I’ve got an interview for a job I really want (and need!) next week. What should I wear that’s smart, modern and memorable? Help!
When you’re prepping for an important job interview, finding an outfit that you feel confident, comfortable and completely yourself wearing is essential. You don’t want to be pulling mis-matched pieces from your wardrobe together the morning of the interview and becoming unnecessarily stressed!
Picking pieces that are a combination of smart, modern and memorable in equal parts is the perfect place to start when you’re working out what to wear to a job interview.
I’ve been searching the high street for you for separates and suits that will make you feel perfectly coordinated and put together, so the only thing you’ll have to worry about is the interview itself.
How do you pick a trouser suit that ticks the smart, modern and memorable boxes for a job interview?
Trouser suits are intrinsically a smart choice when you’re deciding what to wear to a job interview, but there are ways to ensure a suit stands out for all the right reasons (rather than looking OTT).
For example, a relaxed-fit trouser style will look more current than a skinny fit trouser, and it’s easier to find comfortable and modern shoes to wear with them (scroll down for suitable trainers, boots or flats rather than wearing heels).
A colourful two-piece is a memorable choice, but stick to jewel shades like the below rather than any neon colours to ensure the suit is job interview-appropriate versus a suit that would be more suited to a party or wedding.
If colour isn’t your thing…
This black suit also ticks all the smart, modern and memorable boxes thanks to its expensive looking silk-blend (and smart) finish. Meanwhile, the structured shoulder pads give this jacket a more unusual silhouette (memorable and modern!)
Or go for neutrals…
This brown trouser suit is so chic. Neutral hues and a flowing fit soften a smart and polished tailored look for a job interview.
This dark navy Mango suit is another neutral option that’s anything but boring, all thanks to the sleek waistcoat which would work on its own or with a shirt underneath.
You can pair your suit with a simple tee…
Heavyweight tees will look more premium in your job interview outfit.
Or wear a cotton crisp shirt tucked in…
A thin roll neck will also work for winter work outfits
Neutral roll neck jumpers will look sleek under both colourful and neutral blazers.
Looking for a shirt or blouse that stands out?
Whether you’re dressing from the waist up for a zoom call interview, or looking for something new to pair with a classic pair of trousers if you’re meeting IRL, there are plenty of striking shirts and blouses for a memorable job interview look.
These are some of my favourite styles for unusual extra details, including trims, ruffles and expensive looking fabrics. If you’re looking for lots of varieties, turn to & Other Stories and Anthropologie.
If you need some smart, but comfortable trousers…
If the job you’re applying to has a casual dress code these wide-leg trousers are a sporty choice that won’t look too smart or too casual.
A classic pair of black trousers will look smart but will be really comfy too, with the added security that from home to the interview they won’t look creased or show any marks or scuffs in any way.
If you’d prefer a slimmer fitting trouser over a wide leg style, these Mango trousers are ideal because they have expensive looking pleats in a fabric that’s still flowing rather than stretchy.
Can you wear jeans for a job interview?
Yes! If you’re applying for a job that’s not in a corporate office, jeans are definitely an option for what to wear to a job interview. Just avoid any rips or vintage washes that would look too casual. Darker washes or neutrals will look more polished.
If you like wearing skirts…
If trousers aren’t for you and you’d feel more elevated wearing a skirt, try a style in a bold colour like this & Other Stories skirt paired with a neutral roll neck or shirt.
How do I find a dress that I’ll feel confident in?
For a job interview, you want to avoid any clothes that crease, and dresses are typically the major culprits. The styles below all have extra details to make them stand out, in modern shapes and smart fabrics that will look sleek all day long.
What shoes should I wear for a job interview?
Confidence and comfort are essential for job interview dressing – you don’t want to be paying attention to your shoes and focusing on walking when you’re introducing yourself to somebody at an interview who should have your full attention instead.
If in any doubt, and if heels aren’t your thing, feel confident in a smart pair of loafers, heeled boots, or closed-toe block heels.
Smart knee high boots are another option if you’re wearing a dress.
Can I wear trainers?
Depending on your prospective job’s dress code you can assess whether trainers are completely out of the question or not. If it’s a more casual setting, trainers are perfectly acceptable, just make sure they’re smart and clean rather than scruffy!
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