What To Wear To An Interview
What To Wear To An Interview
Wondering what to wear to an interview? The key is choosing an outfit that feels elevated, suits the company's dress code and brings out your confident side. A good rule to follow is to dress one step more formally than the company's everyday dress code, while still staying true to your personal style.
Not sure where to start? You can't go wrong with tailored pants, elevated basics, button-up shirts and classic wardrobe staples. Neutral tones like black, navy and cream are always a safe choice, while muted shades like burgundy can add a little personality to your look.
Whether you're interviewing for a corporate role, a creative position or a startup with a more relaxed dress code, we've got the interview outfit ideas to match. From business casual essentials to virtual interview looks, here's your guide to dressing for the job you want.
Business Casual Interview Outfits
Business casual interview outfits are all about finding the balance between professional and relaxed. Think tailored bottoms, elevated basics and stylish layers, with a blazer being optional depending on the workplace. It's the perfect dress code for showing a little personal style while still making a great first impression.
For an effortless interview outfit, start with a button-up shirt, a cinched top or a lightweight knit paired with tailored wide-leg pants. Midi skirts and capri pants are also great alternatives if you want to switch things up. Stick to classic shades like black, cream and chocolate brown, or introduce subtle prints like pinstripes and polka dots for a little extra personality.
Accessories can make all the difference. Try sculptural earrings, a chunky bangle or a slouchy shoulder bag to give your outfit a more contemporary feel. Finish with loafers or low heels, and you've got a look that works just as well for your first day on the job.
Your business casual outfit formula:
- Top: Button-up shirt, elevated basic or fitted knit
- Bottom: Tailored pants, midi skirt or capri pants
- Shoes: Loafers or low heels
- Accessories: Simple gold jewelry and a shoulder bag
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Corporate & Professional Interview Outfits
If you're interviewing for a role in a more traditional corporate environment, like finance, law or healthcare, your outfit should reflect the professional dress code. Think tailored silhouettes, structured pieces and classic wardrobe staples that feel elevated.
For a corporate interview outfit, you can't go wrong with a button-up shirt, a structured top or a classic blazer paired with tailored pants. Wide-leg trousers, mid-rise styles and pencil skirts are all great options, while boat necklines and subtle pinstripes add a chic touch to your look. Faux suede or faux leather pencil skirts are faves right now, and can make traditional workwear feel a little cooler.
When it comes to color, stick to timeless shades like black, navy, charcoal, cream and beige. Keep your accessories simple with understated gold jewelry, a slim belt and a structured bag. Finish with pointed-toe heels or classic slingbacks for an interview outfit that feels professional without compromising your personal style.
Your corporate interview outfit formula:
- Top: Button-up shirt, structured blouse or blazer
- Bottom: Tailored trousers or pencil midi skirt
- Shoes: Closed-toe heels or pointed slingbacks
- Accessories: Structured bag, slim belt and minimal jewelry
Creative & Startup Interview Outfits
Wondering what to wear to an interview at a startup or creative company? These workplaces often have a more relaxed dress code, giving you the freedom to show off your personal style. Think smart casual outfits with a little personality, mixing classic wardrobe staples with trending silhouettes, playful prints and pops of color.
For a creative interview outfit, try pairing an oversized striped shirt with wide-leg jeans, or style tailored pants with a simple white tee and statement jewelry. Capri pants with a three-quarter sleeve top are another chic option, while colorful knitwear and interesting textures can give your look a little extra personality. If denim fits the company culture, opt for a clean, well-fitting pair without heavy distressing.
This is your chance to have a little more fun with your interview outfit. Experiment with bold colors, stripes or sculptural accessories that reflect your individual style. Just remember, even in a casual workplace, your outfit should still feel intentional. Avoid anything too revealing, wrinkled or overly casual.
Your creative interview outfit formula:
- Top: Oversized striped shirt, colorful knit or elevated basic
- Bottom: Wide-leg jeans, tailored pants or capri pants
- Shoes: Loafers, ballet flats or low heels
- Accessories: Statement earrings, chunky jewelry or a shoulder bag
What to Wear to A Virtual Interview
No clue what you should wear to a virtual interview? Even if you're interviewing from home, your outfit should still reflect the company's dress code. The key is choosing comfortable, elevated pieces that look great on camera and help you feel confident from the moment you join the call.
For an effortless virtual interview outfit, opt for a button-up shirt, a structured top or a classic boat neckline. Solid colors like navy, cream, black and soft blue tend to work well on camera, while busy prints and fine patterns can sometimes appear distorted on screen. Pair your top with tailored wide-leg pants, capri pants or classic trousers for a complete look.
And yes, we recommend getting dressed from head to toe! As tempting as it might be to keep your pajama pants on, wearing a full outfit can help you get into the right mindset. Before your interview, check your lighting, keep your background distraction-free and make sure your outfit looks just as good on camera as it does IRL.
Your virtual interview outfit formula:
- Top: Button-up shirt, structured or boat neck top
- Bottom: Tailored wide-leg pants or capri pants
- Shoes: Ballet flats or loafers
- Accessories: Simple earrings or a delicate necklace
Interview Outfit Accessories
The right accessories can take your interview outfit to the next level. Whether you're dressing for a corporate role or a creative workplace, it's all about choosing finishing touches that complement your look without being too distracting.
For a more traditional interview, keep things simple with understated jewelry like delicate necklaces, classic hoop earrings or a few subtle rings. Avoid anything too noisy or distracting, like stacks of bangles that might make a statement every time you move. If you're interviewing for a creative role, there's a little more room to experiment. Think sculptural earrings, chunky gold bracelets or a statement ring stack to show off your personal style.
When it comes to bags, a structured shoulder bag or roomy tote is always a great choice, especially if you need to bring along a notebook, laptop or a copy of your resume. Blue light glasses can also make a chic addition to your look, while a lightweight cardigan or knit is worth keeping on hand for those extra-cold office air-conditioned rooms.
The golden rule? Let your outfit do the talking, with accessories that add just the right amount of personality.
Shoes To Wear To An Interview
Wondering what shoes you should wear to an interview? The best options are comfortable, professional and complement your outfit without being too distracting. From classic loafers to ballet flats and low heels, there are plenty of chic styles to choose from, depending on the workplace dress code.
For a business casual interview, loafers and ballet flats are our go-to choice. They're versatile, easy to style and work with everything from tailored trousers to midi skirts and capri pants. Heeled ballet flats and pointed-toe slingbacks are perfect for adding a dressier touch without committing to a high heel.
If you're dressing for a corporate interview, opt for classic pointed-toe heels or low-heeled boots in neutral shades like black or chocolate brown. Ankle boots look especially chic styled under wide-leg trousers, with just a hint of the shoe showing beneath the hem.
What To Wear To An Interview FAQs
What is appropriate to wear to an interview?
The best interview outfits are professional, comfortable and appropriate for the company's dress code. For most workplaces, tailored trousers, button-up shirts, structured tops and midi skirts are great options. Stick to classic colors and simple accessories for a timeless look, or introduce subtle trends and pops of color if you're interviewing for a more creative role. When in doubt, aim to dress one step more formally than the company's everyday dress code.
What is a red flag in an interview outfit?
Some common interview outfit mistakes include wearing clothing that's overly casual, revealing, wrinkled or inappropriate for the workplace. Avoid heavily distressed denim, flip-flops, distracting accessories and anything that feels uncomfortable or difficult to move in. The goal is to let your personality and experience shine, without your outfit becoming a distraction.
Is it OK to wear jeans to an interview?
Yes, you can wear jeans to an interview, depending on the company and its dress code. For creative roles, startups or more casual workplaces, a pair of clean, well-fitting jeans styled with a button-up shirt, elevated basic or blazer can work perfectly. Opt for classic washes without rips or heavy distressing, and finish with loafers or ballet flats. For corporate or more traditional interviews, tailored trousers or a midi skirt are generally a safer choice.
Now that you've got the interview outfit ideas, it's time to put your look together. Whether you're keeping things classic with tailored trousers and a button-up shirt or showing off your personal style with trending pieces, the best interview outfit is one that makes you feel confident and ready for anything.
From elevated basics to must-have accessories, find your new workwear rotation at Princess Polly. Shop our What To Wear To Work guide for even more outfit inspiration. Good luck, you've got this!
