July 11, 2023
Fashion
Dressing for success looks different depending on what role, industry, and company you’re in. Joggers are perfectly fine in the startup world, while suits may be best for taking the banking industry by storm. When you go into a job interview, every hiring manager will have different expectations for your clothes — but there are also work fashion faux pas every professional should avoid.
Here, we’ll tell you what not to wear to an interview or meeting so you can land the opportunity you’ve been striving for. We’ll also explain how you can choose a five-star outfit to make your first impression count.
Dressing for success looks different depending on what role, industry, and company you’re in. Joggers are perfectly fine in the startup world, while suits may be best for taking the banking industry by storm. When you go into a job interview, every hiring manager will have different expectations for your clothes — but there are also work fashion faux pas every professional should avoid.
Here, we’ll tell you what not to wear to an interview or meeting so you can land the opportunity you’ve been striving for. We’ll also explain how you can choose a five-star outfit to make your first impression count.
Casual dress codes are the new norm in modern workplaces, but that doesn’t mean you can waltz into an interview wearing flip-flops, sweatpants, and a graphic tee. Shorts, ripped jeans, and athletic attire like yoga pants and workout tanks are also a no-go for most meetings.
Dressing too informally for an interview communicates that you’re not serious about the opportunity. Putting in the effort to make a good first impression shows you’re ready to go the extra mile for your job.
Great interview clothes should be an elevated version of what you’d wear on the job. Even if you’re meeting with a startup owner whose work attire is the definition of Silicon Valley style, you can fit in while still looking like a star candidate.
Casual dress codes are the new norm in modern workplaces, but that doesn’t mean you can waltz into an interview wearing flip-flops, sweatpants, and a graphic tee. Shorts, ripped jeans, and athletic attire like yoga pants and workout tanks are also a no-go for most meetings.
Dressing too informally for an interview communicates that you’re not serious about the opportunity. Putting in the effort to make a good first impression shows you’re ready to go the extra mile for your job.
Great interview clothes should be an elevated version of what you’d wear on the job. Even if you’re meeting with a startup owner whose work attire is the definition of Silicon Valley style, you can fit in while still looking like a star candidate.
Wearing wrinkled, dirty, or damaged clothes is a fashion faux pas that hurts you twice as much during interviews. Even if you’re in the perfect business attire, coffee-stained dress pants or a wrinkled dress shirt can make you appear like you just ran out the door. Making a good impression is all about looking prepared.
Given that 42% of professionals would prefer to show up 20 minutes late to an interview than look unprofessional, an extra five minutes of ironing is definitely worth your time. Alternatively, choose interview attire made with wrinkle-resistant materials, like CUTS tops, for a polished, crease-free look.
Wearing wrinkled, dirty, or damaged clothes is a fashion faux pas that hurts you twice as much during interviews. Even if you’re in the perfect business attire, coffee-stained dress pants or a wrinkled dress shirt can make you appear like you just ran out the door. Making a good impression is all about looking prepared.
Given that 42% of professionals would prefer to show up 20 minutes late to an interview than look unprofessional, an extra five minutes of ironing is definitely worth your time. Alternatively, choose interview attire made with wrinkle-resistant materials, like CUTS tops, for a polished, crease-free look.
The best way to stand out in an interview is by showcasing your experience, personality, and passion for the role. You’re the best job candidate you know, which means you don’t need flashy clothing to be memorable.
Bright colors, animal prints, sequins, and trendy patterns can not only distract your hiring manager or potential partner, but also come off as too informal. Companies don’t want to take a risk on someone who might show up to a serious client meeting in a pink suit or a novelty tie. It’s best to choose neutrals that let you as a professional shine.
For women, flashiness can also include low-cut necklines, sheer materials, bare midriffs, and other unnecessarily exposed skin. Instead of treading the line between stylish and risqué, practice risk management like a professional who is truly leadership material.
The best way to stand out in an interview is by showcasing your experience, personality, and passion for the role. You’re the best job candidate you know, which means you don’t need flashy clothing to be memorable.
Bright colors, animal prints, sequins, and trendy patterns can not only distract your hiring manager or potential partner, but also come off as too informal. Companies don’t want to take a risk on someone who might show up to a serious client meeting in a pink suit or a novelty tie. It’s best to choose neutrals that let you as a professional shine.
For women, flashiness can also include low-cut necklines, sheer materials, bare midriffs, and other unnecessarily exposed skin. Instead of treading the line between stylish and risqué, practice risk management like a professional who is truly leadership material.
Accessories can be just as distracting as clothes. When it comes to formal meeting and interview attire, less is more. Ditch the gold chain necklace or bold-colored smartwatch, if only for an hour, to make a 10/10 first impression.
In traditional workplaces, facial piercings may need to be removed to comply with company dress codes. However, even in a business casual environment, consider toning down your most eye-catching piercings for the first meeting — for example, by ditching nose hoops for studs.
Accessories can be just as distracting as clothes. When it comes to formal meeting and interview attire, less is more. Ditch the gold chain necklace or bold-colored smartwatch, if only for an hour, to make a 10/10 first impression.
In traditional workplaces, facial piercings may need to be removed to comply with company dress codes. However, even in a business casual environment, consider toning down your most eye-catching piercings for the first meeting — for example, by ditching nose hoops for studs.
Baggy T-shirts may be a trend, but they aren’t a proper fit for you or your next interview. Part of knowing what not to wear to an interview is understanding which clothes are designed to make you look good. Clothes that enhance your natural appearance will elevate your outfit and give you the confidence of a top-level manager.
Pro tip: Whether you’re wearing a blazer or a polished athletic fit T-shirt, make sure the seams align with your shoulder bones. If the seams are further down the arm, the shirt is too baggy. Also, make sure your pants offer enough leg movement without your belt being too tight.
Baggy T-shirts may be a trend, but they aren’t a proper fit for you or your next interview. Part of knowing what not to wear to an interview is understanding which clothes are designed to make you look good. Clothes that enhance your natural appearance will elevate your outfit and give you the confidence of a top-level manager.
Pro tip: Whether you’re wearing a blazer or a polished athletic fit T-shirt, make sure the seams align with your shoulder bones. If the seams are further down the arm, the shirt is too baggy. Also, make sure your pants offer enough leg movement without your belt being too tight.
When it comes to evaluating our own clothing and accessories, it can be hard to be objective. Good friends and family members can give you their honest opinions about the outfit you choose. Ask them if they think your outfit is flattering, professional, and fitting for the role. Friends and family who know you well can also help you choose an outfit that shows off your personality in subtle, polished ways.
Plus, once you’ve nailed the outfit, your support system is sure to hype you up, so you can walk into your interview with a positive mindset.
When it comes to evaluating our own clothing and accessories, it can be hard to be objective. Good friends and family members can give you their honest opinions about the outfit you choose. Ask them if they think your outfit is flattering, professional, and fitting for the role. Friends and family who know you well can also help you choose an outfit that shows off your personality in subtle, polished ways.
Plus, once you’ve nailed the outfit, your support system is sure to hype you up, so you can walk into your interview with a positive mindset.