That Next Job — What to Wear to an Interview

Practical, no-drama outfit tips

Start with the real goal

Your outfit doesn’t need to win an award. It just needs to say: “I take this seriously, I’m reliable, and I pay attention.”

For most roles, that means clothes that are:

Clean and in good condition (no stains, rips, or missing buttons)
Simple and not distracting
Comfortable enough that you’re not fidgeting the whole time

Mini takeaway: “Neat and appropriate” beats “expensive and uncomfortable” every time.

Step 1: Think about the type of job

What you wear to a corporate office isn’t always the same as what you wear to a hotel, a shop floor, or a warehouse. Use the “one step up” rule:

Dress one step more formal than what employees normally wear on the job.

Office / corporate roles

Aim for smart and polished:

Button-down shirt or simple blouse
Dress pants or a knee-length skirt
Closed-toe shoes (not sneakers or flip-flops)
Optional: blazer or simple cardigan

Customer service / retail

Aim for tidy and approachable:

Plain shirt, polo, or blouse (no loud slogans)
Dark jeans or simple trousers (no rips or distressing)
Clean, closed-toe shoes

Hospitality (hotel, restaurant, tourism)

Aim for clean, calm, and friendly:

Plain shirt or blouse in a soft or neutral colour
Dark trousers or a simple skirt
Closed-toe shoes you can walk in comfortably

Warehouse / hands-on roles

You can keep it practical but still neat:

Plain shirt or polo
Clean jeans or work trousers
Closed-toe shoes (ideally similar to what you’d wear on the job)

Remote / video interview

Yes, you still need to look put-together — at least from the waist up:

Plain shirt or blouse (avoid busy patterns that look strange on camera)
Simple, non-distracting background if possible
Avoid hats, sunglasses, or anything that hides your face

Step 2: Colours and patterns that are safe

When in doubt, keep colours simple and let your voice be the main focus.

Good choices: navy, black, grey, white, beige, soft blues, and other muted colours.
Be careful with: very bright neons, big logos, or busy patterns that steal attention.

You don’t have to wear all black or a full suit. Just aim for a few pieces that look good together, without fighting for attention.

Mini takeaway: if you’re not sure, choose simple, solid colours and one small accent (like a watch or subtle jewellery).

Step 3: Grooming and small details

The small things matter more than the brand on the label.

Make sure clothes are ironed or at least not badly wrinkled.
Hair neat and out of your face (any style is fine as long as it looks intentional).
Hands clean; nails trimmed or tidy.
Go easy on strong perfumes or colognes — some people are sensitive to scent.
Check for lint, pet hair, or dust on darker clothes before you leave.

Do a quick mirror check before you walk in (or before joining the video call): collar straight, no food stains, no open zippers or missing buttons.

Step 4: Shoes and accessories

People often forget that interviewers see your shoes when you walk in, sit down, and leave.

Choose closed-toe shoes that are clean and in good condition.
If you wear heels, make sure you can walk comfortably — no wobbling.
Backpacks and handbags are fine — just keep them simple and tidy.
Jewellery: keep it minimal so it doesn’t jingle, flash, or distract.

Mini takeaway: don’t overthink brands. Clean and comfortable beats flashy and painful.

Step 5: If you’re on a tight budget

You don’t need to buy a full “interview outfit” if money is tight. Here are some options:

Borrow: Ask a friend or family member if they have a shirt, blouse, or blazer you can use.
Thrift or second-hand: Many stores have affordable button-down shirts, slacks, and skirts.
Mix what you have: A plain T-shirt under a cardigan can look smart if everything is clean and in good condition.

Focus on putting your best version forward with what you already have — not matching a perfect picture from the internet.

Step 6: Common outfit mistakes to avoid

Try to avoid:

Very casual items like gym shorts, tank tops, or beachwear.
Flip-flops or house slippers.
Clothes with big slogans, offensive images, or loud branding.
Anything that you have to keep adjusting every few minutes.
Arriving soaked in sweat because the outfit is far too hot for the weather.

Mini takeaway: if you’re worried something might be “too much” or distracting, it probably is — choose something simpler.

Quick night-before checklist

The night before your interview, lay everything out so you don’t have to decide in a rush:

Clothes chosen, checked for stains or damage.
Shoes clean and ready by the door.
Bag packed with any documents, a pen, and a small notebook.
Weather checked — add a jacket or umbrella if needed.

Final takeaway: the goal isn’t to look perfect. It’s to look like a neat, thoughtful, reliable person they’d be comfortable hiring.