What to Wear? The New Rules of Job Interview Attire

Sarah Caron |

You scored the big interview. You're ready for all the hardball questions. But you have one big question mark: What will you wear? Find out what's appropriate for your interview... and what's not!

Back in the day, there was the interview suit — an always-acceptable outfit fit for any job interview. But times have changed, and so have the expectations of what you'll wear to interview for a job. While your skinny jeans and Converse probably aren't right still, you can carry a little more personality in your interview clothes these days.

"While suits are still the safest attire to wear to an interview, especially when interviewing for a business position, many companies welcome a crisp, business casual look — especially for women. The most important thing to remember is that you should look crisp, clean, and presentable — no matter what you wear," says Corinne Alexaki of Shoplet.com.

Ask Around

Know someone in the industry you are interviewing in? Then ask them for guidance on what to wear. They'll have the clue in to what's really appropriate — and what isn't. "We have found that the fashion and wedding coordination industries expect interviewees to dress and accessorize in the latest fashion trends. These businesses want you to demonstrate your fashion savvy and personality in an interview because a lot of what you will be doing taps into your ability to be creative. The corporate world is more rule-focused, and rewards those who can demonstrate their fluency of corporate culture," explains Alexaki.

Err on the Side of Caution

No one wants to be the one in jeans at a formal event. So always err on the side of caution when dressing for an interview. "When in doubt, it is always better to be overdressed than underdressed. You want to dress for the interview one or two notches above what you would wear on the job," says Jodi R. Smith of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting.

Old Advice Holds True

"Dress for the role you are seeking. If you are interviewing for the senior level, make sure you look the part that reflects the role and company," says Jayne Mattson, Senior Vice President, Keystone Associates.

Attention to detail

Finally, make sure that you've taken the time to make your attire spotless. "Your clothing should be pressed, lint free, and fit your body appropriately. Wearing over-sized or snug clothing could be worse than opting for less traditional attire. You don't want to draw attention to yourself because you are wearing something unflattering," says Alexaki.

Getting-Dressed-for-the-Interview Cheat Sheet

Smith of Mannersmith Etiquette Coaching offered these basic rules for how to dress for an interview. She says that dressing is simply a matter of taking the typical work attire up a few notches:

• If you would wear cargo shorts and a hoodie on the job, for the interview you would wear pressed khakis and a button down.
• If you would wear pressed khakis and a button down on the job, for the interview you would add a blue blazer and a tie.
• If you would wear pressed khakis, a button down, blue blazer and a tie on the job, for the interview you would wear a suit.
• If you would wear a suit on the job, for the interview you would wear a suit (not a tuxedo!).