What to wear to an interview
10 Apr. 2026
You’ve succeeded in getting an invitation to interview for a job. Now it is time to prepare for the interview itself, which will include planning your outfit.
Deciding what to wear can be influenced by the type of job you are applying for. Dressing appropriately for the interview can not only help make a good impression but can also instil confidence on the day.
Here, we’ll explore what clothes you can wear during interviews and our top tips for choosing your outfit.
What clothes to wear to an interview?
When choosing what to wear, there are several options suitable for a range of styles, preferences, and workplaces. You may want to add elements of your own personality to your outfit, especially for creative or more relaxed roles. However, avoid anything overly bold or distracting.
Clothing options include:
- Tailored trousers or suit trousers
- A tailored suit
- A knee‑length (or longer) skirt
- A shirt, blouse, or smart top
- A well-fitting T‑shirt (typically for casual interviews)
- A knee‑length (or longer) dress
- A blazer
- A cardigan
- A smart jacket or coat for travelling to your interview
- Chinos
- A belt
What shoes to wear to an interview?
Appropriate shoe options for interviews include:
- Smart flats such as loafers or ballet‑style pumps
- Closed‑toe shoes
- Low to medium heels (if this suits your style)
- Smart boots such as leather Chelsea or desert boots
- Polished leather shoes in black or brown
Choose shoes that are clean, comfortable, and in good condition. Make sure you can walk confidently in them.
How to know which dress code to choose
Understanding the right dress code for an interview can help you feel confident and show that you’re a good fit for the organisation. If you’re unsure whether to dress more formally or opt for a smart‑casual look, there are a few simple ways to work this out in advance.
1. Look at the company’s website and social media
Start by checking the company’s website, particularly the “About us” or “Careers” pages. Photos of employees, office environments, or team events can give you a good indication of how people typically dress day to day.
Social media channels such as LinkedIn, can also be helpful, especially if the organisation shares behind‑the‑scenes content or staff spotlights.
2. Consider the industry
Different industries tend to have different expectations when it comes to dress code. For example, corporate, legal and finance roles often lean towards formal attire, while creative, tech, retail or charity roles may favour a smart‑casual approach.
If you’re unsure, it’s usually better to dress slightly more formally than you expect for the role, especially for first interviews.
3. Review the job description
While not always explicit, the job description may offer clues about company culture through the language used. A highly structured, formal tone may suggest a more traditional dress code, while a relaxed or conversational tone could indicate greater flexibility.
4. Ask ahead of time
If you’re still unsure, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask. The person who arranged your interview — such as a recruiter or hiring manager — can confirm the expected dress code. This shows preparation and professionalism rather than uncertainty.
5. Match the culture, not mimic it
The goal isn’t to dress exactly like current employees, but to show you understand the company’s values and environment. Choose clothes that feel authentic to you while still aligning with the workplace culture.
Dressing appropriately helps interviewers picture you as part of the team, and it allows you to focus on what really matters — sharing your experience, skills and enthusiasm for the role.
What should I wear to a formal interview?
What to wear for an interview can depend on the type of industry the role is in. Different types of business wear can be suited for various professional environments.
Business formal is the most professional type of business wear and is typically suited for more corporate settings. In general, this would normally involve wearing a suit, dress, shirt and smart shoes.
Other interview formats to be aware of:
Smart casual blends elements of the business formal attire with more casual clothing. An example of this is wearing a blazer over a sweater and wearing loafers or boots instead of a suit and smart shoes.
Casual wear in a workplace allows for a relaxed dress code and includes wearing clothing such as t-shirts, jeans and trainers.
Should you wear a tie to an interview?
This ultimately depends on the type of interview you are attending. For example, if you’re attending a more professional, business formal interview, a tie should be worn. However, if you’re attending a more casual interview, a shirt, jumper or t-shirt should suffice.
Should you wear a suit to an interview?
If you’re attending a business formal interview, wearing a suit is highly recommended as this best fits this interview type. However, if you’re attending a more casual interview, chinos, a tailored shirt, loafers or dress shoes are excellent alternatives to a suit.
What to wear to an online interview?
If the interview is online, it is still important to give a good impression and to wear something appropriate. Despite not seeing them in person and the interviewer not seeing your whole outfit, treating the interview as if it was face-to-face can help you get into the right mindset and make a good first impression.
Don’t forget, with an online interview, your background is part of your presentation too so take time to plan where you’ll sit so you’ve got an appropriate background, good light, and you’re clearly positioned for the camera.
Check out our top tips for preparing for online interviews
here.
Mistakes to avoid when choosing your interview outfit
- Avoid dressing too casually - If you are unsure of the dress code for your interview, it’s always best to edge more on the professional side as this creates a better first impression.
- Avoid wearing overly bold outfits - Too bright colours or patterns, or even too intricate patterns, can be distracting and may not lend themselves to a professional appearance.
- Avoid wearing clothes that don’t fit well - It’s best to choose clothes that aren’t too small or too big, as this creates a more professional appearance. You should also ensure your clothes are well-ironed and clean.
- Do not ignore the company’s dress code - If a dress code has been provided or you have found their dress code online, it’s important that you follow this, as not doing so can create a negative impression.
Final things to consider
Now that you know the clothing options you can choose from for your interview, here are a few tips for preparing your job interview outfit:
1. Consider whether you should cover your tattoos
Having visible tattoos in a job interview can depend on the company and the role itself. In general, tattoos are accepted without issue and shouldn’t impact the interview. One thing to be mindful of with visible tattoos is the design itself. If it can be deemed potentially offensive, especially if it contains expletives, you should cover these for the interview to be on the safe side.
2. Complete a dress rehearsal
Like you practise answering job interview questions, you could also try on your interview outfit before the day. Check that it fits well and that you are comfortable. It’s a good idea to lay your outfit out ready the day before to ensure you have everything you need. This will save time when you are getting ready and reduce any stress of having to pick what to wear or find the items you want on the day.
3. Confidence is key
Aside from what you are wearing for the interview, the most important thing to consider is that you are confident and professional with a positive attitude on the day. This will be the perfect accessory to your outfit, and the interviewer will be more focused on your personal attributes and professional approach. Remember to make eye contact, smile, and be polite whilst showcasing the qualities you have for the job.
Choosing what to wear to an interview doesn’t need to be complicated. The key is to feel comfortable, confident, and appropriately dressed for the role and company you’re meeting with. By researching the organisation’s culture, keeping your outfit professional and well‑fitting, and preparing in advance, you can focus your energy on showcasing your skills and experience. Remember, your outfit supports your first impression, but it’s your personality, attitude, and abilities that truly make the difference. Dress in a way that helps you feel your best and let your confidence shine through.
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