What to wear to a job interview depends on the industry and company. When in doubt, lean one step more formal than the everyday dress code. Here’s how to dress for common fields—and how to build an interview outfit from clothes you already own.
Why what you wear to an interview matters
Your outfit supports the message that you’re serious, prepared, and a fit for the role. It doesn’t need to be expensive—clean, well-fitting, and appropriate does the work. Matching the industry norm shows you’ve done your homework.
What to wear to a job interview by industry
Corporate / finance / law
- Women: Blazer with tailored trousers or a pencil skirt; blouse or shell; closed-toe heels or flats. Neutral colors (navy, black, gray, white) are safe.
- Men: Suit (navy or gray), dress shirt, tie, belt, and dress shoes. Conservative and polished.
- Tip: Avoid loud patterns or heavy fragrance. Keep jewelry and accessories minimal.
Interview outfit: corporate — blazer, trousers, blouse, heels
Tech / startups
- Women: Smart casual: blazer with dark jeans or chinos, or a simple dress with a cardigan. Clean sneakers or loafers can work if the culture is relaxed.
- Men: Collared shirt (button-down or polo) with chinos or dark jeans; optional blazer. Clean sneakers or loafers.
- Tip: Research the company. Some teams are “nice jeans and a button-down”; others still expect a blazer. Err slightly more formal if unsure.
Creative / design / media
- Women: You have more room for personality: tailored pieces with one statement item (e.g. interesting jacket, subtle print, or good accessories). Still neat and intentional.
- Men: Sharp casual or smart casual: well-fitted shirt, trousers or dark jeans, maybe a blazer or interesting jacket. Show taste without looking sloppy.
- Tip: “Creative” doesn’t mean messy. Fit and cohesion still matter.
Retail / hospitality / casual offices
- Women: Neat, clean look: blouse and trousers, or a simple dress. Avoid anything too casual (hoodies, shorts) unless the hiring manager has said so.
- Men: Collared shirt and chinos or neat trousers. Avoid shorts and sandals unless the role explicitly allows it.
- Tip: Even in casual environments, an interview is still a step up from daily wear.
Interview outfit: retail or casual office — blouse, trousers, flats
First-impression tips that work in any industry
- Fit: Clothes should fit well—not too tight, not baggy. Tailoring goes a long way.
- Grooming: Clean, tidy hair and nails; minimal, professional fragrance.
- Details: No visible wear or stains; shoes cleaned; bag or briefcase in good shape.
Quick tips: Interview outfit
- Research the company dress code; lean one step more formal than everyday
- Fit: not too tight, not baggy; tailoring helps
- Grooming: clean hair and nails; minimal fragrance
- No loud patterns; neutrals (navy, black, gray, white) are safe
- Build from what you own—blazer, shirt or blouse, bottoms that match the industry
What to avoid
- Wearing a suit to every interview—tech and creative often prefer smart casual. Check the company first.
- Heavy fragrance, visible wear, or stains. Clean and minimal reads prepared.
How to build an interview outfit from your wardrobe
You don’t need to buy a new suit. Use what you have: pick a blazer, shirt or blouse, and bottoms that match the industry, then add shoes and minimal accessories. Build an interview outfit from your wardrobe in DripCheck—filter by occasion so you see only interview-appropriate pieces and get a put-together look in minutes.
FAQ
Should I wear a suit to every interview?
Not necessarily. Corporate, finance, and law usually expect a suit. Tech and creative often prefer smart casual. Check the company’s vibe and dress one notch above it.
Can I wear the same outfit to multiple interviews?
Yes. A few versatile pieces (e.g. one blazer, two shirts, one pair of trousers) can be mixed for different rounds. Just keep everything clean and pressed.
What if I’m interviewing on video?
Wear a full outfit (including bottoms) so you feel prepared and look put-together if you stand. Solid colors and a neat background help you look professional.
Build an interview outfit from your wardrobe in DripCheck—filter by occasion and get a polished look without buying new clothes.
