Styling for a job interview.
You’ve finally found it: The perfect job you’ve been dreaming about. Your resume was a standout amongst the competition and earned you a well-deserved interview. You’ve got the experience, the confidence, the conversational edge, and the drive—now all you need is an outfit to tie it all together.
Job interviews are all about making great first impressions. Your future boss wants to get a feel for your personality. Professional business-casual interview outfits can be as bold and spirited as you are.
Leave your pre-interview stress at the door. We’re here to arm you with the style tools you’ll need to cinch the interview, walk with poise, and land your dream job.
Interview Outfit Closet Staples
Interview Outfit Ideas by Industry
- The Creative Arts Position
- The Education Position
- The Healthcare Position
- The Tech Position
- The Finance Position
- The Hospitality Position
Interview Outfit Closet Staples
Job interview attire comes in many different shapes, colors, cuts and fits. Despite popular belief, job interview outfits aren’t restricted to a blazer and slacks combo. Fashion is about freedom, even when applied to the rigors of the job market. A classic monochrome pantsuit might help you ace the interview, but if your colorful personality has to take a backseat to the action, you may be left feeling stylistically stifled.
Don't be afraid to spice up these business-casual closet staples. And remember, it's always better to bring your unique vibrancy to the table by staying true to your personal style.
The Piece: Blazer
A blazer is a classy complement to any of your favorite looks. A neutral-toned blazer in navy black or khaki is an easy goes-with-everything piece, but you may want something that shows a bit more personality.
The transformation: A floral blazer adds a touch of bright to your ensemble, while still keeping you looking polished. Add a little texture to this traditional silhouette with a delightful boucle blazer jacket, or stand out from the crowd by changing up your color palette.
The Piece: Slacks
Classic black slacks might not come to mind as the most fashion-forward choice, but contemporary fashion designers have revamped these business-casual staples into pieces that let you look good and feel good.
The transformation: Experimenting with different cuts and colors is the key to upping your slack game. The average mid-rise, bootcut pair of slacks won’t have the same effect as a pair of high-waisted kick-flare slacks. Cigarette cut slacks are perfect for drawing the eye to your footwear, and are interview-appropriate with everything from loafer shoes to high heels.
The Piece: Skirt
The types of skirts out there can be intimidating, but we’re here to offer some help. Not only comfy, skirts also offer an instant outfit upgrade—making you look polished and put together without breaking a sweat.
The transformation: Midi skirts master the fine balancing act between work and play. Toying with shapes and materials like layers and pleats adds an element of surprise. Small accents like a waist sash, buttons, or a scalloped hem showcase your attention to detail.
The Piece: Dress
As a one-stop-shop piece of clothing, dresses are a woman’s saving grace. The beauty of dresses is that they’re, well, dressy! Nail the perfect dress ensemble for your dream job interview.
The transformation: Necklines and lengths are the keys to dress selection. A subtle surplice neckline is a classy evolution from the classic v-neck, while a square neckline adds structure and dimension. A flowy tea-length wrap dress is perfect for making moves, while an understated pleated maxi dress keeps you looking chic.
The Piece: Flats
Ballet flats are among the most popular style of women’s footwear within the work world. Characterized by their refined simplicity and undeniable comfort, the flat is the optimal working woman’s shoe. Wearing flats to your dream job interview is like wearing flats to work: practical and fashionable.
The transformation: Women who love bold statement pieces but are nervous about how that comes into play in an interview can consider expressing their creative spirit through their footwear. Try out a pointed toe flat if you’re looking to switch up the shape, or leap for a leopard print flats to channel your inner go-getter.
The Piece: Sweater
Comfort is the top priority when it comes to clothing, and nothing says comfy quite like a soft, cozy sweater. Gearing up for job interview success can be done in a tailored sweater when styled appropriately.
The transformation: Muted colors like grey, cream and brown work great with a pair of slacks or a pencil skirt, but might need a little extra something. Rather than overhaul your closet color scheme, try out different sweater styles that add a vibrant touch. Bell sleeves, cowl necks, embroidery, zip-front and balloon sleeves are all fun variations that enliven your sweater game.
Interview Outfit Ideas by Industry
The Creative Arts Position
The crafty creative with a portfolio overflowing with artful ideas and completed works should arrive at her dream job interview dressed to the nines. A bright-colored blazer matched with a pair of cigarette trousers and a neutral toned turtleneck serves up visionary style. A muted-color manicure and a pair of comfortable pointed flats tie it all together.
The Education Position
Whether you’re a candidate for a superintendent role on your local board of education or a high-school level English teacher, you want your first impression to speak volumes about your upstanding character. Tackling your polished and professional interview outfit begins with a simple top, a sleek black blazer, and a pair of black pants. Top it off with a pair of minimalist loafers and you’ll be dressed for classroom success.
The Healthcare Position
Effortless and functional pieces like a pair of black bootcut slacks with a matching blazer and button-down blouse go a long way in the healthcare industry. Finish the look off with a pair of comfortable closed-toe color-block heels. A dainty necklace and a sharp updo are pretty last touches.
The Tech Position
Women in the world of technology are a true force to be reckoned with. High-waisted slacks paired with a high-neck blouse and a pair of chunky kitten heels will let you walk in with impenetrable determination. Keep your outfit chic and minimalist to call attention to your shining resume.
The Finance Position
When dealing with money, you’ll likely want to take the casual out of business-casual. A strictly business interview outfit consists of a neat, streamlined pantsuit that could have you looking like a potential presidential candidate. Own that boss look with a pair of pointed toe shoes and a flattering updo that draws the eye’s focus to your game face.
The Hospitality Position
Passionate about serving others? A simple neutral-colored tee with lace accents paired with dark wash skinny jeans looks refined and appropriate for a server or bartender interview. For an upscale establishment, a knee-length bateau-neckline dress exudes grace and elegance before you’ve even gotten the chance to introduce yourself.
Key Interview Outfit Tips
Whether we’ve inspired your perfect outfit or you’re still in pursuit of the ideal look, be sure to keep these key job interview outfit tips in mind when sifting through store hangers or perusing through your closet.
Do your dress code research.
Before stepping foot into the interview office, make sure you have a solid understanding of the expected company dress code. Asking ahead shows your employer that you genuinely care about matching the company’s culture, and it better prepares your interview outfit ideation process.
Do a dress rehearsal.
Try your potential interview outfits on before the big day. You’ll thank yourself when you avoid the trouble ill-fitting or damaged clothing can cause.
Pay attention to details.
Little things that may not seem like a big deal to you could raise red flags for your potential employer. An unbuttoned blouse, unzipped pants, torn tights, or an unironed shirt are all little details that speak to how you prepare for a momentous event. First impressions are everything—make sure yours is a good one!
Embrace your fashion freedom.
One of the best parts about coming up with interview outfit ideas is that there are so many different ways to bend the rules. Interview outfits for women don’t have a single look or feel—you can express yourself by experimenting with prints, materials and accessories. The options are limitless, so go ahead and get exploring.
