Surprisingly enough, one of the TOP questions I get asked by my clients is: what do I wear to my job interview?

This may sound basic, but it’s a huge worry for so many of us. And it comes up time and time again in my interview prep course too!

In this blog, I’ll be discussing my perspective on dressing for interviews. As someone who has been on both sides of the table (the interviewee and the interviewer), I have seen IT ALL.

So let’s dive right into it!

THINKING ABOUT THE WORK ENVIRONMENT

The top advice that I keep seeing about dressing for an interview is that you should dress the part. I couldn’t agree with this more.

When you are picking out your outfit for an interview, you will want to think about the work environment that you’re hoping to join.

If the company has a few active social media accounts, you may luck out and get a sneak peek into what employees are wearing. Group and event photos are always a great way to get an idea of how people dress for that organization.

As you were doing your research to prep for the interview itself, you should have learned a little about the company itself.

Think about the following:

What’s their vibe?
What type of clothing are they wearing on their site or on social?
Is their website fun and personality-filled?
Is their online presence more traditional and sterile?

Knowing these details about the work environment can help you prepare and not end up over or under-dressed!

THE FOUR TYPES OF PROFESSIONAL DRESS CODES

Now that you have some tools to do company-specific research, let’s talk about the three main types of professional dress codes:

Business Casual:

This is possibly the most common type of professional dress code. Business casual is a style of dress that falls flat in the middle of professional and casual clothing. You probably won’t be able to get away with wearing ripped blue jeans, but slacks or a pretty skirt would still be comfortable and appropriate for work. In some cases, you may even be able to find a great pair of black jeans that fit into your business casual wardrobe.

Professional Attire:

Certain workplaces and roles may require professional attire. For men, that means you’ll likely have to wear a button up, blazer, tie, and dress shoes. Sometimes, you may need to wear a full suit. For women, you may have to wear heels or flats that are considered “professional.” You may also have to invest in a modern pantsuit or a straight up suit (don’t worry, some companies sell tailored women’s suits that actually look great. No shoulder pads needed!)

Casual Attire:

At a company that’s adopted a casual dress code, you probably won’t have to make much of a differentiation between your everyday wardrobe! While you probably should leave the short shorts, crop tops, and muscle shirts at home, it all depends on the organization. Working for a coffee shop will have a different type of casual dress code to a laid-back marketing agency.

Leisure:

Some companies are adopting a leisurely dress code. While this is still uncommon, some companies actually encourage their team to come to work dressed in sweatpants or athleisure. This may be the case for you if you want to work in the fitness or yoga industry!

TIPS ON WHAT TO WEAR FOR A JOB INTERVIEW

Minimal is best. Don’t over do it with your makeup, accessories, hair, or outfit.
Look fresh! Clean attire is a must. No stains or anything that makes you look messy. Try on your outfit the night before to ensure you feel good. (Invest in a clothing steamer too – it’s a game changer and some are only $10!)
Have a backup outfit just in case. You spill coffee on your clean white shirt, BE PREPARED!!! Choose a backup outfit that you’d still feel confident in and keep it in your hotel room or car just in case.
Do your investigating. You can also directly ask the company about their dress code standard for job interviews. Some places are okay with blue jeans while others absolutely require suits.
Consider the venue. It is okay to wear business casual if you are meeting off site at a restaurant or local brewery. Dress the part and dress for the right occasion. Even if you’re meeting to interview for a position as a brewer at a brewery, you probably shouldn’t wear a tank top just as much as you probably shouldn’t wear stilettos or shoes with holes in them.
Save $ and swap clothes with other professional friends. You don’t have to buy a new outfit before every interview. Don't waste your cash! Reuse your clothes or ask some of your friends if they have anything they could lend you.

Want to learn more about how you can nail your interviews and land your dream job? Check out my Stand Out and Nail Your Interview course or join my Career By Design membership to gain expert guidance and a network of professionals that will help you thrive.

What to Wear to a Job Interview (With Photos!)