What to Wear to an Interview: Men, Female & Teenager

What to Wear to an Interview? First impressions, especially in a professional setting like a job interview, matter. What you wear can significantly influence how you’re perceived by potential employers. Dressing appropriately shows respect for the opportunity and reflects your understanding of the company culture. 

Whether you’re a man, woman, or teenager getting ready for an interview, knowing how to dress can make you feel more confident and leave a good impression. This comprehensive guide will provide specific wardrobe recommendations for each group.

Let’s look at the complete information on what to wear for an interview.

What to Wear to an Interview for Men

For men, the key to interview attire is to dress conservatively and professionally. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what to wear:

Suit:

Go for a well-fitted, single-breasted navy, charcoal, or black suit. The fabric should be high-quality and wrinkle-resistant. Avoid loud patterns or bright colors, as they can be distracting. The suit jacket should fit comfortably, with the shoulders flat and the collar resting snugly against the back of your neck. 

When trying on the suit, ensure enough room to move comfortably without it being too loose or tight. The suit should be tailored to fit your body properly, with sleeves ending at the wrist and pants hemmed to the appropriate length. The ideal fit skims the body without being overly tight or baggy.

Shirt:

Select a solid-colored, long-sleeved button-up shirt in neutral shades like white, soft blue, or light gray. Select a high-quality cotton or cotton-blend fabric that is breathable and comfortable. The shirt should be clean and neatly pressed, without wrinkles or stains. 

Pay attention to the collar, keeping it flat against the back of your neck and the points crisp and well-defined. The jacket sleeves should reach your wrist, revealing about half an inch of the shirt cuff extending past the suit sleeve’s end. Avoid shirts with loud patterns or bold colors, as they can be distracting and inappropriate for a professional setting.

Tie:

Wear a conservative silk tie in a solid color or subtle pattern. The tie should complement your shirt and suit without overpowering them. Choose understated and professional colors, such as navy, burgundy, or dark gray. Avoid novelty ties or anything too flashy, as they can detract from your overall appearance. 

Aim for a neat and symmetrical knot when tying your tie, such as a half or full Windsor. Make sure the tie is long enough to reach the waistband of your pants without hanging too far below it.

Shoes:

Opt for polished leather dress shoes in black or brown. The shoes should be in good condition, with no scuffs, scratches, or visible wear and tear. Choose a classic style with a closed-toe design and minimal detailing, such as oxfords or derbies. 

Ensure they’re clean and polished before the interview, paying special attention to the soles and heels. Invest in a high-quality pair of comfortable shoes for extended periods, as you may be standing or walking during the interview.

Accessories:

Keep accessories to a minimum to maintain a professional and polished appearance. A simple watch with a leather or metal band is a classic choice that adds a touch of sophistication. Avoid overly flashy or trendy watches, as they can be distracting. Avoid belts with large or ornate buckles, which draw attention away from your outfit. 

If you wear glasses, choose a conservative frame style in a neutral colour that complements your face shape. Avoid brightly coloured or oversized frames that may appear unprofessional. Finally, consider carrying a professional-looking briefcase or portfolio to hold copies of your resume, notebook, and pen. Choose a sleek, understated style with plenty of room to organize your documents and materials.

What to Wear to an Interview for Women/Female

Regarding interview attire, women have more flexibility in their wardrobe choices than men. However, the ultimate goal remains to project a polished and professional image. Here’s a detailed guide on what to wear:

Suit or Dress:

Consider wearing a well-tailored suit for a classic and professional look. Choose a suit with a skirt or pants in timeless colours like navy, black, or charcoal. Alternatively, you can opt for a conservative dress in a neutral colour such as black, grey, or navy. 

Aim for a hemline at or below the knee to maintain a professional appearance. Ensure the fit is comfortable and you can move around easily.

Blouse:

Pair your suit or dress with a collared blouse or a tailored top. Opt for solid colours or subtle patterns to maintain a professional and polished look. Avoid low-cut or sheer tops that may appear inappropriate for a professional setting. Ensure the blouse fits well and is neither tight nor loose.

Shoes:

Choose closed-toe pumps with a moderate heel for a professional touch. Traditional colours like black, navy, or nude will match your outfit nicely. Make sure your shoes are comfortable for walking around during the interview. Avoid embellished or flashy footwear, as it may distract from your appearance.

Accessories:

To maintain a professional appearance, keep your accessories simple and understated. To add a touch of elegance to your outfit, go for a classic watch, stud earrings, and a small necklace. 

Avoid anything too flashy or distracting. You want the focus to remain on your qualifications and skills. Remember to coordinate your accessories with the rest of your outfit for a cohesive look.

Read more about the Interview guide

What to Wear to an Interview for Teenagers

While teenagers may not have as much experience with professional attire, dressing appropriately for an interview is still crucial. Here’s a more detailed guide on what to wear:

Dress Shirt and Pants/Skirt:

Start with a dress shirt in a neutral colour, such as white or light blue. This creates a clean and polished base for your outfit. Pair it with tailored pants or a skirt in a conservative color like black, navy, or gray. The key is to choose pieces that fit well and are comfortable to wear.

Sweater or Blazer:

Consider layering a sweater or a blazer over the dress shirt for a more polished look. This adds a touch of sophistication to your outfit and shows that you’ve put thought into your appearance. Ensure the sweater or blazer is not too casual or oversized, as you want to maintain a professional appearance.

Shoes:

To complete your outfit, choose clean, closed-toe shoes such as loafers or flats. Select a neutral colour that goes well with the rest of your outfit. Make sure the shoes are comfortable to walk in, as you may need to navigate the interview process.

Grooming:

Pay attention to grooming for a neat appearance. Style your hair cleanly and professionally, and make sure your nails are clean and trimmed. Avoid excessive makeup or hairstyles that may appear distracting. Aim for a presentable appearance that reflects your professionalism and attention to detail.

General Tips for All

Regardless of your gender or age, here are some simple tips to keep in mind when choosing your interview outfit:

Fit Matters: 

Make sure your clothes fit well and feel comfortable.

Keep it Simple: 

Stick to classic and timeless pieces that won’t overshadow your skills and experience. Avoid flashy or trendy items that could distract from what you have to offer.

Pay Attention to the Details: 

Take the time to iron your clothes and polish your shoes. Note that everything is clean and well-maintained, including your accessories. These small details can make a big difference in how you’re perceived.

Know the Company Culture: 

Research the company’s dress code and culture beforehand. When in doubt, it’s always safer to dress a little more formally than to risk being underdressed. Your professionalism and commitment demonstrate that you’ve taken the time to understand the company’s expectations.

Frequently asked questions

1. What is the dress code for an interview?

Professional attire is considered the norm for job interviews, regardless of gender. When meeting with a firm that mandates formal business wear, it’s crucial to dress slightly more formally than their usual standard. This approach demonstrates respect and attention to detail during the interview process.

2. Is it appropriate to wear denim to a job interview?

If you decide to don jeans for an interview, select a dark shade with a straight or fitted cut, avoiding any tears or excessive fading. Combine them with a well-fitted jacket, a neat button-up shirt, or an elegant top to enhance the overall appearance.

3. How do you present yourself during an interview?

Begin with a courteous hello, give your complete name, discuss your academic history and applicable job experience, emphasize crucial abilities and strong points, concisely state your professional goals, and show appreciation for the chance to interview.

Dressing right for your interview shows you’re professional, respectful, and attentive to details. Follow these easy tips for men, women, and teenagers, and you’ll leave a good impression. Just be confident, wear your outfit proudly, and focus on showing off your skills and qualifications during the interview. I hope this guide will make your decision-making sense and help make your interview stand out!