Skip to content
WARDROBE

What to Wear to an Interview

Interview dressing has one job: to be unremarkable enough that nobody thinks about your clothes.

Wardrobe Essentials1 min readPublished Maya Elliot

In short

  • One notch above the office. Find out what people there wear day to day and go slightly smarter.
  • Fit matters more than formality. A well-fitting mid-price outfit reads better than an expensive one that does not fit.
  • Comfort affects performance. A collar that is too tight or shoes you cannot walk in genuinely distract you during the conversation.

Interview dressing has one job: to be unremarkable enough that nobody thinks about your clothes.

One notch above the office

Find out what people there wear day to day and go slightly smarter. Both directions from that are a mistake.

Fit matters more than formality

A well-fitting mid-price outfit reads better than an expensive one that does not fit. This is the highest-return preparation available.

Comfort affects performance

A collar that is too tight or shoes you cannot walk in genuinely distract you during the conversation.

The checklist

The checklist

  • Something you have worn before and know is comfortable
  • Fits properly at the shoulder
  • Nothing that needs adjusting when you sit
  • Shoes you can walk from the station in
  • Neutral colours, minimal pattern
  • Checked, pressed and laid out the night before

Frequently asked questions

What should I wear to a job interview?

One notch smarter than the everyday dress code, in something you have worn before and know is comfortable.

Is a suit always right?

No. In many industries a suit now reads as a misunderstanding of the culture. Research the specific company.

Related reading

Capsule Wardrobe

The Capsule Wardrobe Guide

Everything the capsule method involves — what it is, how many pieces you need, how to choose them, and how to keep one running through the seasons.

Read Article
Wardrobe Essentials

The Wardrobe Essentials Guide

The specific garments that do the most work in a wardrobe, how to judge whether a piece earns a place in yours, and which lists to ignore.

Read Article
Wardrobe Essentials

The Accessories Worth Owning

Accessories are where wardrobes accumulate fastest and get used least. A small number do almost all the work.

Read Article

Read next

Capsule WardrobeThe Capsule Wardrobe GuideEverything the capsule method involves — what it is, how many pieces you need, how to choose them, and how to keep one running through the seasons.Read Article

Get new guides by email

New guides, calculators and checklists, once a week. Unsubscribe in one click.