A wise person once said you should always dress for the job you want, not the job you have. There’s something to be said for attracting the kind of success you hope for. That’s why your mindset is just as important as your clothing. Let’s start with the clothing, though.
Figuring out what to wear to an interview can be challenging. Even though it’s 2020, there are still some companies that are holding onto their old school ideas about how employees should dress. For example, did you know that some divisions of Disney require female clothes to include pantyhose, skirts below the knee, and no visible tattoos or piercings (other than one earring on each ear)?
It’s up to you to decide if you want to work for this type of company, or if you’d prefer to work at a place that allows you a bit more freedom. You have to do what’s best for you, either way. At least with these tips, you’ll be armed with the information you need to nail your next job interview in style – whatever that job may be.
What Type of Clothing Will Leave the Best Impression?
What should I wear to an interview? That’s the age-old question. With styles constantly changing, it’s challenging to keep up with what’s acceptable and what’s not. Some things never change, though. Here are a few staples you should always keep in your closet.
Black Pants
Having a nice pair of black pants is something all women should have. They’re a staple of any wardrobe, especially one where job interviews are required. What’s great about them is that you can dress them up or dress them down.
Skirt
It’s true. You should still do that trick our moms did back when they were teenagers. Put your arms down to your side, and if your skirt comes above your fingertips, then there’s a good chance it’s too short. Be sure to wear a skirt that’s modest and professional.
Dress
You can’t go wrong with a dress. There’s a timeless beauty about them. Just be sure it’s not too short and that it doesn’t have too bold a print.
Button-Front Blouse
A nice button-front blouse is essential to have in your closet. It should be a part of anyone’s interview clothes. It goes well with either pants or a skirt.
What Should You Avoid Wearing at All Costs?
While it’s important to know which job interview outfits work, it’s also important to know what job interview outfits don’t work. Here are a few things you should avoid at all costs.
- Jeans – Denim of any kind isn’t acceptable to wear in a professional environment. It comes off as immature and unprofessional.
- Short Skirt or Dress – You don’t want anyone paying attention to you for the wrong reasons. It’s important to put forth a professional front when you’re meeting with a prospective employer.
- T-shirts – A t-shirt screams, “Do not hire me!” It’s one of the worst things you could choose to wear.
Is It Okay to Wear Accessories? If So, What Kind?
When you’re thinking about job interview clothes, it’s important to consider accessories, as well. The following are some acceptable items to add to your list.
- Tasteful earrings – It should just be one pair, though.
- Necklace – Something understated that compliments your outfit is best.
- Ring – One ring on each hand is always acceptable. You just don’t want to overdo it.
Where Do I Buy the Clothes I Need?
It’s one thing to know how to dress for an interview, but where do you buy the clothes you need? Many places sell clothes that fit the interview dress code for female attire. Here are just a few of the places where you can find the right clothes.
Department Stores
There are still some brick and mortar stores you can walk into and pick out an outfit. A few of them, include:
Shopping Services
Now, you can order clothes from an online shopping service. You simply fill out your profile so that they know what you’re looking for, and about a week later, a package arrives on your doorstep. Here are a few places to check out.
What’s the Difference Between Styles?
There are a few key things to keep in mind when you’re thinking about business casual for an interview vs. a more formal look. Be sure to do a lot of research about the company that you’ll be meeting with, so you can be sure to adhere to their guidelines.
Business Formal Wear
This is the kind of clothing you’re likely to wear when you’re interviewing with a law firm, or somewhere similar, where you have to look as professional as possible. You’ll likely want to invest in a designer suit. This doesn’t mean breaking the bank, though. You can find items like this in thrift stores or online via second-hand sellers, like Poshmark.
Business casual
A business casual interview is a bit easier to navigate. It’s somewhere between formal and casual interview outfits. You’ll want something like a skirt or dress that goes below the knees, some nice pumps, and a blouse.
Informal wear
Casual interview attire includes a nice pair of black pants and a simple shirt. As long as you don’t wear denim or a t-shirt, you should be okay. Just know that informal doesn’t mean jeans are okay. Unless expressly stated by your possible new employer, then always assume jeans are unacceptable to wear.
Takeaway
Now that you know what to wear to a job interview, the hardest part is done. The most important thing when you walk into your interview is to be yourself. You can’t control whether or not they hire you, or whether or not you’re the right person for the job. What you can control is your attitude, your style, and your experience. Knock ‘em dead.
