What Should Men Wear to a Job Interview?
‘Attire for Achievement’ goes beyond just saying – it’s a critical element when aiming to ace a job interview.
For men, selecting the right outfit for the job interview can be both exciting and overwhelming. Selecting the right outfit requires careful consideration of industry norms, company culture, and the role you are applying for.
If you wear an appropriate outfit during a job interview, it makes a meaningful impact on how the interviewer perceives you and sets a positive tone for further interaction.
Whether you are a fresh graduate or an experienced person, you must plan to get it right. Planning in advance is a calculated move to avoid the eleventh-hour hustle of trying to fix your look.
Though experience and grades are acknowledged in interviews, the opportunity may still slip away without an occasion-appropriate outfit.
In this guide, you will learn how to dress for job interviews, considering different work cultures, to strike a balance between sophistication and subtlety.
Table of contents:
Formal Attire – Formal & Corporate Roles (Finance, Law, Real estate, Consulting)
For industries with a formal dress code, such as finance, law, real estate, consulting, or other formal & corporate roles, wearing a well-fitted suit is essential.
A polished and professional appearance not only reflects your seriousness about the role but also ensures you blend seamlessly into a corporate setting.
Business Suits: The Foundation of Professionalism
A business suit should be your primary choice if you aim to excel in formal and corporate job interviews.
Consider these key elements before making your selection.
- Style & Colour: Opt for a well-tailored suit in classic colours like navy, charcoal, or black. These colours represent professionalism and are universally accepted in corporate environments. Avoid flashy patterns or excessive detailing, stick to solid or subtle pinstripe suits for a refined look.
- Fit: Ensure your suit fits well at the shoulders, chest, and waist. Poorly-fitted suits can make you look sloppy and unprepared.
- Fabric: Choose fabrics like wool, cotton, linen, or blends (wool-polyester or other blends) for a comfortable experience.
Business Shirts: A Crisp & Clean Choice
A formal business shirt is a staple for any formal interview. Invest in buying quality dress shirts online or in-store.
- Colour: Stick to classic dress shirt colours such as white, light blue, or navy for a professional look. Avoid bold patterns and bright colours that can appear too casual.
- Fit & Style: The fit is non-negotiable. You may choose to buy affordable or expensive shirts, but if they don’t fit well, your efforts will go in vain. You can choose classic, tailored, or slim-fit shirts that align with your body type, build, and tone.
- Fabric: You can either opt for 100% premium cotton shirts or a blend of cotton and polyester, which is easy to manage and breathable. Linen is a great choice in humid or extremely hot weather, as it has moisture-wicking properties that prevent sticking to the skin.
| Classic Fit | Tailored Fit | Slim Fit |
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| Classic / Regular/ Relaxed Fit Shirts | Tailored / European / Contemporary Shirts | Slim Fit Business Shirts |
Dress Pants: The Perfect Complement
In your formal attire, the suit and trousers are the most visible part of your outfit. Hence, when you appear for an interview for a corporate role, make sure your trouser is neatly ironed and wrinkle-free to achieve a more crisp look. Consider the following while buying mens dress pants:
- Paring: Pair your suit with matching or complementary dress trousers.
- Style: Choose flat-front or pleated styles based on personal preference, but ensure they are well-fitted and neatly pressed.
- Colour: Dark-coloured trousers, such as navy, black, or grey, are the safest choices.
| Modern Fit | Classic Fit | Slim Fit |
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Footwear & Accessories: The Finishing Touches
Accessories and shoes enhance the outfit. It takes care of the details, transforming a good look into an excellent appearance. It also reflects your attention to detail.
That’s why it is important to also focus on shoes and accessories like belts, watches, etc., as listed below:
- Shoes: Black or brown leather Oxford shoes or Derby shoes are best suited for formal job interviews. Ensure they are polished and scuff-free.
- Accessories: It should be minimal. A classic watch, a leather belt matching your shoes, and a simple tie (in conservative colours like navy or burgundy) will complete the look.
- Grooming: Keep grooming in check, neatly styled hair, trimmed beard (or clean-shaven look), and fresh breath are essential.
Business Casual Attire – Creative & Tech Roles (Marketing, Design, IT)
For industries that embrace a business casual dress code, such as marketing, design, IT, and tech startups, you have more flexibility while still needing to appear professional and well-put-together.
Blazers & Casual Shirts: A Balanced Approach
- Blazer: A structured blazer or sports jacket instantly elevates a business casual look. Consider neutral or earthy tones like beige, navy, or grey.
- Shirt: Pair it with a collared dress shirt or a high-quality polo shirt. Button-down Oxford shirts work great for a refined yet relaxed look.
- Balanced Approach: Unlike corporate settings, patterns like checks, stripes, and subtle prints are acceptable but should be understated.
Chinos or Tailored Trousers: Comfort Meets Style
- Chinos: Instead of formal suit trousers, chinos are great alternatives.
- Colour: Stick to classic shades such as navy, beige, olive, or grey for a polished but not overly formal look.
- Avoid Being Too Casual: Avoid jeans (unless the company has an extremely relaxed dress code).
Footwear & Accessories: A Balance Between Formal & Casual
- Shoes: Opt for leather loafers, brogues, or dress shoes to maintain a professional appeal. Avoid sneakers unless the workplace allows them. Keep shoes clean and polished.
- Accessories: A stylish belt and a sleek watch can refine your look. Skip the tie unless you feel it’s necessary based on the company’s culture.
- Grooming: Keep your hairstyle neat and maintain a well-groomed look.
Smart Casual Look – Casual & Startup Environments
In industries like creative startups, digital agencies, and casual workplaces, dressing too formal may seem out of place. However, looking polished is still important, even in a laid-back environment.
Smart Tops: Beyond Traditional Dress Shirts
- Shirt: A high-quality polo shirt or a casual button-down works well in smart casual settings.
- Winter Tops: A fitted sweater can work well to provide warmth.
- Colour: Neutral and muted tones are preferable, avoid overly bright or flashy colours.
- Refine The Look: A casual blazer can be added for a refined look.
Trousers: Ditching the Suit, But Keeping it Sharp
- Trouser: Dark, well-fitted jeans (without rips or distressing) or chinos are excellent options.
Finishing Touches for a Smart Casual Look
- Shoes: Loafers, Chelsea boots, or clean white sneakers work well in casual workplaces. Avoid flip-flops or overly casual sandals.
- Accessories: Keep accessories minimal, a simple wristwatch and belt should do.
- Grooming: Maintain a well-groomed appearance, even in casual settings, messy hair or an unkempt beard can create a negative impression.
Virtual Interview Dress – Making Impact on Screen
With the evolving work cultures and increased remote work post-COVID, virtual job interviews are becoming more common. You should prepare for your virtual interview like a real face-to-face interview, it will bring out your creative element. Consider the following dos and don’ts:
The Dos:
- Even if the interview is on Zoom, dress as if you’re attending in person.
- Stick to solid colours, as bright patterns can be distracting on camera.
- Ensure good lighting, a clutter-free background, and a confident posture.
The Don’ts:
- Avoid dressing too casually. It’s always better to err on the side of formality.
- Limit distractions from the background.
- Keep accessories to the minimum.
Summary
- Wear interview-appropriate dress based on industry and company culture. What you wear affects how you work, get it right from the beginning which is the interview.
- The fit is integral.
- Do not underestimate accessories and grooming needs.
- Commit to the same process whether you are going to attend a face-to-face or virtual interview over Zoom.
