Knowing what to wear to a job interview is important, no matter the industry. Because before you even speak, your interview outfit is already doing the talking. Whether it’s in person or virtual, your appearance sends a message. What’s it saying? Ideally, that you understand the company culture, respect the dress code, and are fluent in the art of making a good first impression.
But confidence doesn’t just come from looking the part—it comes from feeling like yourself in what you wear. “A person needs to feel comfortable in their outfit, first and foremost,” says Marissa Elias, a senior manager in talent acquisition. “Because if they are not comfortable, they won’t be their best self and confident during the interview.”
And when it comes to looking sharp? Tailoring is your best friend. “You can’t go wrong with good tailoring, and that doesn’t have to be super expensive,” says Samantha Barry, global editorial director at Glamour. “A sharp blazer, a great tailored pair of pants or a suit—some great tailoring—goes a long way, especially for executive interviews.” For Barry, personal flair also stands out when she’s interviewing candidates. “I’ll always notice an accessory, a watch, a stand-out pair of earrings, or even someone’s nails. That’s where your individuality shines, but I think it’s often safer to keep bold color to small sparks rather than going all in.”
The modern job interview isn’t one-size-fits-all, but there is a general rule of thumb that works for most: Dress like you understand the work environment, while showing a hint of personality and a whole lot of intention. Here’s how to get it right across different industries, from business professional to casual attire and everything in between.
For a corporate interview (finance, law, consulting): Be polished, powerful, and professional
In traditional fields, conservative and clean wins every time. You’re entering a world where details matter, and your appearance should reflect that. This is not the place to experiment with bold trends or edgy accessories. As Ida Liu of Citi Private Bank puts it, “Your clothing shouldn’t be stealing the show or, worse, distracting from your message.”
Her advice? “Avoid loud patterns, large accessories and jewelry, and sleeveless dresses. If in doubt, leave it out.” Business attire in these spaces means looking smart, sharp, and ready to represent the firm at a moment’s notice. Appropriate attire shows you understand both the stakes and the space.
Wear this:
- A tailored business suit or pantsuit in a solid color like black, navy, or gray
- A crisp dress shirt or collared shirt, preferably light-colored to feel fresh and professional
- Closed-toe dress shoes, like loafers or low heels
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For a creative job (media, fashion, advertising): Show personality, but stay professional
Creative industries want people who have taste—and know how to use it. Your interview attire should be thoughtful and expressive without overshadowing your substance. It’s not about being trendy; it’s about being intentional. You don’t need to be flashy. You need to communicate that you understand the brand and would be a strong cultural fit.
Content shared from www.glamour.com.
