Best Interview Outfits for Women

Clothes are our business card wherever we go. What we wear is always a statement! True fashionistas empower clothes with aspects of their personality, creativity, and sense of style. When preparing for an interview, clothes often take the role of introducing ourselves. From the first moment when we walk into the office of a potential employer, our clothes already tell a story about ourselves.

It may sound silly for some, or even shallow for others, but first impression matters, and clothes may very well serve as a letter of recommendation. Dressing for success is not just an “old” saying. It is a manifestation of your intention to impress your future employer and show them you are professional and take the opportunity seriously.

Sure, an inspired interview attire is not a guarantee you will get the job but it will surely tell everyone you are a self-confident and well-prepared candidate the moment your shoes touch the floor.

Choose an outfit that reflects the company’s culture

Now, the first thing to do when you prepare for a job interview is to do some research on the company. Put your investigative skills to work and learn more about their company culture, values, and office dress code. See if they are all about business formal in formal offices or if bright colors and casual outfits are welcomed and appreciated.

If you don’t know where to start, just let the all-mighty social media do its thing. Check out the organization’s social media profiles and look for photos that can give an insight into the way the current employees dress for work.

Many companies have tucked the suit and tie dress code in the archive along with the fedora hats, dress shoes, and tweed suits. Today, many companies are fans of the business casual dress code, where jeans and blazers rule supreme. We too love a good combination of jeans and blazers but never for an interview.

While jeans are often the all-star of the fashion industry, always coming through when you simply have nothing to wear. When it comes to interviews, we have to put our foot down and have them patiently wait in the closet for the duration of the interview. Even if our clients are going to a casual interview! The only time we accept jeans as part of an interview outfit is when our client is getting ready for a virtual interview. And even then, we prefer them to wear dark jeans!

Dress for the type of job you want

The type of job you’re applying for should also be used as a valuable clue into what your interview attire should look like. If you want to work in a conservative company, a two-piece suit with a simple blouse or dress shirt in classic colors is always the safest option.

On the other hand, an innovative company might consider you a bit too traditional if you were to show up in a business suit, so you should lose the conservative note – be it a skirt suit or black pants – and replace it with a “three-pieces” concept – where a pair of pants will make a great team with a tailored blouse and a cardigan or a blazer.

If you intend to get a job at a fashion company, you probably find our advice superfluous. Nevertheless, let me remind you that anything goes for fashion companies as long as it is elegant, original, and has a bit of personality that tells a fascinating story about yourself, preferably in bold colors or daring patterns.

You can never go wrong with timeless combinations

Every job interview is different but, fortunately, specific outfits will always flatter our silhouette while exuding professionalism, elegance, and ambition. When in doubt, you can always wear:

Skirts – Only if they are below or at the knee! I will let you decide if you’ll go for a high or regular waisted or if you prefer a fitted or loose fit. The important thing is to feel comfortable while wearing it.

Dresses – A dress is not a common choice for an interview but, if you ask us, it should be! There is nothing classier and more imposing than a knee-length statement dress that compliments your silhouette, especially when paired with a pair of shoes with reasonable heels. For a safe choice, go with a black dress and pair it with a pop of color to show you are professional but never boring.

Pants – When it comes to pants, we really love the cigarette-style look that manages to be business-like while adding a touch of nonchalant sophistication to the ensemble. As long as the pants are not too long or too short, you will be just fine.

Shirts or blouses – We prefer them in neutral colors, and oh, how I love me some collared shirts for an extra boost of confidence and wit. However, if you are wearing, for example, a classical pantsuit, a splash of color has never hurt anyone. For a touch of creativity, try a sheer silk chiffon shirt over a camisole, and don’t be afraid to add a bit of color.

Blazers – Here we are now at the last piece of the attire, the omnipresent blazer that always makes an impression if it is perfectly fitted and sits tightly around your hips. You will never go wrong – I repeat NEVER go wrong – with a navy-blue blazer, a versatile piece of clothing that can be worn with almost any pair of pants you have in your wardrobe and will be a match made in heaven with a button-down shirt, a blouse, and even with a chic dress.

The devil may wear Prada, but it is always in the details!

Now, I can go on and on about interview outfits but, in the end, it all comes down to one simple rule:

One simple rule we always follow when helping our clients get ready for interviews is to make sure they are comfortable in their interview clothes. Stay away from new shoes, clothes that require Spanx, oversized or baggy items, and anything else that requires constant adjusting or is restricting your movement. If you’re feeling uncomfortable, your face is showing it, and that will definitely not make a good first, second, or even last impression!

Ready for a professional wardrobe that brings you confidence and simplifies getting dressed each day? Our stylists can help you curate a wardrobe personalized to your lifestyle, business dress code, and preferences! Check out our services to learn more about working with us, or schedule an intro call to get started today.