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

Have you applied for a job and received an invitation for an interview? Congratulations! But are you wondering how to dress for the occasion? What outfit should you wear to make a good impression on the hiring manager and demonstrate your motivation?

I will help you.

As a fashion enthusiast, I take great care in choosing the right outfit for every occasion.

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

When meeting a recruiter, it is crucial to demonstrate from the very first moment that you are ready for the job they want to entrust you with. For this reason, your choice of clothing is essential: it reflects your knowledge of the company and your motivation. For an office job, you should opt for a well-fitting suit or, if you are a woman, a suit or a skirt. In contrast, for a practical job, you should show that you understand the job you are applying for by wearing attire that highlights your dynamism (trousers for both men and women, a shirt, and sensible shoes). Regardless of the profession, remember to wear well-fitted and clean clothing, pay attention to details (clean shoes, a watch, clothes in good condition), and consider the impression the colours you choose to wear will convey.

Would you like to learn more? Read on to find out:

• How to determine what type of outfit you should wear for the job you are applying for,
• Which colours are appropriate for different types of interviews,
• Examples of suitable clothing for both men and women for various interview types (office jobs, manual work, customer-facing roles),
• The best attire for an interview at a start-up,
• Tips on how to appear dynamic, approachable, and professional, and how to successfully impress the hiring manager!

First Step: Identify the Type of Position You’re Targeting 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 tradesperson, office worker, or cashier, you will perform entirely different tasks.

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

Therefore, I have decided to suggest various outfits in this guide that are suitable for all types of professions, whether it is:

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

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

In this type of job, you will work during office hours, take on responsibilities, and may represent the company to business partners and potential clients. Therefore, it is 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 the necessary charisma to impress a hiring manager.

For a Man

A flawless, 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 plain 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, in which you can 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 profession, opt for ultra-classic and, like a tailored suit, very well-fitted pieces.

For example, you could wear a pencil skirt, teamed with a matching blazer and a subtle blouse underneath. 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 otherwise be quite uncomfortable.

👠 When it comes to footwear, I recommend wearing heels, whether they are flat or pinstriped. They provide you with a confident and self-assured posture, which can make a positive impression on hiring managers.

👜 Additionally, choose a discreet and professional handbag that neatly stores your belongings. When you hand a document to your HR representative, you shouldn't have to rummage through your bag for minutes – that would make you appear disorganised.

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

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

In this line of work, wearing a suit made from delicate fabric or stilettos could be detrimental. Your counterpart expects someone who understands the demands of the profession and is ready to adapt!

Even if you spend your working day in overalls, safety gear, or even quite casual attire, it’s important to make an 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 trousers or jeans,
• sneakers or other subtle, solid-coloured shoes,
• a blazer if it’s chilly.

👉 Did you know? Rolling up your sleeves creates a more dynamic impression. You can do this at the beginning of a job interview, after you've introduced yourself to your conversation partner.

For a Woman

Women are underrepresented in certain trades: therefore, the job interview is the perfect opportunity to demonstrate to the hiring manager that you would be a real asset to their company.

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

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

• Dark trousers,
• A comfortable, plain blouse or shirt,
• Flat, plain trainers,
• A blazer-style jacket.

What clothing should you wear for a job interview in a role involving customer contact?

It really depends on the type of establishment you will be working in. For instance, if it is a luxury store, you should dress in a more fashionable and stylish manner. On the other hand, if it is a small family business, you should demonstrate approachability by wearing suitable 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 kind of audience you may encounter. Dressing appropriately shows that you can envision yourself in the future role, which is 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 even a tie if you're in a more luxurious work environment.

🎨 However, you can afford to wear different colours compared to those typically offered for an office job. With Burgundy, Sky Blue, or even Beige, you will appear open and full of energy.

⌚ Wearing a watch (after all, it's quite discreet) can be viewed positively by a recruiter: for jobs where punctuality and appearance are important, it's certainly appropriate. A person who wears 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 a tailored pair of trousers with a blouse and possibly a blazer. A colourful pencil skirt is also an option.

👉 Are you looking for tops that might be suitable for such an occasion? Then take a look at our selection of stylish and trendy Boho blouses, where you are sure to find the perfect outfit for your upcoming job interview.

Tops and Blouse in Bohemian Chic

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

Working in a start-up company is often a significant step in one's career: These dynamic businesses are known for giving their employees the opportunity to realise their potential by working in a field that they are passionate about.

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

• Wearing a natural colour (khaki green, ecru, beige) and sustainable fabrics (linen, cotton) for a job at an environmentally conscious company,
• A pair of distinctive 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 pair of dark jeans that give you a dynamic appearance,
• A T-shirt (which can also feature a unique design if you believe it aligns with the company culture) paired with a suit jacket or blazer,
• A waistcoat over the shirt, for men,
• Boho-style clothing for women who want 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?

Even though some companies, such as start-ups, may allow a more relaxed dress code, there are still details that can truly work against you in any situation. To present the best version of yourself and convey to others that you wish for them to get to know you better, I advise you to avoid the following:

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

Understanding the Language of Colours to Sell Yourself Better

Even if it's often unconscious, the colours you wear contribute to shaping the impression that others have of you. To help you master this mysterious language, I would like to explain the meaning of each colour:

• Neutral Colours:
• Blue: Calm, confidence,
• White: Cleanliness, clarity, and simplicity,
• Grey: Cultivation, 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. Are you interested in more fashion tips? Have a look at our blog!