• Home
  • Start Here
  • Blog
  • Level Up Your Style
    • A Crash Course To Better Style
    • Expand Your Style Comfort Zone Series
    • How To Dress Well: 21 Important Style Tips
  • Lookbook
  • Manifesto
  • Live Deals
  • Contact + Work With Me
    • Contact Me
    • Work With Me

Gentleman Within

Dress Better & Feel Your Best

  • Buying Guides
  • Spring Style
  • Reviews
  • Life
  • Style
  • Dating
  • Fitness
  • Drinks
  • Grooming
  • Watches
  • Travel
  • Stylin Out
Home › What To Wear › What to Wear for a Job Interview (How to Dress in 4 Different Scenarios)

What to Wear for a Job Interview (How to Dress in 4 Different Scenarios)6 min read

By DeJuan McGuire — May contain affiliate links (Details)Leave a Comment


For many people, now is a great time to look for a new job. “Now Hiring” signs are everywhere. Headlines about labor shortages. Even though you may hear stories of employers desperately seeking help, you don’t want to take anything for granted.

How to Dress for a Job Interview (What to Wear in 4 Scenarios)

You still want to make a positive impression. To convey a sense of professionalism, responsibility, and trustworthiness. What you wear will go a long way toward that first impression.

Let’s get started.

Subscribe to The Gentleman Within Podcast.

Page Contents

  • What to Wear to a Job Interview
  • Business Formal Interview Attire
  • Business Casual Interview Attire
  • Casual Interview Attire
  • Virtual Interview Attire
  • Bonus Interview Tips
  • In Closing

What to Wear to a Job Interview

Here I will give some suggestions of what a man should wear to a job interview for a range of scenarios from traditional business formal to a not so dressed up interview, and in between.

Let’s get started.

Business Formal Interview Attire

This scenario will include interviews for white collar type jobs in traditional office settings. Here, keep your outfit simple and conservative. Nothing too flashy or bold. Consider a well fitting suit in either navy blue or charcoal gray.

business formal interview attire navy suit stripe tie white shirt
A classic interview ensemble that’s clean and simple without sacrificing personality.

Most men’s style experts suggest one of these two colors for your first suit. Your dress shirt should be white, or light blue if you are feeling a little adventurous. Add a necktie in a solid color or a basic pattern such as stripes or dots. Socks should be in the same basic color as the pants.

Clean Tailoring Outfit 2
You can never go wrong with a textured mid-grey suit and white dress shirt pairing.

For shoes, a pair of black oxfords will be most formal. Dark brown, oxblood, or medium brown lace-up shoes are a good slightly less formal option. Whatever shoes you wear should be clean and polished. For an additional detail that most men will not include, put a white pocket square in a simple presidential fold in your suit breast pocket. And don’t forget your favorite formal watch.

Men's Dress Socks Guide (Everything You Need To Know) | GENTLEMAN WITHIN» Related: You might like this comprehensive guide on men’s dress socks.

Business Casual Interview Attire

This scenario is becoming more common as the attire in many offices and workplaces has grown increasingly casual in recent years, especially during the pandemic. It can be tricky since the term “business casual” is interpreted in so many different ways.

business casual interview attire light blue blazer white shirt
If you’re a younger guy, keep things light and put together with a blazer, pocket square combination.

How to dress for a business casual interview without looking so casual that you come across as not taking the interview seriously, yet not so formal that you come across as trying too hard? Consider an oxford cloth button down shirt in white, light blue, or a white/blue pattern like stripes or gingham.

For the pants, a pair of gray flannel trousers, or dress pants in a neutral like navy blue or gray can work well here. Alternatively to dress the outfit down a little further, try a pair of chino pants. The socks should once again be in the same color family as the pants. A word of caution, the black oxford shoes may be too formal for this outfit.

chukkas in black with suit most formal
As formal as business casual gets. No tie, unbuttoned shirt relaxes this dressy ensemble.

Instead try a pair of brown or oxblood lace-up shoes. As in our previous scenario, shoes need to be clean and polished. You may also add a blazer or sportcoat for a smart, put together look.

Just make sure to have some contrast in color between the jacket and the pants, per the first example above. If they are too similar it will look like you tried to match them and came up short. Oh yeah, don’t forget a pocket square. If you’re going slightly more formal, it’s perfectly fine to have matching suit jacket and trouser colors.

Khoi Layered Up Outfit
This one is a sharp business casual interview outfit for winter.

Alternatively, for colder weather, you can opt for a fitted puffer jacket and gray scarf over top of a wool or cashmere crewneck sweater, oxford cloth button down combination.

Quick note: If you’re enjoying this article on what to wear for an interview, then you’ll probably find my other writing on all things style useful. Each week, I share updates, style tips and other things not shared on the blog through my free email newsletter.

To join now, just enter your email address below and click “Get Updates!”

Casual Interview Attire

This scenario will be best suited (although you won’t be wearing a suit here) for interviews where the previously discussed outfits would be overkill. This may include interviews for blue collar laborer type jobs, restaurants, or retail.

casual interview attire white polo dark trousers and belt
A more relaxed polo shirt paired with dress slacks and leather belt can do the trick.

Here you want to look competent and professional without going overboard. Dressing up too formally can even work against you by giving the impression that you don’t want to actually do any physical work and get your hands dirty.

For a casual job interview outfit consider a simple combination of a polo shirt and chino or khaki pants. Or you could swap the polo for an oxford cloth button down and denim jacket for the sartorially inclined. Stick with basic, solid colors such as neutral shades of blue, gray, brown, or white.

dark wash denim jacket collage
For a slightly more elevated, casual interview outfit, you can try this one on for size.

And of course, make sure your getup fits you well. Not too baggy, not too tight. And make sure it is clean and pressed. For shoes, consider a pair of loafers, brogues, or dressy boots depending on the weather.

Types of Dress Shoes | The Difference Between Oxford, Derby & Brogues | GENTLEMAN WITHIN
» Related: 10 Men’s Dress Shoe Types (Everything You Need to Know)

Virtual Interview Attire

This scenario has especially grown during the pandemic and stay-at-home lockdowns. What to wear to a Zoom (or Teams, WebEx, etc.) interview when you might only be seen from the shoulders upward? My advice is to look at the recommendations above and then wear whatever you might wear if the interview was in person.

This will help put you in a mindset to interview. A concept known as enclothed cognition. The way you dress affects how you feel and think. It may be tempting to only dress up your top half and then wear your favorite comfy sweatpants and slippers on your bottom half.

virtual zoom interview attire
The power of enclothed cognition cannot be understated.

While you could, but what if for some reason you need to stand up while you are on screen? Also, the contrast between your top and bottom halves may feel awkward. My advice is to complete the outfit from head to toe.

Borrowing a quote from the head football coach at my mother’s alma mater, Coach Deion Sanders likes to say, “Look good, feel good. Feel good, play good. Play good, they pay good.”

» Readers’ Favorite:  How to Mix and Match Clothing Colors for Men (A Master Class in Styling)

Bonus Interview Tips

jon hamm suited up bonus interview tips
No one better than Don Draper aka Jon Hamm, to provide a trio of bonus interview tips.

Wear a watch

It is a subtle signal that you care about time and will be punctual. I also suggest carrying a pen in case you need to sign any documents or fill out paperwork. Doesn’t need to be a super expensive fountain pen, just something that looks nice.

3 Watches Every Man Must Own | GENTLEMAN WITHIN» Related: Check out this guide on 3 Watches Every Man Needs.

Don’t forget about personal grooming

Shave or trim your facial hair. Get a haircut. Brush your teeth. Put lotion on your hands. Poor grooming can quickly bring a great outfit down.

10 Grooming Hacks All Stylish Men Should Know | GENTLEMAN WITHIN» Related: You might like this guide on 14 Grooming Tips for healthy & stylish men.

What not to wear to an interview?

There are a few things that I would generally avoid. Such as jeans, shorts, athletic wear, sandals and flip-flops, and t-shirts, especially graphic t-shirts. And anything dirty, damaged, or worn out.

If you have doubts about what to wear, try asking the person within the company who you have been in contact with. Or, if you are fortunate to know someone in the company, ask for their recommendation.

Or, if you have a way to see what the people typically wear, go slightly more formal than them. In an interview situation, it is better to be overdressed than underdressed so err on the side of formal.

In Closing

I hope you found this post helpful and gives you some ideas. You probably won’t get the job only because you dressed well, but it can certainly enhance your chances. So give yourself an edge over your competition. Thank you for reading.

How to Dress for a Job Interview (What to Wear in 4 Scenarios)

About DeJuan

dejuan mcguire headshot

DeJuan is a husband, father of an 11-year old son and 4-year old daughter, and a chemical engineer. He enjoys watching sports, reading, playing and listening to music, and of course men’s style. He lives in Cincinnati, Ohio and works as a project engineer at a chemical plant. See more of DeJuan’s style on his Instagram.

What did you wear for your last interview?

Let’s continue the discussion over in the Gentlemen Within Private Facebook Community.

Looking forward to seeing you in there.

LIKE WHAT YOU READ?

Get more posts like this plus style tips & advice delivered straight to your inbox.

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

100% privacy. No spam. Unsubscribe at anytime. Powered by ConvertKit

Related


8
Shares

Filed Under: Business, How To, Style, What To Wear Tagged With: Business Casual, Interview, Job Interview, What To Wear

About the Author

Khoi left the advertising industry, transitioning into a full-time style blogger. He created Gentleman Within as a way to document his own style journey while helping others along the way. He believes that style is worth caring about, and that through style, men can become their best selves. Connect with him on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Drop a Line! Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Some of Our Favorites

Twillory (Shirts & Pants)
Huckberry (Best Brands)
Everlane (Minimal Basics)
Uniqlo (Affordable T-Shirts)
Allbirds (Sustainable Shoes)
Public Rec (Athleisure Wear)
Mott & Bow (Premium Denim)
Todd Snyder (Style Essentials)
Tiege Hanley (Simple Skincare)
Black Lapel (Made-To-Measure)
Greats & Koio (Italian Sneakers)
Style GF (Online Personal Styling)
Amazon Aware (Conscious Clothing)
Prime Wardrobe (Try Before You Buy)
Beckett Simonon (MTO Shoes & Boots)
Ministry of Supply (Workleisure Wear)

POPULAR RIGHT NOW

  • 6 Types of Shoes Every Man Needs (And a Few Nice to Haves)
  • How to Wear White Sneakers 5 Stylish Ways (Fashion Lookbook)
  • 10 Best Colors to Wear for Southeast Asian Skin Tone (Men’s Style Guide)
  • Men’s Summer Fashion: 20 Menswear Essentials (The Style Guide)
  • The Navy Blazer: Men’s Style Essential (How to Wear & Where to Buy)
  • 10 Men’s Dress Shoe Types: Oxfords, Not Brogues (Everything You Need to Know)
  • 10 Proven Techniques for Approaching and Meeting Women in 2022
  • How to Wear A Short Sleeve Button Down Shirt (Styled 5 Ways)
  • 5 Best Jackets To Keep You Looking Stylish (How to Wear & Where to Buy)
  • 5 Men’s Style Trends You Need to Know (& How to Wear ‘Em)

INSTYLEGRAM

Summer jawn. 🌺 Summer jawn. 🌺
4 great blazer fabrics for spring/summer. 4 great blazer fabrics for spring/summer.
Focused. Focused.
Light, tactical layering is key as a slim guy. #g Light, tactical layering is key as a slim guy.

#gentwithin #mnswear #styleoverfashion #mensstyleblogger #spring #styling #casualstyle #asianmenstyle
Load More... Follow Gentleman Within on Instagram

VIỆT. DESIGNER. STYLE BLOGGER.

I left the advertising industry as a creative, transitioning into a full-time style blogger. Now I help regular guys dress better and live with more confidence. Read More…

RECENT

  • 53 Italian Phrases About Love (Romantic Sayings to Melt Her Heart)53 Italian Phrases About Love (Romantic Sayings to Melt Her Heart)
  • 20 Best Jeans Brands for Men in 2020 (Finding the Perfect Fit) | GENTLEMAN WITHIN24 Best Men’s Jeans Brands 2022 (Finding the Perfect Fit)
  • How to Mix & Match Clothing Colors for Men (A Master Class in Styling)The Art of Mix and Matching Clothing Colors for Men (A Stylist Recommends)
  • How to Dress for a Job Interview (What to Wear in 4 Scenarios)What to Wear for a Job Interview (How to Dress in 4 Different Scenarios)
  • Taft Rome Boot Review | GENTLEMAN WITHINTaft Rome Boot Review: Are They Worth All The Hype?
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
☕ You can support the blog by buying me a coffee.

© 2016-2022 Gentleman Within · Home · Start Here · Blog · A Crash Course To Better Style · Lookbook · Manifesto · Live Deals · Support · Contact · Work With Me · Disclosure Policy

 

Loading Comments...