What to Wear to an Interview

One of the most common interview questions has nothing to do with resumes or interview answers.

"What should I wear?"

Many job seekers worry that wearing the wrong outfit will cost them the job. Some job seekers were never taught that the attire is important for a first impression. Others believe they need to buy an expensive suit or an entirely new wardrobe just for a single interview.

There is a time and a place for high end outfits, and choosing what to wear really does depend on the type of job you are applying for. As we go further into detail, we will help

you figure out where you fit in this list.

Appearance Still Matters

It might seem irrelevant or superficial, but appearance does still matter when it comes to employment. Whether we like it or not, first impressions happen quickly.

Before the conversation begins, an interviewer has already noticed whether you arrived on time, whether you appear prepared, and whether your overall presentation matches the setting. Think of your appearance as part of your communication, and arriving "looking the role" shows an understanding of what is expected of the position.

Beyond that, every workplace has its own culture. In each field of work, there are many different expectations. At a hospital, scrubs are the standard. Police officers wear uniforms. Some jobs like baristas or bakeries have a much laxer dress code, with t-shirts and jeans.

The dress code of a business is also a good indicator of what you may need to wear to an interview. An interview for a law office will likely have different expectations than an interview for a warehouse, construction company, retail store, or technology startup. Typically, the rule of thumb is determining whether you should arrive business professional, or business casual.

Business professional is the more formal standard. It is common in industries such as law, finance, executive management, and some corporate environments. This typically includes suits, blazers, dress pants or skirts, button-down shirts, ties when appropriate, and professional shoes or heels.

Business casual is less formal while still maintaining a polished appearance. It may include dress pants, khakis, blouses, polo shirts, sweaters, button-down shirts, or simple dresses paired with clean, professional closed-toe footwear like flats or low heels.

But there are also things NOT to wear. It is very, very rare for jeans to be an acceptable attire for an interview. Other options that are not suggested are:

• Ripped jeans

• Revealing or tight clothing (body-con dress, miniskirt, pants sagging showing boxers, etc)

• Shirts with stains or inappropriate images

• Spaghetti strap tanks tops or muscle shirts

• Flip flops

• Pajama pants, or pajama sets (yes, I really had someone interview in their pajamas!)

• 

• 

• 

• 

One of the biggest misconceptions about interviews is that expensive clothing creates a better impression.

A simple outfit that fits properly will almost always make a stronger impression than expensive clothing that is uncomfortable, distracting, or poorly maintained.

If purchasing new clothing is not financially realistic, consider borrowing an outfit from a trusted friend or family member, shopping at thrift stores, or checking whether local workforce development agencies, career centers, or nonprofit organizations in your community provide interview clothing assistance. Many do, and these programs exist specifically to help job seekers prepare for interviews.

Grooming Matters Too

Professional appearance extends beyond clothing. Basic grooming shows attention to detail and respect for the interview process.

Grooming consisted of:

Clean, neat hair. Your hair does not need to be professionally styled, but it should look clean and reasonably neat. Whether you wear it down, in a ponytail, braids, a bun, or another style, the goal is simply to look like you took a few minutes to prepare yourself before the interview.

Clean fingernails. Some professions allow acrylic nails, however if you are applying for a good service job it likely will be discussed in the interview that they are not allowed. Additionally, long, dirty fingernails can set an impression that you do not prioritize hygiene, which often becomes an issue in most fields of work.

Good personal hygiene. Beyond just having brushed hair, or clipped fingernails comes personal hygiene. If you haven't brushed your teeth, yes, the interviewer will notice. Bad breath can be off-putting and may set off the wrong impression. Additionally, a strong body odor or strong perfume can also be a deterrent.

Clothing free of wrinkles when possible. If you have access to an iron or steamer, removing obvious wrinkles can make an outfit look more put together. If you do not have one, hanging your clothes up the night before can help reduce wrinkles, along with running it in the dryer with a damp (not soaked) rag to steam it.

Shoes that are reasonably clean. Wiping off visible dirt and making sure they are in reasonably good condition is usually enough. If you so desire, shoeshine or buying a new plain pair is fine. Avoid brightly colored sneakers.

Virtual Interviews Still Require Professionalism

One mistake some applicants make is treating virtual interviews like casual video calls.

Even when interviewing from home, dress as though you are meeting the employer in person. They don't have to know you're not wearing pants, but make sure that everything you do present is exactly as it would be if this was an in-person interview.

You should also:

• Choose a quiet location.

• Make sure your background is appropriate.

• Test your camera and microphone beforehand.

• Position the camera at eye level.

• Ensure your face is well lit.

Final Thoughts

What you wear to an interview is only one part of the hiring process, but it contributes to the first impression you make.

You do not need expensive clothing or a perfect wardrobe to appear professional. What matters most is choosing an outfit that fits the workplace, demonstrates respect for the opportunity, and allows your qualifications to remain the focus.

Dress in a way that helps the interviewer remember your skills, your professionalism, and your potential—not your outfit.

---

Up Next: Your words matter during an interview, but so does everything you communicate without speaking. In the next article, we'll explore Body Language During Interviews, including the nonverbal signals employers notice, common nervous habits, and simple ways to appear more confident and engaged.

---

Pardon our ads, they allow us to keep our site running and keep our helpful content free to access.