What to Wear to an Interview: Women and Men

Making it to the interview round is itself a big deal. Congratulations! Now, it’s your turn to make an impression while you walk into the interview room. But does your attire really matter? Well, skills and knowledge are indeed the ultimate requirements to clear the interview round. But the first thing, an interviewer notice about you when you enter the room is YOU. From there only your interview starts. How you present yourself is also calculated during the interview process. So how can you gain that extra points with your looks during a job interview? Today, in this article, we are going to discuss thoroughly what to wear to an interview for both men and women.

Basic Rules For Dressing Up For a Job Interview

1. Don’t Assume

Ask directly. Whenever you are asked for the walk-in interview, the first thing comes to your mind is “what to wear?”. It’s a very common question. So, without overthinking, make sure you either ask directly from the person who informed you about the job interview, or drop an email.

2. Check their Social Media Account

If dropping an email just for attire doesn’t convince you, take the social media road. Most companies have social media presence these days. They often upload office activities from where you can check what their employees are wearing during working hours. You may even get an idea about the work culture.

3. Show up During Lunch

It sounds weird, but it is the most accurate thing. You can show up during the lunch break and see what employees are wearing. Are they in business-professional attire or casual outfits? And there you get your answer.

Once you get an idea of what the company prefers when it comes to office attire, start preparing for it. We have created a list of the things that you can put on during the job interview for both formats: Professional and casual, and for both genders. Let’s get dressed!

What to Wear in an Interview that Has a Formal Dress Code? (Men’s Edition)

When it comes to a dress code for males during the formal interview, a shirt, pants, and tie are something that quickly strikes the mind. But selecting the right color, and pattern for the shirt and trousers puzzle again, right? So, here is your guide.

1. Pattern and Color of the Shirt: When it comes to shirts, a light or solid color shirt never goes out of style. If you have micro checked pattern shirt, it would also work. Make sure there is no stain on it, and it is neatly ironed.
2. Color for the Blazers and Suits: Are you planning to wear blazers or suits to your interview? If yes, you can never go wrong with colors like black, navy blue, and dark grey. Brown would also work. Here you need to take care that you are balancing out the colors of your blazer with the shirt. You can either go monotone or choose colors that are not too bright.
3. Which Type of Bottom Wear: Pattern and color of the trouser- Always go for dark-colored trousers like black, blue, grey or brown. It is highly advised to avoid any patterned trousers during the interview to give a more professional impression. Dark-colored trousers with a light-colored shirt are a nice combination.

Time to Get You Some Accessories

Accessories are like the little elements that elevate your whole look. In men’s case, these are belts, watch, bag, and tie.

1. Color and the Pattern of the Tie: You can go for the solid-colored tie or even the small patterned tie would also work. Just make sure whatever color or pattern you choose compliments your shirt color. It should look the part of the look. For an instance, a white shirt and a black tie with black trousers is a balanced look.
2. Belt: Look for a solid or dark-colored belt.
3. Watch: Thinking about accessories and not counting watches is never a good idea. No one would ask you to wear a watch, but a watch on your wrist speaks a lot about your personality. So don’t forget it. Also, keep a simple and classy watch, but that doesn’t mean cross your budget and get an expensive one. Just get a budget-friendly decent wristwatch for yourself.
4. Bag is a Choice: You need something to keep your documents for the interview. It’s your choice to carry only a big black or brown colored folder. If not, a solid black or brown colored bag will be good.

Complete Your Look With Formal Shoes

Color and the pattern of the shoes and socks: Get yourself solid colored socks that match your trouser so that they don’t look different. And make sure you are wearing a fresh pair. It should not stink. Coming to shoes, get formal shoes in dark colors, and you are all set for the job interview.

What to Wear in an Interview that Has a Casual Dress Code? (Men’s Edition)

Some offices are quite flexible with the dress codes. They let you come in casuals to a job interview. But that doesn’t mean you just put on a random t-shirt, sliders, and headphones and walk into the job interview room. Keeping it casual yet professional is necessary but not tricky. Let’s see how?

1. Pattern and Color of the Shirt: A simple solid or light color shirt would go for both casual and professional interviews. You can wear a denim shirt. But make sure it is not wrinkled. Also, your shirt should not have bright checks or patterns.
2. Pattern and Color of the Sweatshirt or Blazers: If you are choosing a sweater, sweatshirt, or blazer, keep it in a plain color. Try to find a black, blue, dark grey, or brown colored blazer, sweater, or sweatshirt. They give a good impression during a job interview.
3. What Looks Best in Bottom Wear- Pattern and color of the trouser or jeans- Try to find well-fitted, solid-color pants or jeans. You can opt for dark colors in both. Just take care they are not tight or ripped. After all, even if it is casual, it is still a job interview, right?

Accessories Don’t Vary Much in Both Cases

• Here tie is optional. If you think a tie would look good on the outfit, go for it. Otherwise, just drop it in the casual dress code.
• The rules for the belt go the same, a simple dark-colored belt.
• A watch is a must!
• And the bag is again a choice. You can have a dark-colored laptop bag.

How to Pair Shoes With a Casual Look?

When it comes to footwear, don’t go funky. You can either get good leathered shoes or sneakers in simple black, white, or blue colors that would look good. Also, keep the socks fresh and in the same color as your trouser, or jeans.

That was all about men. Now let’s talk about women. Women have a wide variety of ranges in clothes and it is both helpful and confusing. But when you have a clear thought in mind about how you feel comfortable and confident, you’ll never have to struggle much.

What to Wear in an Interview that Has a Formal Dress Code? (Women’s Edition)

1. Indian Traditional Suit or Saree: If you love traditional wear, never have a second thought. The interview is all about how neatly you present yourself. So, if you don’t want to wear trousers and shirts, it’s alright. But make sure whatever Indian traditional dress you pick, be it a suit or a saree, it doesn’t have shimmer, lace, or any element that may look odd. You can choose either a pastel kurta with minimal prints or a dark-colored one. It should be well-fitted: neither too tight nor too loose. It is because well-fitted cloth gives you confidence from the inside. In case, you would want to appear in Saree, choose a light or dark solid-colored saree with no or less basic prints.
2. Western Wear: If your style is western wear then you can either choose a pantsuit or a formal dress. When it comes to pantsuits, either go for dark solid colors or light solid colors. Also, if you are opting shirt or a top, wear one which has fewer or no prints. Also, the same condition is followed in formal dress as well. Make sure it is not too short. A knee-length dress would be perfect for the job interview.

What to Wear in an Interview that Has a Casual Dress Code? (Women Edition)

When an office has a casual dress code, women can go with suits, tops, shirts, kurtas, or any knee-length dress. All you have to take care of is whatever you choose should be well-fitted, and properly ironed. Also, if you are opting for any traditional wear, ensure that it should not have heavy embroideries. Shirts and tops should also be with less print. Any inappropriate print would create a problem for you so check it before putting it on.

What to Choose in Bottom Wear?

A palazzo, trousers, or a basic pair of jeans is fine to pair with any top, kurta, shirt, or suit. It is equally important that whatever you wear on the bottom should also be wrinkle-free. So prioritize both and have a balanced look.

Accessories Elevate Your Formal or Casual Look

• When it comes to accessories for the job interview, you should wear a wristwatch if you have one. This works with both traditional and western wear. 
• Avoid wearing any fancy or funky rings, it may not be appropriate for the official job interview. 
• Also, whatever handbag you choose for your documents, ensure it is simple and in basic solid colors.

Besides, if you plan to put on some make-up and hairstyle, keep it basic. Anything in excess would not give a good impression.

Complete Your Look with Bellies or Sandals

Having black or neutral color bellies or sandals will never go wrong. They can be paired with any formal or casual dress. So do invest in them.

Bottom-Line!

It may look a lot when it comes to dressing up for a job interview but when you have an idea about what makes you feel good from the inside, you can easily select the best outfit for yourself. Just in case, you don’t have some basic color clothes and footwear, consider investing in them on priority. Last but not least, don’t forget to put on the most important things during the job interview which is your smile and confidence. Your smile is what completes your look. And your confidence helps you stay calm and composed during the interview. So be confident in your skills and yourself. You will nail the interview.