New year, new job. Or that’s what you said four months ago. You fixed up your resume and sent it out. Got a few calls. And now you have some interviews scheduled. But the next question is what to wear for a job interview these days?
Over the past twenty to thirty years, we’ve shifted to a business casual world. This look peaked (sunk?) in the late 90s with the tech boom featuring the saggy chinos and a striped button up shirt uniform. Want something to watch as a reference, check out Mike Judge’s still relevant movie, Office Space. Luckily, menswear is on the rise today. And while we may have overshot our landing a bit with the flashy Pitti peacocks, more people seem to be wearing suits, or, at least, have an interest in wearing suits.
I think the challenge today is figuring out what to wear. Obviously, you want to look professional. Whether you’re applying for your first job, your (potentially) last job, or anywhere in between, that initial impression will always matter. Look, we’d all love for the hiring process to run purely on qualifications. However, how you look and carry yourself do matter, and they do play a role in most hiring managers’ opinion of your potential future performance. Even if they won’t admit it.
How do you draw the line at what’s too flashy or strike a balance between what’s appropriate and what’s too informal? I think when figuring out what to wear for a job interview the first step is to find out as much as you can about the company. What’s their culture like? How do people dress on their website? Do you know anyone that works there? See what they have to say. If you have been in contact with a recruiter, ask them. Do they have a recommended dress for the interview process? I’ve had interviews where I was explicitly told to not wear a suit. However, I would suggest always wearing at least a jacket. Even if you’re planning to wear jeans and a casual shirt, a jacket will help frame your face better.
Today I pulled together three outfits for three different types of job interview looks. Have some thoughts about what to wear for a job interview or the job interview process at all? Let me know in the comments below!
Formal
I think when wearing a suit for a job interview, it’s best to shop for a classic suit. To me, that means a charcoal or navy suit, black shoes, white shirt, and a softer tie. Save the experimentation for after you get the job.
Suit: Ralph Lauren // Shirt: Hickey Freeman // Tie: Vineyard Vines
Belt: W. Kleinberg // Shoes: Allen Edmonds // Socks: Corgi
Fragrance: Hermés // Watch: Raymond Weil
Business Casual
I think this is the most fun category. This is the time to break out that soft shoulder, maybe some cuffed trousers and a knit tie. Play around with fabrics a bit and see if your can push the sartorial envelope.
Jacket: Lardini // Trousers: Santorelli // Shirt: BOSS
Tie: The Tie Bar // Belt: W. Kleinberg // Shoes: To Boot New York
Socks: Brooks Brothers // Fragrance: Floris // Watch: Baume & Mercier
Casual
Dark jeans, dark jeans, dark jeans. I think, even if it’s a casual interview and jeans are permitted, keep it somewhat professional. Wear a jacket, no heavily washed jeans, and an oxford shirt is perfect.
Jacket: Ralph Lauren // Jeans: AG Jeans // Shirt: Brooks Brothers
Pocket Square: The Tie Bar // Belt: W. Kleinberg // Shoes: Charles Tyrwhitt
Socks: Corgi // Fragrance: Creed // Watch: Tissot
