What to Wear to a Job Interview: 12 Outstanding Outfit Ideas
Preparing for a job interview doesn't include only thinking about potential questions and answers and other tricks that HR successfully uses on candidates. Apart from a polished CV and excellent communication skills, employers also want to see that you are ready to accept all the rules set by the company, including a dress code.
Believe it or not, employers can decide whether they want to hire you based on your outfit since it often demonstrates your professionalism. Even if you’re not familiar with the company’s dress code, you won’t go wrong with conservative clothes, such as pants, dresses, or pencil skirts. It’s recommended to stick to dark colors and avoid jeans since these are considered inappropriate for job interviews.
We have chosen 12 interview attire for women that may help you boost your confidence and make a positive impression on your future employer.
Blazers
Blazers are a must for a corporate wardrobe. They provide you with a certain level of professionalism and seriousness, making you look stylish and classy at the same time. Blazers are convenient for both interviews and later when you get the job.
Blazers come in different designs and colors, but it’s always better to go for monochromatic, dark-colored, or even plaid/striped models when you go to a job interview. You may consider the following models:
1. Navy Cropped Blazer
A stylish cropped blazer in the navy color will make sure you get an effortless yet professional look for your job interview. Check out a Navy Cropped Blazer, a marvelous piece of clothing that may enhance your chances for getting the job – finished with a single front button closure and a front welt pocket, this blazer will make an impression for sure.
A pair of high-waisted straight leg trousers and a white shirt can perfectly complete your outfit and help you rock your interview.
2. Charcoal Double-Breasted Striped Blazer
Want to add some stripes to your monochromatic look? Do it with the Charcoal Double-Breasted Striped Blazer – it's entirely a sophisticated item that will boost your confidence and take your style to the next level. The horizontal stripes will make you look thinner, and the overall blazer’s design will enhance your classiness.
Pair it with the monochromatic or striped pants, wear comfy shoes, and get ready to shine.
3. Black Cape Blazer
Black is a timeless color you can always stick to. Therefore, a Black Cape Blazer is something that will definitely make a good impression on your employer and make you look classy and sophisticated.
Pair it with black trousers and an elegant top, and you’ll be ready to rock your interview.
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Shirts and Tops
Shirts are a classic and essential piece that has always been suitable for job interviews and going to the office. It adds a dose of professionalism to your overall look, and such a move will definitely be observed by your future employee.
Monochromatic shirts are the best choice for job interviews, and you can go for those made of cotton or any other breathable material. When you feel comfortable and relaxed, your pre-interview stress will be significantly reduced. Besides, you shouldn’t exclude tops, which can be quite a convenient choice for interviews.
Have a look at these particular models:
1. Mandarin Collar Button Up Top in Midnight
A shirt like a Mandarin Collar Button Up Top in Midnight is an excellent choice that’s often in line with the interview dress code – therefore, you won’t go wrong with a piece like this one.
Mandarin collar detail and lightweight fabric make this shirt unique and comfy, while the front button closure and balloon sleeves with button cuff provide a dose of elegance to the garment.
It comes in three shades – ivory, orchid pink, and midnight, and each of them is suitable for job interviews and business events in general.
2. Natural High-Neck Satin Short Sleeve Top
Now that the weather is sunnier and warmer, you may want to wear something more breathable but still elegant. Check out a Natural High Neck Satin Short Sleeve Top, which is quite an appropriate piece that can create different interview outfits women love.
A pair of black, striped, or plaid trousers would perfectly complete a top like this one and provide you with a classy, sophisticated style. It also comes in lavender, black, and emerald green tones.
3. Black Ribbed Long-Sleeve Turtleneck
Turtlenecks are also pretty convenient for job interviews. They can be paired with different types of pants and skirts, making sure you look professional and stylish. Go for a HeyYou BasicBlack Ribbed Long Sleeve Turtleneck, and you’ll achieve the look that reminds us of the most popular businesswomen around the world.
Dresses and Skirts
Both skirts and dresses accentuate femininity and make sure a woman feels confident and full of self-esteem. When choosing a perfect dress or skirt for your job interview, make sure you avoid the short ones and those that reveal too much skin – such models don’t send the right message to your future employer.
Go for the midi length instead and accentuate your sophistication and elegance that make positive impressions and bring your style to the next level.
1. Black Faux Leather Pencil Skirt
Pencil skirts are convenient for many types of formal and business events, which is why Black Faux Leather Pencil Skirt will be a perfect choice for your job interview, where you’ll express your style and professionalism.
Wear it with a white shirt and heels, and you’ll not only look gorgeous, but you’ll show your future boss that you’re ready to accept the challenges and tasks brought by the job. The skirt also comes in blush color.
2. Sage Knit Midi Skirt
When you want something more relaxed yet suitable for job interviews, we suggest you go for a HeyYou BasicSage Knit Midi Skirt. It's incredibly comfortable and breathable, and most importantly, you'll look entirely professional in it.
Skirts like this one are among the interview clothes women love the most since they’re versatile and can create a variety of outfits for interviews and office. Pair it with a shirt, an elegant top, and a blazer, and you’ll get the style worth million dollars.
3. Black Ribbed Crew Neck Midi Dress
Midi dresses will definitely make you look amazing, especially if you choose something like HeyYou BasicBlack Ribbed Crew Neck Midi Dress – a perfect choice for your first interview where you want to make an impression.
You can always enhance it with an elegant blazer or cardigan and bring a dose of seriousness to the overall look. It comes in four neutral shades entirely convenient for business events.
Pants and Jumpsuits
Pants are always welcome when it comes to choosing interview outfits for women. They come in different designs and patterns, which means that you have a lot of options. Pants are always a better solution than jeans, which are considered not a suitable piece to wear to a job interview.
Pants can also come in the form of jumpsuits, which are also an appropriate piece of clothing you may want to consider when you’re interviewing for a new job. Jumpsuits come in numerous designs and styles, and they can be perfectly paired with blazers, cardigans, and both flats and heels.
1. High-Waisted Jogger in Black Houndstooth
Pants like High-Waisted Jogger in Black Houndstooth are a perfect women's attire for job interview in which you'll look quite professional and fashionable. Their high-waisted design, hidden zip closure, and a relaxed fit make this model incredibly stylish and comfortable. Pair them with an elegant top or shirt, add a blazer and nice shoes, and you're ready to go.
2. Camel High-Waisted Relaxed Side Zip Trousers
Camel High-Waisted Relaxed Side Zip Trousers are quite a versatile and pretty stylish pair of pants suitable for beginning your business journey. These are made of breathable and high-quality material that will make you feel entirely comfortable and look gorgeous.
Pair them with a turtleneck or an elegant top and highlight your tendencies toward professionalism.
3. Straight Neck Jumpsuit in Black
A piece that's convenient for both interviews and the celebration that might come after is a Straight Neck Jumpsuit in Black. It's unique yet flexible clothing you can pair with a blazer, some subtle jewelry, and nice shoes, heeled or not.
Such a jumpsuit is a perfect choice for the office and business dinners, as well. It also comes in red and white.
What NOT To Wear to a Job Interview: 8 Things to Avoid
What to wear to an interview women commonly ask. However, we should dedicate a section to the things they should avoid when getting a job interview since even the smallest details can have a negative impact on the impression you’re going to make.
The 8 things that shouldn’t form part of your interview attire for women are:
1. Bright and Flashy Colors
Outfits in bright and flashy colors aren't the best choice for a job interview, especially if your entire combination consists of such tones. Still, it doesn’t mean that you should wear only black and white – if you decide to wear a red shirt, for example, make sure you pair it with a black suit to create a counterbalance.
2. Deep V-Necklines and Revealing Clothes
As you may assume, deep v-necklines have their time and place, and a job interview isn’t one of them. Even if you want to wear a camisole or shell, make sure you wear a blazer that provides enough coverage and doesn’t show off your plunging neckline. Button-downs are always a great choice to add an extra layer of material, and you won’t go wrong with such blazers, cardigans, or dusters.
3. Excessive Perfumes
Avoid putting too much perfume for various reasons – first, your interviewer might be allergic or oversensitive to strong fragrances; second, you don't want your scent to be prevalent in the conference room or wherever your interview is taking place. It sends a negative message to your interviewer and, believe it or not, it may have a significant impact on your future in the company.
4. Excessive Makeup
Makeup is a critical part of a woman’s overall look, and it’s known as a confidence booster. However, your makeup should be adapted to the occasion you’re attending (job interview in this case) and keep it natural.
By natural, we mean avoiding dark eyeshadow, bright lipstick, and heavy foundation. Instead, put a light coat of mascara, a touch of powder, and a neutral lip balm.
5. Excessive Jewelry
Minimalism is another way to keep your interview attire for women appropriate. Therefore, you should avoid a lot of accessories and large jewelry. Tiny earrings and thin silver necklaces and bracelets are a convenient choice that will make you look polished and professional, and you are recommended to go for such a style. A watch is also something worth considering if you want to emphasize your classiness.
6. Headphones
Music and headphones can reduce pre-interview stress, and they can help you relax before you enter the office. Still, don’t forget to take them off and put them in your bag before you start the interview. Headphones, even if they are around your neck, can make you seem distracted and unfocused in the eyes of the interviewer.
7. Flip-Flops and Other Beach Outfit
Summer job interviews may be tricky since most women aren’t sure what to wear. Heavy suits, apart from being uncomfortable and inappropriate for such time of the year, might seem quite unnatural on you. What to do then?
Instead of flip-flops, short and revealing dresses, and other types of beach outfit, go for tailored khakis, a classic T-shirt, and a pair of sensible shoes.
8. Old, Outworn Clothes
If your wardrobe is more or less outdated, make sure you buy some new clothes or borrow something from your friends. Interviewers often pay attention to your overall look, which should be quite polished and professional. Have in mind that you don’t need to spend a lot of money on your new clothes – check out our HeyYou Basics collectionand get a 25% discount on outfits you can wear to your job interview.