How to Dress for an Interview – Tips for Men - Fabric Care | Faultless Brands (2024)
Interviewing for professional internships and jobs post-grad is an exciting time full of anticipation and nerves. You’re hoping to get your foot in the door to gain relevant experience that will launch you into your career. The stakes are high, and selecting the right outfit could ultimately make or break your interview. There’s a distinct difference between formal attire and business attire, and even if you were part of a fraternity, you likely don’t have all the necessary pieces in your closet to get dressed for your first interview. Use the following as a guide to understanding how to dress for an interview in both formal and casual situations.
Shirt Solid, light-colored dress shirts are preferred in formal business settings. The shirt you wear should be ironed and starched to prevent wrinkles as you travel to the interview. White, light blue, or light pink are all versatile options that will hide sweat stains in the event you get nervous. Make sure the shirt you select is the right size and fit—an ill-fitting shirt will make you look inexperienced and feel less confident.
In a more casual setting, you should still wear a dress shirt, but feel free to skip the tie or opt for a classic gingham print.
Pants A slim-fitting pair of pants will give you a tailored, professional look. For a formal interview, you’ll want to wear navy or gray dress pants. Black is acceptable, but may look a little too formal in certain contexts.
For a casual interview, chinos work great—just be sure to select a pair in a classic color like navy, khaki, or army green to avoid looking too eclectic.
Jacket/Suit If you’re interviewing at a corporation and really looking to impress, you may want to find a fitted suit to wear. This will be one of your greatest investments, especially if you’re looking to work at a company that expects formal business attire on the daily. Don’t borrow or rent a suit—once again, ill-fitting clothing draws attention to your experience level. You’ll want to look and feel your best on the big day, so invest in a suit and have it tailored for a perfect fit.
A blazer or sport coat can dress up a simple shirt/chino combination, but avoid adding a sweater vest to the mix, as this can make you look more like a college student than a job candidate.
Tie A standard tie is a safe bet, although skinny ties can work too. Choose a solid color or understated print—an interview is not the place to show off your quirky side. Bow ties are also acceptable, but be careful to select one that won’t cause your interviewer to be distracted. You want your personality and resume, not your bow tie, to be what sticks in your interviewer’s mind after you leave.
Socks Fun, printed socks are a popular way to maintain your unique sense of style when the rest of your outfit feels plain, but in a job interview you should stick to dark-colored socks and keep your overall look professional. Save the crazy socks for when you land your job.
Shoes/Belt Whether you choose black, brown, or cognac, your shoes and belt should match each other. If you’re worried about feeling overly formal, stick with brown or cognac—both of these pair well with a navy or gray suit to give off a vibe that’s laid-back but still professional.
Accessories Keep the accessories to a minimum for your interview. No need to wear cuff links, but a pocket square or nice watch can act as finishing touches to your outfit. You’ll want to bring along a copy of your resume, so invest in a leather envelope bag or slim briefcase to boost your look even more.
Grooming If you have facial hair, make sure it’s well maintained before you head into your interview. Additionally, pay a visit to your trusted barber and get a haircut before the big day. When you look and feel your best, your confidence will shine through and your interviewer will take notice.
Ironing your clothes with starch is essential to looking sharp for an interview. UseNiagara Heavy Spray Starchon your button-up—especially on the collar and cuffs—for a stiff, polished look. If you’re not sure how to iron with starch, check out our easyguide.
Dress in a manner that is professionally appropriate to the position for which you are applying. In almost all cases, this means wearing a suit. It is rarely appropriate to “dress down” for an interview, regardless of company dress code policy. When in doubt, go conservative.
Dress in a manner that is professionally appropriate to the position for which you are applying. In almost all cases, this means wearing a suit. It is rarely appropriate to “dress down” for an interview, regardless of company dress code policy. When in doubt, go conservative.
Some ideas about what to wear to a casual job interview include: Dark jeans, khaki pants, or chinos. Blouse, button-down shirt, or polo top in a bright color or pattern. Casual dress or skirt.
The best way to answer "Tell me about yourself" is with a brief highlight-summary of your experience, your education, the value you bring to an employer, and the reason you're looking forward to learning more about this next job and the opportunity to work with them.
Here are some types of shoes to avoid: Flip-flops or sandals. Open-toed shoes or sandals are generally too casual for a job interview, regardless of the company's dress code. Sneakers or athletic shoes.
It's safest to stay away from jeans for an interview. Aim to look slightly more dressed up than the average employee. A polo, blouse, or button-down shirt paired with a sports jacket or sweater is a good business casual look. Wear closed-toe shoes, and don't wear athletic shoes/sneakers.
Dressing appropriately shows that you take the interview seriously and have a professional attitude. It demonstrates respect for the opportunity and the company you are interviewing with. The way you present yourself visually is often the first impression that the interviewer forms.
White or light coloured dress shirts are best. Choose a conservative tie, avoid bow ties or busy patterns. Wear dark shoes that are polished and free of scratches or stains. Wear matching socks.
Opt for a neutral color like navy, gray, or charcoal for versatility. Pair it with a crisp, white or light blue business dress shirt, a conservative tie, and polished dress shoes. The goal is to appear professional, polished, and ready for any business environment.
Even dressier, bermuda-style shorts aren't appropriate for job interviews. Stick with dress pants. Flip-flops or sneakers: Interview attire includes what you wear from head to toe. Leave the sneakers and flip-flops at home.
Black dress shoes, including oxfords and derbies, are widely revered symbols of elegance and formality, making them the preferred choice for conventional interviews and industries with conservative norms.
For males, it is recommended to wear khakis or nice pair of jeans (darker wash, no holes and not faded) and a nice button down or polo to an interview. Moreover, women can still lean towards a nice pair of jeans and top but it is also recommended to wear slacks and a nice top or casual dress.
For most job interviews, you'll want to aim for a semi-formal outfit. Avoid an overly formal black suit, instead try out the Everyday Occasions charcoal or navy suit, and skip the extra accessories and tie, instead leaving your top shirt button undone for an effortlessly smart look.
My advice is to pick a dark navy suit and then mix it up during different interviews with various shirt colors and tie patterns. Nobody will notice it's the same suit. Stay away from stripes or patterns on the suit, as both make the suit more recognizable.
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