Wardrobes for Interviewing

It is important in a work environment to be comfortable, but it is also important to represent yourself professionally and with confidence.

Often times companies use terms like "business casual" or "business formal" - but what do these vague expressions mean?

Now that you've researched the industry, polished your resume, and prepared for your interview, it is important to consider what to wear when you finally meet face-to-face with an employer. We've developed these guidelines to demonstrate the different types of common office attire, and also to provide you with guidelines for professionalism.

Please note: We provide this information as guidelines, not as rules. Every office and every industry has different dress codes. If ever in doubt, it's best to look around you - what is everyone else in your office wearing?

Knowing the Basics

Business Formal

Suits or tailored separates or tailored business dresses, skirted suits or pantsuits in wool, silk, or other fabric, silky or cotton blouses or fine-gauge sweaters, quality accessories.

Do the sit test! When trying on a suit, sit down in the skirt. Be sure the hem is not more than one inch above your knee when sitting. Also, buying a suit that comes with a skirt and pants is a cost effective way of mixing and matching.

You can always borrow a suit from the Suitable Suits closet! CLICK HERE to learn more.

Business Casual

Wool, blend, or linen-like skirts or pants, coordinating blouses or tops, long or short sleeved sweaters, cardigans, flat leather shoes, casual coordinated accessories, silky or cotton blouses, fine-gauge cotton or silk sweaters, low-heeled pumps.

Pants and a blazer are always appropriate in a business casual environment.

A long skirt and a classic button down shirt are very useful and versatile wardrobe additions. You can dress both up or down depending on what you pair it with.

A sweater-set can be dressed up or down, depending on the neckline, length, and what you pair it with. A turtleneck sweater often looks a bit nicer than a crew neck.

Casual

Denim, cotton, corduroy pants or skirts, capri pants, casual shoes/accessories.

These items should not be worn in the office unless the company maintains a casual dress code.
A fitted (but not too tight!) sweater is usually better for the office than a baggy sweater. In the spring or summer, a short sleeved sweater is also good.

A sweater-set becomes more casual if you wear it with casual pants. Sweaters with stripes or prints, hoods, zippers, or pockets are also more casual. Denim is always casual, even if it's a skirt. Be sure to check with your company on its denim policy. Khakis or chinos are usually more appropriate.

Too Casual

If you're wondering if it's too casual, it probably is! If you're not sure what to wear, it's always best to dress on the conservative side. Avoid oversized, zippered, or hooded sweaters. Loud prints or colors are usually too casual for an office environment. Denim is always too casual, unless specifically permitted in your office. Sneakers are also too casual for the workplace. As always, check with your office policies and dress codes.

Shoes

Tall boots are not acceptable attire for interviews, but they can be worn in a business casual setting. Flats and loafers are great with skirts and pants in a business casual and casual setting.

A chunky heel is ok, but don't go crazy with the platforms. Avoid clogs and stilleto heels unless in a casual environment.

Classic pumps are generally best with suits.

Bags

A bag should be sleek and professional. It should have enough room for a folder to carry copies of your resume, unfolded, and any other necessities.

Interview Dress Tips

1. Think about your personal coloring, body type, and of course the type of position you are interviewing for, when you consider what to wear.

2. Be sure your outfit will make you feel great, professional, and comfortable.

3. Try to get information on the 'dress code' for the company or industry (i.e., finance and law are usually more conservative).

4. If you're not sure of a company's dress policy, it's best to be more conservative.

5. Dress for the position you want rather than the position you have.

6. Practice wearing your interview clothes. That way you can concentrate on your interview, and not on your outfit.

Other Ways to Exude Confidence

Posture: Good posture identifies you instantly as someone with something to contribute. Powerful posture is squared, direct, but not rigid or tense.

Eye Contact: Solid eye contact conveys interest and confidence.

Handshake: Your handshake should be firm, direct, warm and friendly.

Facial Expressions: Facial expressions and body language reveal far more than words. Work to keep your facial expressions synchronized with your verbal message.

Gestures: Gestures can convey both positive and negative messages. Be conscious of your gestures (i.e., bouncing your foot, tapping a pen).