What to Wear to an Interview (By Industry)

You have seven seconds to make a first impression. In those critical moments, your interviewer is forming judgments about your professionalism, attention to detail, and cultural fit — and 87% of employers report that inappropriate interview attire negatively impacts their hiring decisions.

The good news? Interview dress codes have evolved. While 26% of employers still require formal business attire, 55% now prefer smart-casual, and 19% have no specific dress code. The key is understanding your industry and the specific company culture.

Your outfit should communicate: "I understand your world, I respect this opportunity, and I take my career seriously."

Before diving into industry specifics, follow these baseline principles:

• Clean and pressed: Wrinkles, stains, and pet hair signal carelessness
  • Proper fit: Too tight looks unprofessional, too baggy looks sloppy
    • Conservative colors: Navy, gray, black, and white are safe bets
      • Minimal accessories: One watch, simple jewelry, subtle belt
        • Closed-toe shoes: Polished and professional (no sneakers, flip-flops, or worn-out heels)
          • Good grooming: Clean nails, tidy hair, fresh breath, light cologne/perfume (if any)
            • One step up: When in doubt, dress one level more formal than the daily dress code
              
              When to overdress: Entry-level roles, traditional industries, meeting with senior leadership
              When to match the culture: Tech startups, creative agencies, informal work environments after researching

Dress code: Business Professional (still the gold standard)

For Men:

• Suit: Navy or charcoal two-piece suit, well-tailored
  • Shirt: White or light blue dress shirt, pressed and starched
    • Tie: Conservative pattern (stripes, subtle dots) in coordinating colors
      • Shoes: Black or brown leather oxfords, polished
        • Accessories: Leather belt matching shoes, simple watch, portfolio or briefcase
          • Examples: Brooks Brothers suit, Allen Edmonds shoes, classic Seiko watch
            
            For Women:
            • Option 1: Tailored pantsuit or skirt suit in navy, black, or gray
              • Option 2: Blazer with dress pants or knee-length pencil skirt
                • Blouse: Conservative neckline, neutral or jewel tones (avoid loud prints)
                  • Shoes: Closed-toe pumps (2-3 inch heel), black or nude
                    • Accessories: Simple stud earrings, minimal necklace, structured tote or briefcase
                      • Examples: Ann Taylor suit, Cole Haan pumps, simple leather tote
                        
                        Common mistakes: Flashy jewelry, overly trendy styles, visible tattoos, strong fragrances

Dress code: Business Casual to Smart Casual (company-dependent)

For Men:

• Top: Button-down shirt (can skip the tie) or quality polo
  • Bottom: Chinos or dark jeans (neat, no rips)
    • Shoes: Leather loafers, clean sneakers (Allbirds, Cole Haan), or desert boots
      • Optional: Blazer or sport coat for senior roles
        • Examples: Bonobos chinos, Untuckit button-down, leather Greats sneakers
          
          For Women:
          • Top: Blouse, sweater, or nice knit top
            • Bottom: Dress pants, dark jeans, or midi skirt
              • Shoes: Flats, ankle boots, or low heels
                • Optional: Cardigan or blazer
                  • Examples: Everlane silk shirt, Madewell jeans, Rothy's flats
                    
                    Startup-specific tip: Research the company on LinkedIn — if everyone's in hoodies, wear nice dark jeans and a button-down. Still one level up, but not so formal you look out of touch.
                    
                    Common mistakes: Ratty sneakers, wrinkled clothes, graphic tees (save for post-hire), shorts or sandals

Dress code: Smart Casual with Room for Personality

For Men:

• Top: Fitted button-down, polo, or quality crew neck
  • Bottom: Tailored chinos, dark jeans, or slim trousers
    • Shoes: Clean sneakers, Chelsea boots, or loafers
      • Personality: Interesting watch, patterned socks, subtle jewelry okay
        • Examples: J.Crew tailored chinos, Warby Parker glasses, Veja sneakers
          
          For Women:
          • Top: Stylish blouse, fitted sweater, or creative but professional top
            • Bottom: Tailored pants, dark jeans, or modern skirt/dress
              • Shoes: Stylish flats, heeled booties, or fashion sneakers
                • Personality: Statement earrings, interesting bag, bold lip color okay
                  • Examples: & Other Stories blouse, Everlane Day Heel, structured crossbody bag
                    
                    Creative rule: Show taste and awareness, not costume. Your clothes should say "I understand aesthetics and trends" without screaming for attention.
                    
                    Common mistakes: Looking too corporate (boring), too experimental (trying too hard), visible logos everywhere

Dress code: Business Casual to Business Professional

For All Genders:

• Clinical roles: Business casual — dress pants with blouse/button-down, closed-toe shoes
  • Administrative/Leadership: Business professional — suit or blazer with dress pants/skirt
    • Shoes: Comfortable but polished (you'll be on your feet)
      • Hygiene focus: Clean nails, no excessive jewelry (infection control mindset), natural makeup
        
        Common mistakes: Wearing scrubs to the interview (unless instructed), open-toe shoes, long nails, strong perfume

Dress code: Smart Casual, Aligned with Brand

General approach:

• Research the brand aesthetic — upscale retailer vs. casual brand
  • Wear something you'd actually wear working there (but nicer)
    • Upscale retail: Business casual — blazer, dress pants, polished shoes
      • Casual retail: Smart casual — nice jeans, button-down or blouse, clean shoes
        • Hospitality: Business casual leaning professional
          
          Common mistakes: Wearing competitor's logos, overly casual (athletic wear), clubwear for hospitality roles

Dress code: Business Casual

For All Genders:

• Teaching roles: Business casual — slacks/skirt with button-down/blouse
  • Administrative: Business professional — suit or blazer
    • Higher ed/Research: More flexibility, but still polished
      • Nonprofit: Depends on mission, but default to business casual
        
        Common mistakes: Too casual (jeans for K-12 roles), overly formal (full suit for elementary teaching position)

The virtual interview paradox: You're in your home, but you're still being evaluated on professionalism.

What to wear:

• Same standards as in-person (at least from the waist up)
  • Solid, professional colors: Avoid busy patterns that strobe on camera
    • Good contrast with background: Don't blend into your wall
      • Test your outfit on camera first: Check for wrinkles, lighting issues
        
        Virtual-specific tips:
        • Top matters most: Blazer, button-down, or professional blouse
          • Bottom: Wear real pants anyway (confidence shows, and you might need to stand)
            • Avoid: White or black (can wash you out), bright patterns, shiny fabrics
              • Jewelry: Less is more on camera — dangly earrings can be distracting
                
                Tech check:
                • Good lighting (natural light or ring light)
                  • Clean, neutral background
                    • Camera at eye level
                      • Test audio and video 15 minutes early
                        
                        Common mistakes: Obvious "just the top" approach (t-shirt barely visible under blazer), sitting in a dark room, messy background

Your interview outfit is your first work sample. It shows:

• You did your research (matching company culture)
  • You respect the opportunity (putting effort into appearance)
    • You understand professional norms (appropriate for industry/role)
      • You pay attention to details (clean, pressed, well-fitted)
        
        In seven seconds, before you even speak, you've communicated all of this. Make those seconds count.
        
        The interview starts the moment you walk in the door — or appear on camera. Dress like you already have the job, and you're one step closer to getting it.