How to Dress for a Job Interview: Your Complete Guide! 💼

You’ve applied for a job and landed an interview? Congratulations! But you might be wondering how to dress for the occasion. What outfit should you wear to make a good impression on the hiring manager and showcase your enthusiasm?

I will help you.

As a fashion enthusiast, I strive to find the perfect outfit for every occasion.

Today, I want to show you how to dress for a job interview based on the type of position you're applying for and the organization that you are meeting with (whether it's a well-known company or a family business, a start-up, or a community organization...).

When meeting with a hiring manager, it's crucial to demonstrate right away that you are ready for the job they are looking to fill. Your choice of attire plays an important role in this—it reflects your understanding of the company and your motivation. For an office position, opt for a well-fitting suit or, if you're a woman, a tailored suit or skirt. On the other hand, if you’re applying for a trade job, make sure to wear clothing that showcases your readiness for the role—think pants for both men and women, a shirt, and flat shoes. Regardless of the profession, remember to wear clean and well-fitting clothing, pay attention to details (clean shoes, a watch, clothes in good condition), and consider the impressions that the colours you choose might convey.

Want to learn more? Keep reading to find out:

• How to determine what type of outfit to wear for the job you're applying for,
• Which colour is appropriate for different types of interviews,
• Examples of clothing for both men and women that are suitable for various types of interviews (office job, manual work, public-facing roles),
• What clothing is best for an interview at a startup company,
• Tips on how to appear dynamic, approachable, and professional to effectively impress the hiring manager!

First Step: Identify the Type of Position You’re Seeking to Determine the Dress Code!

To find the perfect outfit for your job interview, the first step is to determine what is expected of you in that position. Each profession has its own professional culture and requirements: as a tradesperson, office worker, or cashier, you will be engaged in completely different activities.

The goal of a job interview is to determine whether you are suited for the position and if the company can trust you. By dressing appropriately, you demonstrate to your potential future employer that you understand the mindset required to take on the role they are offering you.

That’s why I’ve decided to suggest various outfits in this guide that are suitable for every type of profession, whether it’s:

• Office jobs: in a large office, in a family-run business, etc.
• A trade profession: machine operator, hairstylist, florist, ...
• A job with public interaction: cashier, nurse, tour guide, medical secretary, ...
• A role with authority: police officer, university lecturer, doctor, ...
• A position in a start-up

How to Dress for a Job Interview for an Office Position?

In this type of job, you will work during office hours, carry responsibilities, and may represent the company to business partners and potential clients. Therefore, it is essential for you to demonstrate your professionalism right from the interview. Here are some outfit ideas that, when worn impeccably, will enhance your presence and the necessary aura to impress a hiring manager.

For a Man

A tailored, well-fitting suit is essential for this type of job. You don't necessarily have to wear a black suit: Grey or Navy Blue often look more dynamic and approachable.

👔 Additionally, wear a solid-coloured tie, or one with simple patterns. To tie a suitable knot, you can use the method demonstrated in this video.

💼 Choose a briefcase-style bag that can hold your documents for the interview (resume, previous references...) and possibly your laptop.

👞 Finally, pay attention to well-polished leather shoes, which should be black (if your suit is black or grey) or brown (if your suit is blue).

For a Woman

For this type of profession, opt for ultra-classic, well-tailored pieces, similar to a men's suit.

For example, you can wear a pencil skirt paired with a matching blazer and underneath, a subtle blouse. Instead, opt for neutral colours, such as:

• Blue
• White
• Grey
• Chestnut Brown

To ensure that your underwear remains unseen, you can opt for skin-coloured models that are not see-through, which could be uncomfortable.

👠 When it comes to shoes, I recommend wearing heels, whether they are flat or have pinstripes. They give you a confident and assured presence that can leave a positive impression on hiring managers.

👜 Choose a subtle and professional handbag that keeps your belongings neatly organized. When handing your HR representative a document, you shouldn't have to rummage through your bag for minutes—that would come across as disorganized.

👉 This is also suitable for prestigious professions where you need to set an example, such as a doctor, teacher, or police officer.

What Outfit Should You Wear for a Job Interview in the Trades?

In this line of work, wearing a suit made of delicate fabric or stilettos can actually be a disadvantage. Your counterpart expects someone who understands the demanding nature of the profession and is ready to adapt!

Even if you're going to work in overalls, safety gear, or even quite casual clothing, it's important to put in a bit of effort during the interview to demonstrate your motivation.

For a Man

For this type of interview, you can wear clean and new clothing, such as:

• a light-coloured shirt,
• dark pants or jeans,
• sneakers or other subtle, solid-coloured shoes,
• a blazer if it's chilly.

👉 Did you know? Rolling up your sleeves can make you appear more dynamic. You might want to do this at the beginning of a job interview, after you've gotten to know your conversation partner.

For a Woman

Women are underrepresented in some skilled trades, making the job interview the perfect opportunity to demonstrate to the hiring manager that you would be a valuable addition to their company.

I recommend wearing an outfit that allows you to move freely and conveys a sense of motivation and efficiency.

To create this impression, you can rely on the following:

• Dark trousers,
• A comfortable, solid-coloured blouse or shirt,
• Flat, solid-coloured sneakers,
• A blazer-type jacket.

What Clothing Should You Wear to a Job Interview for a Position Involving Public Interaction?

It really depends on the type of establishment where you will be working. For instance, if it's a luxury store, you should dress in a fashionable and stylish manner. On the other hand, if it's a small family business, you should present yourself as approachable by wearing appropriate clothing that aligns more with what was mentioned in the previous section.

The most important thing is to demonstrate to your future employer that you have researched the company or organization you are applying to and that you understand the type of audience you may be dealing with. Dressing appropriately shows that you can envision yourself in this future role, which will be viewed very positively!

For a Man

Depending on whether you can dress casually or not, you may or may not feel comfortable wearing dark jeans. However, I recommend wearing a dress shirt and a blazer in any case, and even a tie if you’re in a more upscale work environment.

🎨 However, you can afford to choose different colours than what is typically offered for a corporate job. Opting for bordeaux, sky blue, or even beige can give you an open and energetic look.

⌚Wearing a Watch (after all, it's quite discreet) can be viewed positively by employers: in this line of work, where punctuality and appearance are important, it's certainly appropriate. A person who wears a watch is more likely to be on time and won't constantly pull out their smartphone to check the time. 😉

For a Woman

For this type of job, you can wear well-fitted pants with a blouse and possibly a blazer. You could also opt for a colourful pencil skirt.

👉 Are you looking for tops that would be suitable for such an occasion? Then check out our selection of stylish and trendy Boho blouses, where you're sure to find the perfect piece for your upcoming job interview.

Blouse Tops in Bohemian Chic

How to Dress for a Job Interview at a Startup Company?

Working at a start-up is often a significant career move: These dynamic companies are known for providing their employees with the opportunity to unleash their potential by working in areas they are passionate about.

I recommend that for a job interview at such a company, you dress smartly and neatly while also revealing a bit of your personality, preferences, and beliefs. This can be conveyed through details that are important to the hiring manager:

• Wearing a neutral colour (khaki green, ecru, beige) and sustainable fabrics (linen, cotton) for a job at an environmentally conscious company,
• A pair of unique sneakers that show you have a sense of style,
• A shirt with a vibrant pattern (plaid, stripes, etc.) for men,
• For women: a lovely patterned blouse,
• A pair of dark jeans that make you look energetic,
• A T-shirt (that can also feature a unique design if it fits with the company culture) worn with a suit jacket or blazer,
• A vest over the shirt for men,
• Boho clothing for women who want to express their fashion sense.

➡ Discover inspiration now on our site dedicated to women's Boho fashion!

What to Definitely Avoid Wearing to a Job Interview?

While some companies, like start-ups, may allow for a more casual dress code, there are still details that can truly work against you in any situation. To present your best self and convey a desire for others to get to know you better, I advise you to avoid the following:

• Torn jeans and tops,
• Pins, T-shirts, or other details that reflect your political stance,
• Wearing overly flashy jewelry,
• Sheer crop tops and tops,
• Oversized clothing...

Understanding the Language of Colours to Sell Yourself Better

Even if it’s often unintentional, the colours you wear help shape the perception others have of you. To assist you in mastering this mysterious language, I’d like to explain the meaning of each colour:

• Neutral Colours:
• Blue: Calm, confidence,
• White: Cleanliness, clarity, and simplicity,
• Grey: Sophistication, neutrality,
• Brown: Calmness, solidity, reliability,
• Bold Colours:
• Black: Power, authority,
• Red: Energy, passion,
• Yellow: Joy, intelligence, mental agility,
• Green: Serenity, well-being, hope,
• Pink: Kindness, warmth, gentleness.

I hope these tips have helped you prepare for your upcoming job interview by choosing an outfit that perfectly matches the company you applied to. Are you interested in more fashion advice? Check out our blog!