Interviews tend to be some of the most nerve-wracking experiences you will ever face. One of the ways that you can ensure that your interview is successful is by dressing appropriately. In many cases, you should dress for the job that you want.
Dressing correctly will likely make a good impression. It will show that you are serious about this employment opportunity. In many cases, dressing the part can help you to get the job of your dreams.
If you are unsure of what you should wear, do not worry. This guide will help you to determine the clothes that you will need.
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Men: What Should You Wear?
Knowing what to wear to an interview will largely depend on the formality of the setting. Wearing a suit and tie will be an excellent option for most scenarios, though you may seem a little overdressed for other situations. Because of this, we have organized our advice according to how formal the interview is.
Formal Settings
A lot of professional jobs will fit into this category. Occupations in business, law, banking or real estate will probably call for you to wear a suit if you get the job. Because of this, you should also wear a suit to the interview.
If the interview you are attending is quite formal, you will need to consider wearing a suit, shirt, trousers, and tie.
The suit should be 2-piece, meaning that it is a suit jacket with a corresponding pair of trousers. Though waistcoats are stylish for balls and weddings, they may seem a little too formal even for this setting.
Two-piece suits are designed to make men look better, partially by broadening their shoulders.
Ideally, the suit should be black, blue, or gray. Blue has been a particularly popular suit color in recent years.
The suit jacket should be buttoned up when you are standing up, but you can feel free to undo the buttons when you sit down. It is best to avoid suits with bold patterns. Subtle pinstripe suits will be acceptable.
In terms of the dress shirt, colors such as white, pale blue, and light pink will go with a lot of colors. White shirts will be best suited to black suits. Blue suits are more flexible, as are gray suits.
Pale shirts tend to exude style and formality better than darker dress shirts. A tie should be worn with this outfit. Find a tie color that complements the suit.
Be sure to wear smart shoes with this look. Brown or tan-colored shoes will go excellently with gray or blue suits. However, an often unspoken rule in fashion often forbids light brown shoes from being worn with black suits.
Instead, black shoes will better suit the color. Remember to wear socks with your suit, ideally matching the color of the suit, tie, or shirt.
You can also feel free to wear some accessories, such as formal watches or pocket squares, with this look. In formal settings, it is advised that you cover any tattoos.
Though employers are becoming increasingly enlightened when it comes to tattoos, some may frown upon them. If you wear a belt, be sure to match it to the color of your shoes.
Semi-Formal Settings
If you are attending a job interview for an office role with a more relaxed dress code, this will be the section for you. In these circumstances, you will not need to wear a full suit. However, you should still look quite formal and smart.
You should wear a formal shirt, but not a suit jacket. A jacket will look too formal for this type of employment. You may want to wear a tie, but this is optional.
If you are unsure of whether you should wear a tie, you may want to look into the dress code of the place of employment. If staff members are encouraged to wear ties, it is best to wear one yourself.
You can also wear a jumper over your shirt. This will be an especially good option in the autumn or winter, as the jumper will keep you warm.
For semi-formal interviews, you should aim to wear smart trousers. You may also be able to get away with wearing formal-looking chinos, though trousers will appear more professional. Under no circumstances should you wear jeans to this kind of employment.
Wear smart shoes, namely those made of leather (or faux leather). Socks are a must. Feel free to don accessories, such as a watch or fashionable bag.
Casual Settings
If you are applying for a more casual form of employment, such as a job in a bar or cafe, you should wear a less formal outfit. Sometimes, these jobs may ask you to wear a specific uniform if you get the job.
In terms of the top, you should wear either a shirt or a polo shirt. The shirt does not need to be as formal as the previous two outfits.
It is best not to wear a tie for this, as it may seem too formal and may get in the way. You can also contemplate wearing a jumper. Just be careful that you do not become too warm.
Chinos will be the best in terms of pants. Though you can also try wearing trousers, they may seem too posh. Plus, they may get dirty if you are asked to make food or drinks as part of your interview. Ensure that you wear sensible shoes that are still somewhat smart.
Informal Settings
Finally, if you are applying for a labor-based job, you should wear a more relaxed outfit. This will also be the case in a job that is based outdoors. It can be difficult to know exactly what you should wear.
In this interview situation, you will be allowed to wear jeans. Of course, jeans that look handsome should be worn. These jeans should be paired with a smart t-shirt or polo shirt. Bold t-shirts with bold prints or big logos will not be advised. This outfit should be completed by a good-looking pair of shoes.
General Tips
- Keep your hair smart and tidy. If it is long, you may want to consider tying it back. This will be especially important in hospitality or labor jobs since your hair could become problematic.
- Do not wear any especially vibrant colors. Though this may sound a little boring, most professional jobs require you to wear muted colors.
- Though you can feel free to wear jewelry, you may want to keep it to a minimum. Some jobs may ask you to remove jewelry, because it may be considered a safety hazard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should Men Avoid Wearing To Interviews?
This will depend on the formality of the interview. In general, it is good to avoid neon colors, political statements, unclean clothes, and shorts (unless your job is based outdoors).
What Colors Should You Avoid Wearing To Interviews?
Though you can wear these colors in short doses, such as in your tie, it is best to avoid wearing large amounts of these colors:
- Red
- Orange
- Yellow
- Purple
- Brown
For some reason, these colors are not considered the best in professional settings. They tend to have quite negative connotations, whereas colors such as gray, black, and blue are more positively received.
Final Thoughts
When you are offered an interview, it is essential that you do not panic. Instead, you should plan your interview. With this guide, you will be able to find the perfect outfit combination for your interview. Whatever job you are applying for, these instructions will help you to dress for success.
