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 demonstrate your enthusiasm?

I will help you.

As a fashion-loving woman, 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 you’re meeting with (a reputable company, a family business, a start-up, or a community organisation...).

When meeting with a hiring manager, it’s crucial to demonstrate from the very start that you are ready for the job they want to entrust you with. The choice of your attire plays a significant role in this—it reflects your understanding of the company and your motivation. For an office job, opt for a well-fitting suit, or if you're a woman, a suit or a skirt. In contrast, for a hands-on job, you should show that you understand the role by wearing clothing that highlights your dynamism (trousers for both men and women, a shirt, and flat shoes). Regardless of the job type, remember to wear well-fitted, clean clothing, pay attention to details (clean shoes, a watch, and clothes in good condition), and consider the impact of the colours you choose to wear.

Want to know more? Keep reading to find out:

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

First Step: Identify the Type of Job You’re Aiming For 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 role. Each profession has its own work culture and specific requirements: as a tradie, office worker, or cashier, you'll be performing completely different tasks.

The aim of a job interview is to determine whether you are suited for the role and if the company can trust you. By dressing appropriately, you demonstrate to your prospective employer that you understand the attitude you need to adopt in order to accept the position they are offering you.

That's why I've decided to suggest various outfits in this guide that are suitable for all types of professions, whether it's:

• Office jobs: in an open-plan office, in a family business, etc.
• A trades job: machine operator, hairdresser, 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'll be working during office hours, taking on responsibility, and possibly representing the company to business partners and potential clients. Therefore, it's essential for you to demonstrate your professionalism, starting from the job interview. Here are some outfit ideas that, when worn impeccably, will give you the presence and charisma needed to impress a hiring manager.

For a Man

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

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

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

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

For a Woman

When it comes to this type of profession, opt for ultra-classic and, much like a well-fitted men's suit, finely tailored pieces.

For instance, 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 your underwear remains unnoticed, you can opt for skin-toned models that are not see-through, which could be uncomfortable.

👠 When it comes to shoes, I recommend wearing heels, whether they're flat or have a pointed design. They give you a confident and assertive presence that can really impress potential employers.

👜 Choose a subtle and professional handbag to keep your belongings neatly organised. When handing a document to your hiring manager, you shouldn't have to rummage through your bag for minutes - that would make you appear disorganised.

👉 This also applies to prestigious professions where you need to be an exemplary role model, such as a doctor, teacher, or police officer.

What Outfit Should You Wear for a Job Interview in a Trade?

In this type of profession, wearing a suit made of delicate fabric or stilettos can work against you. That’s because your counterpart expects someone who understands the demands of the profession and is ready to adapt!

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

For a Man

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

• a bright 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 gives you a more dynamic appearance. You can do this at the beginning of a job interview once you’ve gotten to know your conversation partner.

For a Woman

Women are underrepresented in certain 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 easily and conveys the image of a motivated and efficient person.

To create this impression, you could focus on the following:

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

What attire should you wear to a job interview for a role involving public interaction?

It really depends on the type of establishment you will be working in. For example, if it’s a luxury store, you should aim to dress in a fashionable and stylish manner. On the other hand, if it’s a small family business, you’ll want to demonstrate your approachability by wearing smart attire that aligns more closely 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 organisation you are applying to and that you understand the type of audience you might be dealing with. Dressing appropriately shows that you can envision yourself in the role, and this will be 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 wearing a shirt and a blazer in any case, and in a high-end work environment, even a tie would be appropriate.

🎨 However, you can choose other colours beyond what’s typically offered for an office job. Opting for Bordeaux red, sky blue, or even beige makes you appear open and full of energy.

⌚ Wearing a watch (after all, it’s quite unobtrusive) can be viewed positively by the hiring manager: for this type of job, where punctuality and presentation are important, it is definitely appropriate. A person who wears a watch is more likely to be on time and isn’t constantly reaching for their smartphone to check the time. 😉

For a Woman

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

👉 Are you looking for tops that might be suitable for such an occasion? Then check out our collection of chic and trendy Boho blouses, where you’re sure to find the perfect outfit for your upcoming job interview.

Blouse Top in Bohemian Chic

How to dress for a job interview at a start-up?

Working in a start-up can be a significant step in your career: These dynamic companies are known for providing employees with the opportunity to realise their potential by working in a field they are passionate about.

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

• Wearing a natural colour (khaki green, ecru, beige) and sustainable fabrics (linen, cotton) for a role in an environmentally conscious company,
• A pair of distinctive sneakers that show you have an interest in fashion,
• For men, a shirt with a vibrant pattern (checks, stripes, etc.),
• For women: a lovely patterned blouse,
• A pair of dark jeans that give you a dynamic look,
• A t-shirt (that can also feature an original design if you feel it fits the company culture) paired with a suit jacket or blazer,
• A vest worn over the shirt for men,
• Boho-style clothing for women wanting to showcase their fashion sense.

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

What should you definitely avoid wearing to a job interview?

While some companies, like start-ups, may allow a more relaxed dress code, there are still certain details that can genuinely work against you in any situation. To present your best self and convey to others that you’re eager to be known better, I would advise you against the following:

• Tattered 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 Enhance Your Sales

Even if it’s often unconscious, the colours you wear help shape the impression others have of you. To help you master this mysterious language, I’d like to explain the significance of each colour:

• Neutral Colours:
• Blue: Calmness, self-confidence,
• White: Cleanliness, clarity, and simplicity,
• Grey: Cultivated, neutrality,
• Brown: Calmness, solidity, security,
• 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 suits the company you've applied to. Keen for more fashion tips? Check out our blog!