What To Wear For A Job Interview

Written by Dan | 08/06/2023

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Formal

How To

Men: What to wear for a job interview? Picture this: you’ve landed that dream job interview, and everything seems to be falling into place. But then, the million-dollar question pops up – “What should I wear?”

Well, don’t worry… you’ve stumbled upon the ultimate guide to dressing for success: what men should wear to a job interview!

We understand that dressing appropriately for an interview is no small task, as it plays a vital role in making a solid first impression. That’s why we’re here to help you navigate the maze of interview attire with expert tips and advice tailored to every scenario – formal, informal, or even remote interviews.

So, what can you expect from this treasure trove of wisdom? We’ll be dishing out insider secrets on picking the perfect suit, tie, shoes, and accessories while keeping you in the loop about the latest trends in men’s fashion. And because we know that looking good goes beyond clothes, we’ll also share essential grooming tips to ensure you’re polished from head to toe.

Get ready to dive into a world of fashion insights that’ll have you walking into any interview with poise and confidence. Read on and unlock the secrets to dressing for success in the job interview arena!

A man dressed in a smart grey suit ready for an interview

 

What Qualifies as Appropriate Interview Clothing?

The key to nailing an interview outfit is finding the perfect balance between formal business wear and fashion. Aim for a professional yet modern look that speaks to your sense of style while conveying your commitment to the position you’re applying for.

In most cases, this means wearing a suit as it shouts trustworthiness and competence while conveying the impression that you’ve put in an effort to dress up for the occasion. If your work environment is more laid-back, then opt for a pair of slacks with a shirt and blazer combination.

If you’re wearing a tie, choose a conservative pattern that complements your outfit. Avoid flashy designs and bold colours, as they can come across as unprofessional.

No matter what type of interview you’re attending, remember to keep it simple and stick to classic colours like navy, charcoal, and black as they never go out of style. And don’t forget to pay attention to the details – make sure your job interview outfit fits properly and is clean and wrinkle-free.

A man who has worked out what to wear for a job interview and is on his way there

 

Business Formal Attire

Business formal attire is the most commonly accepted outfit for a formal interview. It’s usually appropriate for positions in corporate sectors, such as finance, accounting, and law.

When it comes to choosing a formal suit, opt for a classic cut made from high-quality fabrics like wool or cotton blends. Make sure that it fits your body type and flatters your figure. Dress pants and a matching jacket are ideal interview attire.

For the shirt, select a plain white or light blue design with French cuffs and a spread collar for an ultra-polished look. And don’t forget neckwear – try to stay away from a patterned tie and opt for conservative colours like navy blue, burgundy, or black.

 

Business Casual Interview Attire

If you’re interviewing for a more laid-back job such as in the tech industry, chances are there will be a smart casual company’s dress code. This is a great opportunity to showcase your personal style through fashion while still looking professional.

When picking out an outfit, start with a pair of dark chinos or slacks paired with a button-down shirt. Then, add a navy-blue blazer or suit jacket to the mix for an extra formal touch.

Avoid wearing jeans as they come across as too informal and unprofessional. And remember to avoid bright colours, wacky prints, and bold patterns since they’re more suited for social events and not job interviews (even if the company does have a business casual dress code).

A man dressed in business casual attire for a remote interview

 

Remote Interviews

Interviewing over Zoom or Skype is more popular than ever these days. And while it’s convenient, it adds an extra layer of complexity since you can’t rely on the standard job interview dress code.

When preparing for a remote interview, dress appropriately. Your outfit should be neat and polished without being overly formal. Aim for comfort and simplicity with a collared shirt or a polo shirt and tailored trousers or chinos. Avoid wearing anything too casual, such as joggers or a graphic T shirt.

And no matter what type of interview you attend, make sure to practice good hygiene and groom yourself appropriately. It’s important that your hair is neat and that your facial hair is well-trimmed. And don’t forget to use a light cologne or aftershave for a subtle yet pleasant scent.

 

What Shoes Should I Wear For an Interview?

When it comes to shoes, the options are endless. But in the case of an interview, there are certain styles that stand out from the rest and guarantee to make a great impression.

For formal occasions, nothing beats a classic pair of black or dark brown Oxford leather shoes. They exude sophistication and elegance while keeping your look refined and polished.

If you’re going for a more casual vibe, opt for loafers or Chelsea boots with a dressy outfit. When selecting your interview shoes, make sure they match the colour of your belt and suit. And don’t forget to give leather shoes a good polish – first impressions last!

Close up image of a smart pair of brown leather shoes

 

Interview accessories

When it comes to accessories, less is more. A simple watch or bracelet, as well as a minimalistic tie clip or pocket square are perfect for job interviews. You can also opt for classic cufflinks if you’re wearing a dress shirt with French cuffs.

Keep your outfit simple

Anything that distracts the interviewer from you and your perfectly planned-out answers is best to avoid. When you’re working out what to wear to an interview, stick to basic accessories that add a touch of sophistication without detracting from the overall look.

 

Research The Company Dress Code!

While you’re researching the company values and mission statement to make an impression on the hiring manager, try and find out a bit about the dress code and company culture. It will help you later when you’re going through potential interview outfits.

A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to choosing interview clothes. So, take your time and choose pieces that will make you stand out – in a good way! You don’t want to be turning up overdressed for a casual interview or, even worse, dressing business casual for a formal meeting.

A good tip would be to park yourself somewhere nearby and watch people going in and out of the building. This will give you an idea of the baseline requirements for the role. Then you can take it up a gear to really make a good impression.

 

Try Your Outfit On Before The Interview

Now that you have chosen your outfit, it’s time to practice. If you’re eyeing a new belt or shoes, take them for a test drive before the big day. Wear the entire outfit and go out for a coffee. This will help you get an idea of how comfortable they are and whether it’s right for you.

Preparation and confidence are the key ingredients to acing an interview, but your outfit can also play a role in making a great first impression. Remember to plan ahead and choose something that speaks to your style while conveying your commitment to the position.

With these tips, we hope that dressing for success is no longer an intimidating task but instead one of the many steps towards achieving your goals.

 

Finally – good luck with your upcoming interview – go get ’em!

 

 

Find your interview essentials at Mainline Menswear!

 

 

 

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