Outfit Ideas For Your Next Interview

Interview jitters are unavoidable—it’s an overwhelming experience. The impression we make on our interviewers makes the difference between getting to work and continuing to endure the job search.

While you’re practicing answers to questions about your strengths and weaknesses, it’s nice to feel like you can be in control of at least one thing. Enter: the interview outfit.

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“I remember the outfit I wore to my first full-time job interview—a thrifted plaid blazer and slacks that, if you looked close enough, did not match.”

I remember the outfit I wore to my first full-time job interview—a thrifted plaid blazer and slacks that, if you looked close enough, did not match. I felt polished, professional, and ready to make $12 an hour (in what turned out to be a highly toxic work environment 😬). Nevertheless, I still look back fondly at that interview and subsequent job, proud that I showed up in the best way I knew how.

If finding a new job is on your horizon this year, polish up your resume and start planning ahead on what garments you might need to purchase. Shop your own closet first, but when you have the time, you can usually find any additional pieces you might need by thrifting. After all, interviewers won’t know the difference between a brand new blazer and a freshly dry-cleaned one. Steamers and irons will freshen up any piece you’re not 100% confident about.

If you’re not sure what the workplace vibe is, do a Google search or scroll through the brand’s social media accounts to get a glimpse of how employees dress on a day-to-day basis. You can even check out existing employees on LinkedIn—are they decked out in suits in their profile pictures? Are they sporting brightly patterned dresses? That’ll give you a feel for what the company expects “formal” to look like. And when in doubt, lean towards being more formal than less (you can even rent clothing if you’re not sure you’ll wear it again).

If you’re at a loss, here are five outfit ideas to help you start planning for your next job interview!