for men and women, from researching company dress codes to choosing outfits for in-person and virtual settings.

You’ll find practical tips to look polished and feel confident. Ready to nail that first impression? Let’s dive in.

Why Interview Attire Matters

Your outfit isn’t just clothing—it’s a statement about your professionalism and fit for the role. Studies show that 90% of women feel more confident when wearing the right outfit, and hiring managers often associate well-groomed candidates with competence. A polished look shows you’ve done your homework and respect the opportunity.

But it’s not about overdressing or following outdated rules. The key is balance: dressing appropriately for the company culture while avoiding anything too casual or distracting. Get it right, and your attire becomes a silent advocate for your candidacy. Get it wrong, and you risk sending the wrong message before you even speak.

Researching the Company Dress Code

Before picking your outfit, do some detective work to understand the company’s dress code. Here’s how:

• Check the Website and Social Media: Look at the “About Us” page or employee photos on LinkedIn and Instagram. Are they in suits, blazers, or jeans?
• Ask the Recruiter: If you’re unsure, email or call to ask about the dress code. It shows initiative and attention to detail.
• Talk to Current Employees: If you have connections, ask what’s typical for interviews.
• Observe the Workplace: If possible, visit the office (e.g., for a coffee nearby) to see what employees wear.

Dress codes generally fall into three categories:

Pro Tip: When in doubt, lean slightly more formal than the company’s day-to-day attire. For example, wear a blazer to a business casual interview to elevate your look without overdoing it.

Interview Attire for Men

Men’s interview attire depends on the industry and role, but fit and grooming are non-negotiable. Here’s a breakdown of what to wear to a job interview for men across dress codes.

Business Formal

• Suit: Navy, charcoal, or grey single-breasted suit in wool or a wool-blend. Ensure a tailored fit—avoid boxy or tight cuts.
• Shirt: Crisp white or light blue dress shirt, ironed.
• Tie: Solid or subtle patterned tie in a classic color (e.g., navy, burgundy). Avoid novelty ties.
• Shoes: Polished black or brown Oxfords or Derbys. No sneakers or loafers.
• Accessories: Simple watch, leather belt matching shoes, optional pocket square.

Business Casual

• Pants: Tailored chinos or dress trousers in neutral tones (navy, khaki, grey).
• Shirt: Button-down shirt in white, light blue, or subtle checks. Tuck it in.
• Blazer: Optional navy or grey blazer for a polished touch.
• Shoes: Brown or black loafers, brogues, or monk straps. Ensure they’re clean.
• Accessories: Minimalist watch, no tie unless the role is formal-leaning.

Casual

• Pants: Dark, well-fitted jeans or chinos (no rips or distressing).
• Shirt: Polo shirt or casual button-down in solid colors or subtle patterns.
• Outerwear: Optional sweater or unstructured blazer for creative roles.
• Shoes: Chelsea boots, clean sneakers (e.g., white leather), or loafers.
• Accessories: Avoid flashy items; stick to a simple belt and watch.

Grooming Tips

• Hair: Neatly styled, trimmed if long. Short cuts or slicked-back styles work well.
• Facial Hair: Clean-shaven or well-groomed beard/mustache.
• Fragrance: Subtle cologne—apply sparingly to avoid overpowering.

Example Outfit (Business Casual): Navy chinos, white button-down, grey blazer, brown loafers, and a leather watch. Perfect for a tech or marketing interview.

Interview Attire for Women

Women’s interview attire offers more flexibility but requires careful choices to stay professional. Here’s what to wear to an interview for women, tailored to different dress codes.

Business Formal

• Suit: Pantsuit or skirt suit in navy, black, or grey. Skirts should hit at or below the knee.
• Blouse: Silk or cotton blouse in white, cream, or pastel shades. Avoid low necklines.
• Shoes: Closed-toe pumps or flats in black, nude, or navy (2–3 inch heels max).
• Bag: Structured leather tote or briefcase in a neutral color.

Business Casual

• Tops: Blouse or smart top in solid colors or subtle prints. Avoid sleeveless unless under a blazer.
• Bottoms: Tailored slacks, pencil skirt, or sheath dress in neutral tones.
• Outerwear: Cardigan or blazer to add polish.
• Shoes: Flats, loafers, or low heels in leather or suede.
• Bag: Medium-sized tote or crossbody in a professional color.

Casual

• Tops: Smart blouse, knit top, or tailored t-shirt in neutral or soft colors.
• Bottoms: Tailored pants, dark jeans, or a knee-length skirt.
• Outerwear: Optional sweater or lightweight jacket for creative roles.
• Shoes: Flats, ankle boots, or conservative sandals (no open-toe for conservative roles).
• Bag: Simple tote or backpack with clean lines.

Grooming Tips

• Hair: Neat updo (bun, ponytail) or loose but polished. Avoid messy styles.
• Makeup: Natural look—neutral eyeshadow, light blush, subtle lipstick.
• Nails: Clean, short nails in neutral polish or no polish.
• Fragrance: Light perfume—apply to pulse points, not hair or clothes.

Accessories

• Jewelry: Subtle pieces like stud earrings, a delicate necklace, or a small heirloom ring. Avoid loud bangles or oversized items.
• Focus Accessory: Choose one meaningful item (e.g., a family heirloom ring or classic watch) to boost confidence and spark conversation.

Example Outfit (Business Formal): Navy pantsuit, white silk blouse, nude pumps, pearl studs, and a leather tote. Ideal for finance or law interviews.

Download our free Interview Attire Checklist to ensure you’re fully prepared!

Seasonal and Virtual Interview Tips

Your outfit should adapt to the season and interview format to stay comfortable and professional.

Summer

• Fabrics: Lightweight cotton, linen, or breathable blends to stay cool.
• Colors: Stick to neutrals or pastels to avoid heat absorption.
• Shoes: Breathable leather loafers or pumps; avoid sandals for formal roles.
• Grooming: Use sweat-resistant deodorant and minimal makeup to combat heat.

Winter

• Layering: Add cardigans, wool blazers, or tailored coats in neutral tones.
• Fabrics: Wool, cashmere, or thicker cotton for warmth.
• Shoes: Polished boots or closed-toe shoes; avoid bulky snow boots in the interview room.
• Outerwear: Remove heavy coats before entering—store them neatly.

Virtual Interviews

• Dress Fully: Wear a complete outfit, not just a dressy top, in case you need to stand.
• Colors: Choose solid colors (navy, white, grey) to avoid camera distortion. Avoid stripes or busy patterns.
• Lighting: Test your setup to ensure your outfit looks crisp, not washed out.
• Background: Keep it neutral to focus attention on you, not your surroundings.

Pro Tip: For virtual interviews, practice your setup on Zoom or Teams to check how your outfit and lighting appear on camera.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best outfit can fall flat if you miss these details. Steer clear of these pitfalls:

• Overly Casual Clothing: No jeans, sneakers, hoodies, or graphic tees unless explicitly allowed (e.g., startup roles).
• Ill-Fitting Clothes: Avoid baggy suits, tight shirts, or skirts that ride up. Get tailored if possible.
• Wrinkled or Dirty Outfits: Iron or steam clothes and polish shoes. Use a lint roller for pet hair.
• Excessive Accessories: Skip loud jewelry, multiple rings, or flashy ties that distract.
• Strong Fragrances: Heavy perfume or cologne can overwhelm in close quarters.
• Poor Grooming: Messy hair, chipped nail polish, or unkempt facial hair undermines your look.

Quick Fix: Lay out your outfit the night before and do a mirror check to catch any issues.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Looking sharp doesn’t have to break the bank. Here’s how to build a professional interview outfit on a budget:

• Shop Sales and Thrift Stores: Check H&M, Zara, or Goodwill for gently used suits and blazers.
• Rent Outfits: Use services like Rent the Runway or Le Tote for high-quality pieces at a fraction of the cost.
• Invest in Versatile Pieces: A navy blazer, white shirt, and black shoes work across multiple interviews.
• Care for Your Clothes: Iron or steam outfits, polish shoes, and store suits in garment bags to extend their life.
• Borrow from Friends: Ask a friend or family member for a loaner suit or accessories if you’re in a pinch.

Example: A $50 thrift store suit, paired with a $20 white shirt and polished $30 shoes, can look as sharp as a $500 outfit with proper care.

Need more interview prep? Book a coaching session to stand out in any interview!

Conclusion

Choosing what to wear to a job interview doesn’t have to be stressful. By researching the company dress code, picking an outfit that fits the industry, and paying attention to grooming and accessories, you’ll walk into your interview with confidence. Whether it’s a business formal suit for a law firm or a smart casual look for a tech startup, the right attire sets the stage for success.

Avoid common mistakes, adapt to the season or virtual format, and don’t let a tight budget hold you back—there’s a polished look for every job seeker.

Ready to ace your interview? Download our free Interview Attire Checklist to ensure you’re prepared, or book a personalized career coaching session to get tailored advice for your next big opportunity. You’ve got this!