Last Updated on September 20, 2024
You’ve waited and waited for your interview day to come. After days and weeks of waiting, the day has finally arrived! But…what do you wear for your interview? The anxiety builds as you wonder how formal to be, think about what pieces could look good together, and agonize over what your employer might be expecting from you.
Luckily, you don’t need to worry. There are a handful of guidelines that will help you as you work on figuring out your interview outfit. Here is a curated rulebook for tips and best practices when it comes to interview outfits for women.
4 Rules for Job Interview Outfits for Women
If you boil it down there are really four keys with regard to selecting an outfit for an interview. Follow along with each rule and discover how you can apply each one as you get ready for your upcoming interview.
Rule #1: Understand the Company Culture + Dress Code
Now, this is a crucial step as you try to figure out what to wear. So much will depend on the company that you are interviewing for. For example, a start-up or tech company will have a much different company culture than a traditional accounting firm. Here are 3 ways to figure out what the best style is for your interview:
- Do a quick Google search
- Check on social media
- Ask a recruiter, hiring manager, or an employee
Each of these strategies has its pros and cons. If you are too shy or embarrassed to ask someone what to wear, Google and social media will probably be the right choice. On the other hand, if a Google and social media search have been in inconclusive, then the best choice might be to ask someone. No matter what method you choose, make sure to do your research before an interview to ensure that you are dressed properly.Â
Rule #2: Always Be One Notch Above Your Interviewer
Once you have researched the company culture and dress code, begin to plan your outfit. One key to successful interviewing is always dressing one notch above your interviewer.Â
Imagine you show up to an interview dressed in a t-shirt and leggings and your interviewer is dressed in a formal blazer, blouse, and skirt. Nothing could be worse, right?
Opting on the side of formal is always the right call when it comes to your interview outfit. Coming dressed one step above your interviewer shows your dedication and preparation. It also avoids the awkward situation of being underdressed.
Rule #3: Wear Neutral Colors & Keep It Simple
Despite your potentially eccentric style, a flashy outfit is likely not the way to win the favor of your interviewer. You want your personality, qualifications, and work experience to be what flashes the most during a job interview. Wearing neutral colors is a safe bet to keep things professional and focused during your interview.
For interview apparel and accessories, be simple. This video from Indeed gives a great visualization of this point and walks through several of the tips covered here. Keep perfume to a minimum. As much as you might hate to hear it, simplicity is your friend in regards to interview outfits. This allows the important things to shine during your interview!
Rule #4: Avoid wrinkles, stains, and poor-fitting items
Perhaps this goes without saying, but your outfit choice is a reflection of you and your attention to detail. If you show up wearing a stained shirt, a wrinkled skirt, or overly tight sweater, you likely won’t leave a good impression on your interviewer. Your outfit will likely be the first thing your interviewer notices. Most jobs require attentiveness, so missing details in your outfit could be a big red flag for your interviewer.
Bonus Rule: Be Comfortable
After taking all these items into account, make sure that you are comfortable in what you wear. Obviously, this does not mean to show up in a sweatsuit. However, make sure that the material of your professional outfit is comfortable and will allow you to remain focused during your interview. You need to be your most confident self during your interview. Don’t let uncomfortable clothing hold you back!
Interview Outfits for Women – 3 Main Styles
When it comes to interview outfits for women, your choice of wardrobe will likely break down into three different umbrellas: business formal, business casual, and smart casual. Business formal is clearly the most professional/formal style of the bunch, with smart casual being on the opposite end of the spectrum. All of these outfits are generally appropriate for interviews, but depending on your unique situation one might be a better choice than another.
Business Formal
When it comes to business attire, business formal is probably what you have always imagined. This is your traditional professional business style. Typically, the color palette for business formal is black, gray, blue, and white. For men, business formal consists of a classic suit and tie, while women commonly sport a pair of dress pants or a skirt with a matching jacket.
Here are some outfit options when it comes to business formal:
- Tops: blazer + blouse, blazer + button-down, collared blouse, dress material top
- Bottoms: matching dress pants, matching pencil skirt, knee length skirt
- Dresses: sheath dress
- Shoes: formal flats, heels, stilettos, pumps
- Accessories: minimal, simple jewelry
Business Casual
Business casual is described as a blend of traditional business attire with more casual elements. The blend of traditional and casual allows it to still be acceptable in a work environment. Luckily, this attire is suitable for many interviews, since business casual is a good balance between a more professional and casual look. But what types of pieces are included in a business casual outfit? There are a few ideas below:
- Tops: blouse, button down shirt, collared shirt, sweater
- Bottoms: pencil skirt, knee length skirt, dress pants
- Shoes: flats, lifestyle sneakers, boots, heels, mules
- Accessories: minimal, simple jewelry
Smart Casual
Smart casual is one step below business casual. It is easy to confuse business casual and smart casual. Essentially, smart casual is the more fashionable and edgy version of business casual. Since it is a more style-progressive and relaxed look, it might not be the right choice unless you are very certain that the company you are interviewing with is aligned with this style. With that in mind, here are some ideas when it comes to smart casual interview outfits:
- Tops: blazer, blouse, button down shirt, sweater (can be more fashionable)
- Bottoms: skirt, dress pants, knee length skirt
- Shoes: lifestyle sneakers, heels, flats, boots, mules
- Accessories: scarves, belts, jewelry (can be more of a statement piece)
Need more ideas for smart casual interview outfits? This article from TrendSpotter is one of the best resources out there.
Job Interview Outfits for Women: Concluding Thoughts
At the end of the day, this is such an exciting time. Don’t let the stress of your interview or what you are going to wear distract you from that! Just follow these tips and you are sure to pick the right interview outfit.
Remember to do your research, be one notch above your interviewer, keep things simple, pay attention to the details, and be comfortable. If you do all these things, there is no way you will go in the wrong direction! Next thing you know, you will be in your dream job! Good luck!
Additional Resources:
- Looking for more help with getting a job? Hire Integrated has you covered
- Need advice on how to stand out in a job interview?
- Or need help answering common entry level interview questions?
Emily Rushton, Founder and CEO of Hire Integrated, has over a decade of experience in recruitment, helping companies solve high-volume hiring challenges. Her unique, storytelling approach has made her a trusted leader in the industry, helping both businesses and candidates succeed.
