What to Wear to a Job Interview

Know the Dress Code: Formal, Business Casual, Smart Casual

Before you decide what to wear, do your research:

• Look at the company’s website, recent photos, staff social media. Are people in full suit & tie, or more relaxed?
• If unsure, always lean more formal rather than casual. It shows respect and seriousness.
• Some sectors (finance, law, corporate) expect more traditional formal attire; others (tech, startups, creative) may allow smart casual.
• Your outfit should align with the role: client‑facing / senior roles → more traditional; back‑office / creative roles → more flexibility.

The Classic Professional Interview Outfit

When in doubt, this is your go‑to:

• Suit: Two‑piece or three‑piece in navy, charcoal grey, or dark grey. Single‑breasted, clean lines. Fit is essential.  Shoulders and trousers should be tailored.
• Shirt: Crisp white or pale blue shirt. Straight collar (avoid casual button‑down collars if formal). Long sleeves. Clean, pressed.
• Tie: Conservative in pattern & colour. Silk or fine weave. If the role is very formal or corporate, tie is expected. If smart casual, you might omit it.
• Shoes: Leather Oxford, Derby or formal lace‑ups, polished. Black or dark brown, matched with belt. Avoid anything too flashy or worn.

Smart Casual or Less Formal Interviews

If the dress code is business casual or smart casual, you can relax a few elements, whilst keeping polish.

• Consider a shirt, blazer, and chinos rather than full suit. Or suit trousers with a less formal jacket.
• You can use fine knitwear (merino, wool) under a blazer. Avoid bulky sweaters in formal settings.
• Avoid logos, loud patterns, flashy prints. Keep it subdued and professional.

Other Tips to be Interview Ready

• Ensure clothes are clean, well‑pressed, lint‑free. Collar stays in dress shirts help maintain structure.
• Shoes polished. No scuffs.
• Hair groomed, facial hair neat.
• Avoid strong colognes/perfumes — some may not like them or be sensitive.
• Have a smart overcoat or topcoat (wool or wool blend) if cold.
• Umbrella if rain expected. A nice coat beats arriving soggy.
  

FAQs — Common Interview Outfit Questions

Should a suit be worn for an interview if the company is casual?

Not always. If you’re confident the role/company is casual, smart casual with a blazer, chinos and shirt can suffice. But bring a suit or jacket if you’re unsure. It’s safer to be modestly more formal.

Can patterned shirts or coloured shirts be worn to an interview?

Subtle patterns (fine stripes, faint check) are okay if everything else is conservative. Coloured shirts (pale shades) can work; avoid loud or dark saturated tones that draw attention.

Are ties always needed for interviews?

For formal interviews yes. For less formal / creative roles, tie can sometimes be optional—but it still helps to have one, even if you choose not to wear it.

Are trainers acceptable for an interview?

Almost always no. Sometimes smart trainers may be acceptable for creative or tech roles, but only if clean, minimal design, and you’re sure of the dress norms.

T.M. Lewin Picks: Suits, Shirts & Accessories for Interview Success

• The Non Iron Shirt.  You can't go wrong with a crisp white shirt.
• The Aldgate Suit, a classic navy two‑piece suit that's reliable and professional.
• Silk tie in conservative colours (navy, burgundy, dark green).
• Matching belt, subtle accessories (watch, cufflinks).
• Overcoat in charcoal or navy for travel to/from interview.

Summary

Going into an interview, your aim is to appear capable, reliable and professional.  Choose fit, fabric, colour and accessories with care.

When in doubt, a well‑fitting suit in navy or charcoal, crisp shirt, polished shoes and conservative tie will rarely let you down.