When going into a job interview, the right clothes can really make a difference. First impressions are important in interviews, and your personality and your ‘self’ that you bring to the interview will carry on with you, whether you get brought onto the team or if you take another path. Your resume and your experience get you in the door, and how you show up once you get your foot in the door is equally as important. While casual wear is more common in the current workplace environment, it is still important to be mindful of your interview attire.
Men’s fashion
For men’s fashion, business formal and business casual are the standard two categories for interview attire, and business attire in general. A classic shirt and jacket, without a distracting or busy pattern, for both formalities are a great go-to. Well-fitted slacks, matching or personality socks, classic shoes and matching belt take the stress of pairing the rest of an outfit. This will pull the outfit together and make the whole ensemble look clean, polished, and thought out (but not too much). For modern and classy formal wear online stores that carry various brands and designers are a great resource. For example, the Luisaviaroma website has many top brands including Dsquared2 for men, a perfect mix of formal yet modern clothing. As far as grooming goes, remember to always have your hair and beard trimmed and kept neat, as well as your nails well kept.
Women’s fashion
Women’s fashion generally has more options than men’s, and can get a bit tricky. However, formal business clothes are the standard for interview attire. If you are interviewing for a creative job, however, in the fashion industry or for a graphic design role for example you can use your interview attire to showcase your personality. Here are some examples:
- Well-tailored conservative clothes in neutral colors, with some pop of personality in your attire makes a great combination.
- Pair a blazer with a blouse that covers your arms in case it gets too hot.
- Choose a longer skirt opposed to a shorter one.
- Wear a pair of closed-toe shoes, flat or heeled, that you can comfortably walk in.
- Choose a bag that does not have a logo on it, as well.
- Select a hairstyle that keeps your hair out of your face, especially so that you don’t nervously fidget with it and touch your hair.
- Keep your make-up minimal and natural.. less is more!
- Neatly manicured hands with neutral nail polish, if any, make a big difference.
Other things to be mindful of, for both men and women, are to avoid bright colors, avoid all black or dark outfits, color match, avoid too much fragrance, wear clothes that fit you well, and to be mindful of what beauty products that you use. Personal hygiene is crucial in an interview, so shower and give yourself a bit of extra time to set yourself up for an extra professional look. Leave the gum at home, and bring always a working pen and a clean notebook!
While being polished and showing your personality are two things you definitely want to do, there is a balance between doing so and not over-doing it. So it is important to find what interview attire makes you feel confident and your best self.
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