Fashion might seem like a frivolous thing to some, but what we wear when meeting someone for the first time matters more than we think. We often underestimate the power of a well-put outfit. Every piece tells a little something about who we are or who we want to be. We wear things to express ourselves on a conscious and subconscious level. It’s no different when it comes to interview outfits. Working on your visual presentation matters as much as preparing answers for the interview. And the way you present yourself should say that you are confident, professional, and the right person for the job. Here’s everything you need to know about interview outfits for men & women.
Do your homework before deciding on possible interview outfits
When it comes to any challenging project, you have to research if you want to succeed. In this case, you should try to find out if your potential employer has a dress code. This little heads-up might help you narrow down the choices for your interview outfits. You don’t have to copy the style of the employees, but finding out if the company prefers a business or casual dress code will mean a lot.
Also, if you know someone who works in the company, ask them for some tips. Having some insight into the process might help you get the job. No matter how well you do and what you say, if you’re wearing something that might be offensive, it will be hard to change that first impression. It’s of the utmost importance to avoid wearing any religious, offensive, and inappropriate pieces of clothing. Staying professional is essential.
It’s better to be over than underdressed
The choice of your interview outfit will depend on the type of job you’re trying to get. Of course, you don’t have to wear a suit if you plan to get a job in a line of work that requires physical labor. Still, some jobs require a more serious approach when it comes to presenting yourself, and dressing the part for a job interview could be what helps you get the job. Wear simple designs with clean lines and neutral colors. The same goes for your shoes.
Professional elegance never goes out of style
When it comes to government, management, finance, banking, and corporate positions, it’s best to go with dark colors. Both business and smart casual styles will do, as long as you look clean and polished. There are plenty of choices when it comes to men’s outfits. If you prefer professional attire, pick your best suit and a tie.
As for women’s choices, mixing skirts or pants with blazers will have the same effect. However, when it comes to choosing skirts, the most elegant options are calf-length pencil skirts. But if you don’t have that, any classic design that is no more than 3 inches above the knee will do fine.
A classy-casual look is always a safe choice
If you are applying for a job in modern millennial startup companies or digital marketing service hubs, you can dial it down a notch. But even though young entrepreneurs have a more casual dress code, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to leave a good impression with your appearance. For example, combining a jacket or a blazer and pants with a turtleneck or a simple shirt will also do. The second option gives a more realistic everyday look, and it suits everyone.
When it comes to women’s casual outfits, a good blazer is always a smart choice. Whether you decide on casual pants and a t-shirt, or a simple dress, jackets, and blazers will upgrade the appeal of your outfit.
Use subtle colors
The colors you should consider are black, grey, navy, and brown. Bright colors can be a great choice as well, as long as you can pull them off. To be on the safe side, we’d recommend keeping it simple and classy. Avoid mixing more than two colors in your outfit. Fashion statements are not particularly desirable unless you’re trying to get into the fashion industry. Therefore, using subtle colors is recommendable for both professional and casual looks. A patterned piece of clothing can work, too, as long as it’s not too flashy.
What should you do if you get a second interview?
Congratulations. You’re one step closer to getting your dream job! You did great on your interview, but that doesn’t mean you should relax. On the contrary, step it up! Now you know the drill since you’ve seen the company employees, your interviewers, and you have some insight into how it all works. Use that to your advantage. It’s easy to read people through their fashion expressions and tastes, so start reading. Interview outfits for men & women for call-backs should be even better than the first ones, and it should be much easier to pick something this time.
Don’t forget to match your hair, shoes, and accessories with the outfit
Keep in mind that your preparation shouldn’t end with choosing the perfect outfit for your interview. Hair, makeup, and accessories are equally important. Your hair should match your outfit. Hence, visiting your barber or hairstylist the day before the interview might be a good idea. Don’t experiment with new colors, haircuts, and hairdos. Keep it simple, clean, and neat.
This applies to anything to your job interview appearance. Whatever you do, do not use too much perfume or makeup. And avoid any flashy accessories like oversized earrings, hats, sunglasses, and dazzling necklaces and rings. If you want to wear jewelry, make sure to pick discrete pieces. As for men, a nice watch might emphasize the professionalism of your outfit.
In the end, it’s not about what you wear, it’s about how you wear it
They say the suit makes the man, but let’s be honest, it’s the other way around. You can have the most expensive interview outfit, but it will show if you don’t feel comfortable in it. Make sure to feel pleasant in the clothes you pick because every boost of confidence matters. Everyone whose work requires a lot of lifestyle promoting, like social media influencers can tell you about the importance of self-branding. For them, it is a way of additional communication. Remember, interview outfits for men & women are all about building confidence and achieving a professional look.
