How to Dress for a Job Interview? 💼 Our Complete Guide!

Have you applied for a job and secured 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’ll help you.

As a fashion enthusiast, I believe it’s important to find the right outfit for every occasion.

Today, I’d like to show you how to dress for a job interview, depending on the type of position you’re applying for and the organisation hosting the interview (whether it’s a prestigious company, a family business, a start-up, or a community organisation…).

When meeting a hiring manager, it's crucial to demonstrate from the outset that you're ready for the job they want to offer you. The choice of your attire is key: it reflects your understanding of the company and your motivation. For an office job, you should opt for a well-fitting suit or, for women, a tailored outfit or skirt. In contrast, for a trade role, you should show that you understand the job you’re applying for by wearing clothes that highlight your dynamism (trousers for both men and women, a shirt, and flat shoes). Regardless of the profession, remember to wear well-fitting, clean clothes, pay attention to details (clean shoes, a watch, and clothes in good condition), and consider the impressions the colours you choose may create.

Would you like to learn more? Read on to discover:

• How to determine what type of outfit you should wear for the job you're applying for,
• Which colours are appropriate for different types of interviews,
• Examples of attire for both men and women suitable for various interview types (office jobs, manual labour, public-facing roles),
• What clothing is best suited for an interview at a start-up company,
• Tips on how to come across as dynamic, approachable, and professional, and how to impress the hiring manager!

First Step: Identify the type of position you're aiming for to determine the dress code!

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

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

So, I've decided to suggest various outfits in this guide that are suitable for any type of profession, whether it's:

• Office jobs: in an open plan office, in a family-run business, etc.
• A manual trade: machine operator, hairdresser, florist...
• A career with public interaction: cashier, nurse, tour guide, medical secretary,...
• A position of authority: police officer, university lecturer, doctor...
• A role at a start-up company

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

In this type of job, you'll be working during office hours, taking on responsibilities, and may even represent the company to business partners and potential clients. Therefore, it's essential for you to demonstrate your professionalism, starting right from the interview. Here are some outfit ideas that, when worn impeccably, will help you present yourself with the presence and confidence needed to impress a hiring manager.

For a Man

A perfectly tailored suit is essential for this type of job. You don't necessarily have to wear a black suit: Grey or Navy Blue often come across as more dynamic and approachable.

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

💼 Choose a bag in the style of a briefcase that you can use to carry your documents for the interview (CV, previous references...) and possibly your laptop as well.

👞 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 job, opt for ultra-classic and, like with men's suits, well-tailored pieces.

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

• Blue
• White
• Grey
• Chestnut Brown

To ensure that your underwear isn't visible, you can opt for nude-coloured options that are not see-through, which could be quite uncomfortable.

👠 When it comes to footwear, I recommend wearing heels, whether they're flat or with a pinstripe. They give you a confident and assured appearance, which can make a positive impression on hiring managers.

👜 Choose a subtle and professional handbag that keeps your belongings neatly organised. When handing over a document to your HR representative, you shouldn’t be rummaging through your bag for minutes on end - that would make you come across as disorganised.

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

What Outfit to Wear for a Job Interview in a Trade?

In this line of work, wearing a suit made of fragile fabric or stilettos can be detrimental. Your counterpart expects someone who understands the requirements of the job and is ready to adapt!

Even if you're going to be working in overalls, safety gear, or even fairly casual clothing, it's important to put in a little effort for your interview to demonstrate your motivation.

For a Man

For this type of interview, you can wear smart, new clothes, such as:

• a light shirt,
• dark trousers 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 can do this at the start of a job interview once you've gotten to know your conversation partner.

For a Woman

Women are underrepresented in some trades, so the job interview is the perfect opportunity to show the hiring manager that you would be a real asset to their company.

I recommend wearing an outfit that allows you to move easily and conveys the image of a motivated and efficient person.

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

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

What clothes should you wear for a job interview in a role that involves public contact?

It really depends on the type of establishment you'll be working in. For instance, if it’s a luxury shop, you should aim to dress in a fashionable and stylish manner. However, if it’s a small family business, you should show that you’re approachable by wearing appropriate attire that aligns more with what was mentioned in the previous section.

The most important thing is to demonstrate to your potential employer that you have researched the company or organisation you are applying to, and that you understand the type of audience you might be dealing with. Dressing appropriately shows that you can empathise with this future role, and it's viewed very positively!

For a Man

Depending on whether you can dress casually or not, you may or may not be able to wear dark jeans. However, I recommend that you wear a shirt and a blazer in any case, and in a more upscale work environment, perhaps even a tie.

🎨 However, you can opt for other colours beyond what is typically offered for an office job. With Bordeaux red, sky blue, or even beige, you'll appear approachable and full of energy.

⌚ Wearing a Watch (quite discreetly, I might add) can be viewed positively by hiring managers: for this type of job, where punctuality and appearance matter, it’s certainly appropriate. A person with a watch is more likely to be on time and isn’t constantly pulling out their smartphone to check the time. 😉

For a Woman

For this type of job, you can wear well-fitted trousers with a blouse and possibly a blazer. A colourful pencil skirt would also be appropriate.

👉 Are you on the lookout for tops that would be suitable for such an occasion? Then take a look at our collection of stylish and trendy Boho blouses, where you're sure to find the perfect piece for your upcoming job interview.

Tops and Blouses in Bohemian Chic

How to Dress for a Job Interview at a Start-up

Working in a start-up can often be a significant step in your career: These dynamic companies are known for giving their employees the chance to unlock their potential by working in areas they are passionate about.

I would recommend that for a job interview at such a company, you dress smartly and neatly, but also reveal a bit of your character, preferences, and beliefs. This can be shown through details that are important to the hiring manager:

• Wearing a neutral colour (khaki green, ecru, beige) and sustainable fabrics (linen, cotton) for a role in an environmentally conscious company,
• A pair of stylish sneakers that demonstrate your interest in fashion,
• For men, a shirt with a vibrant pattern (checks, stripes, etc.),
• For women: a lovely patterned blouse,
• A dark pair of jeans that gives a dynamic impression,
• A T-shirt (which can also have a unique design if you think it suits the company culture) paired with a suit jacket or blazer,
• A waistcoat over the shirt for men,
• Boho clothing for women who want to showcase their fashion sense.

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

What should you definitely avoid wearing to a job interview?

While some companies, like start-ups, might allow a more relaxed dress code, there are still details that could really work against you in any situation. To present the best version of yourself and convey to others that you’re eager for them to get to know you better, I would advise against the following:

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

Understanding the Language of Colours to Sell Yourself Better

Even if it's often subconscious, the colours you wear help shape the impression you create on those you meet. To help you master this mysterious language, I’d like to explain the significance of each colour:

• Neutral Colours:
• Blue: Calmness, Confidence,
• White: Cleanliness, Clarity, and Simplicity,
• Grey: Sophistication, Neutrality,
• Brown: Calmness, Stability, Safety,
• 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 interview by choosing an outfit that perfectly matches the company you've applied to. Fancy some more fashion advice? Check out our blog!