What to Wear to an Interview: A Practical Guide

The clothing you choose may be a matter of habit, but research shows there's much more at stake when it comes to dressing for a job interview. Because a first impression is a form of nonverbal communication, you must be ready for snap judgments on your appearance. So, be prepared to turn them in your favor.

No matter if the company leans casual, business formal, or somewhere in between, you have to know how to match your look to the environment to gain an edge. Knowing what works, and what doesn’t, can help you show up as the best version of yourself. 

Plan ahead to avoid interview-day outfit panic

As always, by failing to prepare you are preparing to fail. This is the quintessential interview attire advice. You do not want to be standing in your room on interview day, surrounded by piles of clothing, crying that you have nothing to wear. 

When deciding what to wear for a job interview, take the time to think about what you want to wear, try on several options a day or two ahead, and choose. You might even want to have two solid outfits lined up in the event that you change your mind the day of. 

You should spend the night before thinking about the content of your interview, not fretting about whether or not you have the right shoes to wear.

Start with you and wear what feels right

Choosing what to wear for a job interview boils down to two things: the company and you. Of course, you should do your best to mirror the company you're interviewing at, but there's another important element you can't forget: self-confidence. 

People who feel good radiate positive energy — they're bursting with it. They're smiling, happy, and do you know why? Because they are physically comfortable.

Ask yourself:

• What will make me feel confident and comfortable?

• Am I trying to look like someone I’m not?

• Would I wear this if I got the job?

If you hate being in suits and you force yourself into one, you will be adjusting, fidgeting, and counting the minutes until it’s over. That discomfort will show! When you feel good in what you’re wearing, you carry yourself differently, and that confidence comes across.

There’s also a question of authenticity. If you have no intention of ever wearing a suit when you get the job, then why put one on for the interview? If your response is something like “Well the company has a dress code so I guess I have to,” do you really want to work at a company that will insist you dress up every day? 

Don't contrive to fit their mold. Be yourself, and if they don't want you, it's not meant to be. You and the company need to be a good fit. 

Think about the company: Read the room

After you've thought about how you want to feel in your interview outfit, now you can figure out what the company expects. 

Here’s how to read the room before you get there:

• Check the company’s social media and company website for employee photos and dress trends

• Consider the tone of your interview emails and phone calls – are they casual or formal?

• Take a more direct approach and ask the person who is arranging your interview: “What is the office dress code?”

When it comes to figuring out what to wear to an interview, try to mirror the tone of the company. Just don’t lose yourself in the process. Leave some room to show your personality. Find cues about how they communicate:

• Do they have office dogs? 

• Do they celebrate unusual holidays on Instagram?

Real-world references are always more useful than trying to guess. 

Let's get dressed

If you've sussed it out and you've figured out their culture, the dress code is going to fall into one of three categories: casual, business casual, or business formal. Choosing what to wear to an interview means understanding where your look should land and how to get it right without overdoing it.

Casual

Make sure you've done your homework before showing up in casual attire. It is possible to be overdressed, but being underdressed will always hurt your first impression. Just because a company may seem relaxed doesn’t mean you can don jeans and a t-shirt and win the day. 

If you do land an interview and you're sure that you should be dressing casually, aim for smart casual – in other words, polished, not sloppy.

For women

Pair dark denim with a blouse and some simple accessories. The key is to look polished. The top should be dressier to balance out the denim and you should absolutely wear a professional shoe with this look. Brands like Banana Republic, Gap, Ann Taylor, and Steve Madden offer clean, interview-friendly options.

For men

It's about sending that same message: casual, crisp, and clean. Even if it's a casual look, wear a collar because t-shirts read too relaxed. Dark denim paired with a button-down or well-fitted shirt and thoughtful accessories (like a nice watch) will do the trick. If you opt to wear sneakers, make sure they’re clean, structured, and intentional – leave the cross trainers at home. Try brands like Gap, Levi’s, and Fossil. 

No matter your gender, when you’re unsure about what to wear to an interview with an obvious casual dress code, lean one step more formal than the daily norm. It shows effort without overdoing it.

Business casual

If you've looked inside yourself and researched the company and you still don't know what to wear, business casual interview attire is almost always a sure bet. Basically, it’s business clothing without a mandatory tie or jacket.

For women

Business casual interview attire is a sharp button-up shirt or a conservative blouse paired with trousers or a skirt. You could also wear a tailored dress. Shoes should absolutely be business appropriate — flats, loafers, or heels. Avoid wearing shoes that are uncomfortable. Remember, you’re trying to project confidence and stumbling around on stilettos won’t project that image. Also, go easy on skirt length (should be at least knee-length), accessories, and cleavage. 

Shops like Zara, J.Crew, or Club Monaco offer plenty of options that strike the right balance.

For men

Business casual interview attire means a collared shirt (tie optional) and dress pants. While a jacket is also optional, it does set a polished tone. Here is a great opportunity to show your personality through colors. 

Every other candidate you're up against is probably wearing a black or grey suit with a similar shirt and tie combo. Show your personality and stand out with a unique shirt or suit color. If you're totally against wearing a jacket, you could choose dress pants with a dress shirt under a nice sweater. This is a comfortable look that will keep you looking professional and feeling at ease.

Check out places like Banana Republic and J.Crew for great, business casual staples.

Business formal

For men and women alike, business formal means you want to look as tailored as possible – like your clothes were made for you. 

For women

A traditional suit is a solid option, but there are also some non-traditional items available that can show off your personality and achieve the dress code just as well. Stick to the rule of dress pants/skirt and jacket and find a creative balance that will work for you. Brands like Zara, H&M, Reiss, or Steve Madden offer options that are both polished and modern.

For men

Your choices may be more limited, but a well-fitted suit and tie are non-negotiable in a business formal setting. You can spice it up a bit by adding layers – like a vest – but don’t overdo it. Sweating through too many layers isn’t a good interview-ready look. You can also add touches like cufflinks to your suit to show a little flair.

Stores like Brooks Brothers, Nordstrom, Macy’s, and SuitSupply have great options that won’t always break the bank. 

What color to wear to an interview

Colors matter more than you might think. Before you say a word, your outfit’s color is already sending a message. The right shade can help you look confident, focused, and professional. Conversely, the wrong one might distract or come off too casual.

Safe bets:

• Navy: Trustworthy, stable, and professional without being too stiff

• Charcoal gray: Confident and neutral; lets you stand out without the suit doing all the work

• Black: Strong and formal, but best for high-level or conservative roles (can feel too harsh in casual settings)

• White or light blue shirts: Clean, crisp, and ideal for layering under a blazer or suit

What to avoid:

• Bright red or neon colors: Can feel aggressive or distracting

• Too much black in a creative or casual setting: Might come off as overly formal or closed-off

• Busy patterns: Stick to solids or subtle textures; patterns can clash on camera or feel too loud in person

When in doubt, go neutral. It keeps the focus on what you say, not what you’re wearing.

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5 rules for dressing for an interview

When it comes down to it, follow there are some golden rules for dressing for an interview: 

• Wear things that make you feel good 

• Match the company, not just the role

• Stick to neutral, professional colors

• Pay attention to grooming and details

• Avoid anything you’d wear on the weekend

Wear the job before you get it

The right outfit may not be THE THING that gets you a job, but it’ll certainly open the door. Dress like you already belong there, and let the rest of the interview do the talking. 

Looking sharp won’t matter if your resume doesn't open the door. Get a free resume review to make sure you’re invited to an interview. 

Recommended reading:

• How Not to Dress for Success: A Lesson in Personal Branding

• What Kind of Work Culture Works for You?

• The Importance of Saying “Thank You” After an Interview