What to wear to a interview

[Schooldilemma2021]

Hello,

I’ve got an interview at a ‘trendy’ company. I’ve mainly worked in corporate environments with dress down only on a Friday.

Never worn Jeans to an interview before, but fairly confident people will be in jeans and T-shirt at best. I’m fine to wear such attire if I get the job, and look forward to no more dry cleaning bills! and will ease me nicely back from spending most of the pandemic working from home in loungewear.

Just feels wrong at a senior level turning up for an interview in Jeans as a candidate. Please help!, need ideas and inspiration. Don’t want to look too casual, nor do I want to look too informal.

Do not wear jeans. Wear tailored black trousers - whatever style suits you (cropped cigarette/high waisted flared/ wide leg all good) and then a smart black top with short or 3/4 sleeves. If you want colour add colourful shoes/bag. Attention to detail with nails etc - you will look super!

Examples (but closed toe shoes not sandals)

And it it is a hot day, what about a nice knee length or midi dress. Not tailored, but more a line in a good quality silk or cotton?

Thanks @FauxFox love the suggestions!, and that you’ve given photo examples to guide me. Makes it super easy to assemble! and seems pretty hard to get wrong, and will use some colour as suggested to brighten it up.

Thanks @Gorgeouslilgirl, good point re hot day so will factor this in too, maybe into the style of top.

I’d say smart black trousers and a bright top. I always wear something bright at the top (smart top). I think it might make me stand out and be memorable, it may also help if their is a panel and when discussing candidates they can identify me by ‘the woman in the red top’ if someone forgets names.

@BashfulClam, good tip and not thought of that before. Thanks!

I interviewed for a position last week

I stuck to my usual uniform interview of tailored black trousers, a smart, fitted black blouse and a teal blazer

I was a bit to see other candidates wearing jeans, one in a sheer blouse with just a bra underneath, several examples of barely there, high heel sandals and one lady in an off the shoulder floral summer dress with a slit to the thigh

IMO, overdress for an interview but appropriately, so very smart. It shows you are serious about the job

For a similar interview (creative senior role) I wore black trousers and a silk shirt with ankle boots. And got the job.

The all black combo is safe if you suit black. Otherwise I would just opt for a shirt and a pair of trousers. Looking too formal will suggest a poor cultural fit. I haven't seen our team's feet for sometime - but I was surprised to see all the men in the office last week in turned up trousers and trainers, looking very trendy, in what would have been very much a suit and tie profession 2 years ago.

@Thekormachameleon, that’s always been my thinking. Hope all went well.

@Limetta, that’s my concern, but think I’ll go with the general guidance of the thread, smart, safe but still memorable option.