What to wear for your next interview

Look good, feel good

When it comes to what to wear for an interview, it's less about vanity and more about feeling empowered. I want you to love the way you look and feel when you turn on Zoom or arrive on-site for your interview. The comfort and authenticity it brings are priceless.

The number one question I am asked for interview prep is how to feel more confident. This comes from great preparation, ideally with a coach or mentor, and also the presence and energy you bring.

Your outfit helps tell your story. It is a part of your narrative.

The power of a great outfit

Our outfit conveys strength, approachability, and trust. When people talk about 'presence' in interviews or work situations, it is a combination of many things, such as the person's energy, their composure, and, in the context of work, it can include what they are wearing, among other qualities. This is not to say that what you wear is the only thing that matters – it's not.

It's more about seeing your outfit as a way to represent your best self, the one you want to share with others.

When you feel great in what you're wearing, this vibe comes through positively to others. It puts others at ease and builds trust and approachability.

Why it's hard – and how to make it easier

I want to validate that figuring out what to wear for an interview can feel challenging.

An interview is a pressuring situation to begin with; choosing what to wear can make it feel even more overwhelming. Plus, we're usually so busy preparing for the interview, on what to say, that we forget to plan what to wear until the last minute.

As a personal stylist and coach, I have unique insight into helping my clients with key moments such as what to wear for interviews, important meetings, professional headshots, LinkedIn photos, and as they start their new jobs or transition to new industries. I understand how overwhelming it can feel to put together an outfit.

Here are a few ways to make this process easier:

• Start thinking about your outfit earlier to give yourself more time.

• Work with a stylist or trusted friend for guidance.

• Notice what colleagues, leaders, or friends wear for inspiration.

A good place to begin is with tops.

Tops

For all genders, and since many interview processes include at least one virtual interview, I like to start with tops.

I tend to recommend neutral colors or solids with colors that are flattering to you – and shades that you feel great in.

My approach to styling is always about finding things that feel right to the person, regardless of trends. The best style is what feels comfortable to you.

Try to choose a neckline that's visually interesting. This keeps the attention on your face and creates a pleasant composition on screen or in person. This could mean a collar or layered approach with a shirt and a blazer or sweater, and you can adjust this advice based on personal preference. Adding a necklace or silk scarf, depending on your style, can also be a nice touch. A tie will depend on the industry/company and your preference.

If your personal style is more bold and neutrals sound too plain, and especially if you're interviewing in a creative or expressive field, feel free to choose an outfit that feels right to you.

One quick note: if you're doing a virtual interview (or media appearance), you might wish to avoid wearing pinstripes or a very busy pattern, which can sometimes vibrate on screen.

Should I wear a blazer?

This is a common question when I work with women and men. It depends on many factors, and the short answer is, 'It depends; if you want to; but you don't have to.'

Considerations might include whether the industry or company you're interviewing for is more formal, where a blazer is common. This still does not mean you have to, especially if you're not comfortable. Those who work with me know I'm a big proponent of your comfort coming first. There are also many styles of blazers, and you might find a different cut that feels comfortable, such as a mandarin-style blazer, which has a flat collar.

On the flip side, some people love a great blazer because it simplifies what to wear to interviews.

Blazers can be individualized with different cuts and colors. A blazer doesn't have to be black to be professional. Look for greys or beautiful brown shades like camel and caramel. A beautiful trend in womenswear* is white blazers, which I love for spring and summer interviews. (*I do not limit anything to gender; while a white blazer for a guy is perhaps less common, paired with the right shirt and broader outfit, such as a thin tan or olive sweater or shirt under the white blazer, could also work well.)

If you're not into blazers, that's fine, too. A great button-up shirt on its own, a contemporary sweater, or even a dress can all work well.

Do I have to wear a suit?

Workwear has relaxed a bit since the pandemic, and there's less pressure to wear a suit. However, you absolutely can, and some people will tell you that wearing a suit helps them to feel more confident. It's still kind of an interview standard. And for some, it's easier to put together an outfit; all they have to do is choose the shirt underneath and a great pair of shoes.

We've also seen more variety with suits, such as lighter fabrics and a wider color selection beyond just black. I love a grey suit, especially for spring and summer months. At the same time, a great black suit you love is a classic wardrobe staple, and for many, one of the easiest things to wear.

Rest assured, though, if a suit is not your thing (or you're interviewing at a more casual place), a great pair of slacks, a work dress, or a skirt can also look terrific. A quick note for casual offices: I still recommend dressing up a little to show that you respect the interview process, especially if you are interviewing for a leadership role.

If in doubt, I usually suggest erring on the side of dressing up.

What about jeans?

As someone who lives in jeans, I never mind the question of, 'Can I wear jeans to my interview?' If you're doing a virtual interview, of course, since they won't see them anyway.

If it's an in-person interview, I recommend dressing up in an interview outfit that feels comfortable and makes you feel amazing.

However, it's still not a hard no: some organizations have a very casual culture even for interviews, everyone's bodies are different, and we all have different sensitivities. It is absolutely possible to create a professional-looking interview outfit with jeans.

I also want to add that some people bristle at even the expectation to 'look professional,' and I fully respect this and can personally relate. Things are different now, and I think that's a good thing.

What I would say is to do some research ahead of time to make sure denim is appropriate for an interview at the particular organization you're meeting with, which it sometimes is for startups, agencies, or nonprofits. Yet, even at these places, it may be expected that, even if the vibe is casual, the interview candidate will dress up in what we all know as an interview outfit. If you choose to wear jeans, I'd encourage a dark jean with the rest of the outfit being tailored and thoughtful, so you look and feel put together.

A quick note to leaders and hiring managers

There is significant disparity and inequity right now, and there has been for too long. SES is part of this. When consulting with organizations to design and lead hiring searches, I always encourage an open mind regarding candidate attire. What people wear is personal and encompasses personal finances, body sensitivities, health issues, and other factors that may not be known or visible. I envision a world with less judgment and far more understanding.

Let's also keep in mind that knowing what to wear on an interview can be a form of privilege; consider how you learned about interview attire, who taught you, and we can remember compassionately and respectfully that not everyone has access to these kinds of conversations and learnings until they're actually in the working world.

For this reason, when I do pre-interviews for organization clients, I also make myself available to candidates if they have any questions about what to wear. This is how we can set all candidates up for success.

Extras: An interview bag and desk ring light

I think most of us have a ring light, but in case you don't, I'd encourage checking out this accessory. There are many affordable options online, borrow one from a friend, or experiment with placing a lamp near your computer for virtual interviews. The extra lighting makes a huge positive difference and helps those you're meeting with to see you more easily.

Also, find a great interview bag; this used to be the thing I forgot early in my career for onsite interviews. There are some really great messenger bags, totes, and purses at all price points. A padfolio is also something to consider for jotting down notes, names of people you meet with, and the questions you'll bring to ask them. If you're bringing work samples or a portfolio (physical or on a laptop or iPad), having a bag will help you stay organized.

Wear what you feel great in

I plan to write more on this topic – we haven't even gotten into shoes! (pro tip: Chelsea boots are a great alternative to heels). I hope this blog post helps give you some ideas and inspiration.

Most of all, choose an outfit that makes you feel comfortable and confident.

Being you transcends style. And that's beautiful.

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