What to wear?! Discover tips for interview outfits for women

You have the skills. You have the experience. And now you have an interview. While you might like to let your resume speak for itself, as a job candidate, you’re presenting the “whole package.” Even though it might seem trivial in this era of Zoom meetings, remote, and hybrid working, the right interview outfit can stack the deck in your favor. 

You don’t have to be a slave to fashion, but some basic clothing options should be a staple in every woman's wardrobe, keeping in mind fit, texture, fabric, and color. In the post-Covid workplace, interview outfits for women can be modern, chic, and tailored to one's sense of style. 

In this blog, we provide our top tips for preparing the best interview outfits for women, including:

• Three tips on effective job interview outfits for women

  • Choose an outfit that is comfortable

  • Research the company dress code

  • Match your clothes to the company type

• Take time to prepare your interview outfit

Three tips on effective job interview outfits for women

The following three suggestions will go a long way toward ensuring that your interview outfit will help you feel confident and make a great first impression.

Choose an outfit that is comfortable

Interview outfits for women (and anyone for that matter) that are comfortable and make you feel good are a major confidence boost. If you’re wearing something that is pulling, pinching, too tight, or too loose, you won’t feel your best and the interviewer will pick up on these signals. 

This isn't about putting up a false front; this is about being professional and showing that this interview is really important to you. Comfort, however, does not equate to being sloppy. Always ensure your clothing is smart, appropriate, and fits you well. 

Here are some other things to consider: 

• Avoid wearing brand-new shoes. Blisters happen, and it’s hard to focus on the interview if your feet are killing you.

• Dress in layers so you can adapt to the indoor temperature, particularly if you are choosing an interview outfit during the summer

• If you’re wearing a skirt or dress, make sure it’s comfortable to sit in and isn’t too short when you’re sitting down.

Choosing an interview outfit that balances comfort with style is the goal. This will make you feel and look great, so that the spotlight shines on you in the best possible way.

Research the company dress code

The position for which you’re interviewing, combined with the company culture, will give you a great insight into the best interview outfit to choose. Completing research on the company dress code and dressing accordingly is a strong indicator that can mesh with the company’s “vibe” and show that the role is really important to you.

Corporate environments will require a more formal interview outfit for women. In more casual workplaces, “smart casual” attire is perfect. This could include:

• Dark wash jeans, a blouse, and a cardigan or blazer

• Simple, well-fitting black or muted color dress. 

• Black pants, a button-down shirt, and a pair of sleek pumps 

Bear in mind that the boundaries of business attire are constantly changing as companies prioritize inclusivity. Many companies, whether creative or corporate, have eliminated outdated rules in the workplace in an effort to become more accepting and forward-thinking. 

However, your research on the best interview outfit is still vital. Elizabeth Harrison, CEO and founder of H&S, also recommends using social media to learn more about company culture: “Take your cues from what the culture is, because if they don’t wear jeans, then don’t show up to your interview in jeans — even if it’s jeans paired with a great blazer or jacket — because that shows you’re not paying attention to the culture, or who they are as a brand.”

Match your clothes to the company type

Once you’ve completed your due diligence, it’s time to match your choice of interview outfit with company type. Typically, the main categories are business formal, business casual, or the newer “smart casual” - generally more appropriate for start-ups or creative industries. 

Whatever the category, you still need to switch things up a little to make a great impression. Strive to look polished, professional, and a bit smarter than the average employee. For example, if everyone is in jeans and a t-shirt, wear plain trousers and a simple blouse paired with flat shoes to give your interview outfit a bit of an edge.

Casual environments provide more flexible options in terms of dress code and potential interview outfits for women. Appropriate clothing options include:

• Tailored slacks or a knee-length skirt

• Solid color or subtly patterned blouse

• Understated accessories

• Blazer or well-fitting cardigan

• Flat shoes or heels (should be closed-toe)

Formal environments, such as roles in finance, banking, law, or insurance, call for a different wardrobe that is typically more basic and conservative, including:

• Suit in navy, charcoal, or black with tailored trousers or a knee-length skirt and a solid color blouse or shirt.

• Subtle jewelry and accessories, such as a classic-patterned scarf

• Modest heel height 

• Neutral-colored hosiery

It’s important to note that if your typical style of dressing doesn’t conform to a traditional gender norm, your interview attire doesn’t have to either. It should still, however, be polished, professional, and a good fit for the company at which you’re interviewing. 

Interview outfits for women: take time to prepare your outfit 

Decisions on which interview outfit is the best option can often be a lower priority and left to the last minute. This is just going to create extra stress for you, especially if you find something doesn’t quite fit the way you remember or needs to be dry-cleaned an hour before the interview.

Planning and preparation are key. Make sure everything is pressed the night before, and double-check that there are no missing buttons, falling hems, or scuffs on your shoes. In the end, it’s all about packaging yourself for a great first impression. 

Grooming is also important as the small details can make or break the best interview outfits for women. Smart hair, clean and polished nails, and fresh breath are minor things to get right but make all the difference as you stride confidently into the interview room.

Key takeaways

1. Confidence is key for successful interviews. You know you can do the job, and choosing the best interview outfit will help you project your confidence, poise, and professionalism.

2. Choose an interview outfit that is not only comfortable but also smart, appropriate, and a good fit.

3. Conducting research on the company dress code will help you narrow down the best interview outfit, whether that is business formal, business casual, or smart casual.

4. Take time to prepare. While how you present yourself may seem like a minor thing, it’s actually really important in making a great first impression.