What do young men wear for interviews in creative industries?

[KellyanneConway]

My son has a job interview for a creative role in television coming up and I said I would buy him some interview clothes. We don’t have contacts in this industry and have no idea what people wear. I’m assuming not a suit and tie. Maybe black smart jeans or chinos and a nice shirt? Would a smart cord shirt work? His style is what I would call very casual/ typical student. There’s an aesthetic called Haute Scruff which I think best describes his wardrobe! Any suggestions please?

Sorry, no idea! I do know a friend in radio who turned down a cv because the poor chap had enclosed a photo of himself in a nice shirt, jacket and tie.
maybe look at pics on linked in? I’m guessing it needs to be fairly trandy. Haute scruff may well be fine - it’s probably more whether he comes across as keen, nice to have around, show initiative, willing to go the extra mile, work long hours etc.

Also slightly depends on TV genre. But smartish jeans and a clean, ironed shirt (even something worn over a T shirt) should be fine. Main thing is attitude - can do (literally willing to do anything), previous experience, being approachable and friendly.

Great thank you for the responses, it’s confirmed what I thought. He has the attributes mentioned, I hope that he can get that across well

I work in the cultural sector so just a sub section of the wider creative industries. We are very casual - I'm feeling a bit rough and going to wear joggers today.

But having done a bit of work in the wider creative industry I'd stay safe and avoid jeans for the interview. But I do also think a suit is too much for this sector.

I would say jeans and casual (but nice) shirt. It depends which part of tv. It's it's creative part nice trainers, if it's more corporate or serious or news then nice shoes

I think a modern cut suit with a crisp white or black t-shirt and (clean) trainers is a smart trendy look right now. This would work well.

Thaks for the suggestions everyone. He ended up with a really nice white shirt with a subtle pattern from Ted Baker and a pair of navy chino type trousers. I think it looks about right. Fingers crossed!

Sounds perfect.

For the interview you can always wear a suit or trouser/jacket combo. Going more casual runs the risk of the interviewer(s) thinking you didn't make an effort. What you wear for interview rarely relates to what you wear for work in any industry

Awful ankle grazers as a rule.

This is true. There is a fair bit of male ankle about in some ends of the creative industries. I’ve just been at a film event, and there were a lot of jumpers and ankles among the younger men.

My ds works in this sort of world and because of short term contracts often has interviews. He tries to look at the company website to pick up the general style. Otherwise he wears black jeans and a black T-shirt or a white button down. Plain black trainers and either a plain over shirt or an unstructured jacket. Obviously super clean and ironed if necessary.

Honestly, when I go to London I want to go round pulling half the young men's trousers up at the waist or down at the ankles 🤣🤣

Haha ankle grazers are bloody everywhere in our city too, often with socks pulled up and the socks are often white sports ones. Kind of hipster meets Michael Jackson