How To Dress for a Job Interview: 3 Helpful Dress Codes

Helping people to know how to dress for a job interview will go a long way as far as the candidate's experience goes. It could make your company seem more friendly and approachable. ‌On the other hand, failing to be clear on your expectations might cause stress, or even put people off applying for a position.

Workplace dress norms have changed as much as the job application process itself, shifting and diversifying since people pounded the pavement in carefully pressed suits.

Modern workplaces now fall on a spectrum from traditional business attire to “Who cares? We’re all working remotely.” Today’s candidates understand the importance of fitting in with the right interview outfit, but what that means isn’t always clear. Candidates often spend hours searching for interview advice, including what accessories to wear, how to look smarter, what questions to ask in an interview, and much more. This adds an element of stress and uncertainty to the interview process.

In this guide, we’ll provide some casual, business casual, and professional interview outfit templates you can send to job applicants before they show up for their big moment. We’ll also cover a list of what not to wear to an interview. Learn how BambooHR® can help you find, hire, and onboard the best talent, faster.

Clearly Communicate Dress Code Expectations

The main purpose of an interview is to get to know a candidate (and to let them get to know your company). Communication during the hiring process gives your candidates their first impression of what it’s like to be a part of your team.
When you communicate your organization’s expectations—from what to wear to the interview to outlining each step of the hiring process—you demonstrate that your business is competent and build trust with your candidates.

Communicating your interview dress code can also help ease any anxiety that your organization will judge them based on something inessential about their appearance instead of their merits and qualifications.

What To Wear to an Interview: 3 Helpful Dress Codes, Decoded

Ideally, deciding what to wear at a job interview shouldn’t be a candidate’s main focus. So, instead of describing appropriate attire for an interview with two-word labels like “business casual” or “business professional,” take the time to communicate your organization’s expectations to your candidates. This will help both the interviewer and the interviewee focus on connections—not clothing.

Let’s dive into some different job interview dress code types. Since dress codes vary wildly depending on the business and industry, we’ll provide some suggestions to help you communicate the right way.

Business Professional for Interviews

What Is Business Professional Attire?

Business professional attire is the most formal (and conservative) dress code of the three we discuss. If you’re unsure how formal the interview will be, it’s usually a safe bet to assume the most formal and conservative attire.

• Business suits, pant suits, dress shirts
• Conservative dress shirt (not sheer or revealing of undergarments)
• Neutral colors
• Neutral hosiery
• Conservative, professional shoes (Oxfords, loafers, heels, closed-toe pumps, or flats)
• Limited jewelry

Business Casual for Interviews

Business casual dress codes are less formal than business professional, but still require some professional dress staples (such as poplin or broadcloth shirts—this is the classic “crisp” shirt worn with or without a tie).

What Is Business Casual Attire?

• Blouse or tucked-in, long-sleeved, button-down shirt
• Slacks, chinos, khakis, or other dress pants
• Conservative dresses or skirts (hosiery optional)
• Tie (optional)
• Cardigans or knit shirts (jackets are optional)
• Closed-toed, scuff-free shoes

One more thing…don’t be afraid to pull out the iron!

Casual for Interviews

What Is Casual Dress Attire for Work?

Modesty is key when deciding what to wear to a casual interview. Casual doesn’t necessarily mean your most loved sweatshirt, or the outfit you’d wear to run errands or head to dinner with friends. In general, a casual interview dress code is one that still adheres to basic workplace dress etiquette (no undergarments showing, for example), but is a little more relaxed.

• Shirt or blouse with or without a collar, or a knit shirt
• Jeans without holes
• Sweater or sports jacket
• Comfortable, close-toed shoes

Remote Interview Dress Code

Many employers find it convenient to hold video interviews. When dialing in from home, it’s worth setting dress code expectations ahead of time. Your attitudes toward what to wear at a remote job interview may be similar to your company’s in-person guidelines. Whether your expectations about video interview dress are as stringent as the office or a little more lax, being transparent about your expectations goes a long way.

As long as you communicate your organization’s standards of dress—whether business professional, business casual, casual, or somewhere in between (with examples)—you can expect your candidates to dress accordingly. Dressing for a remote interview is even easier, though, because you only need to worry about what’s in frame! That said, there are a few considerations for interviewers and interviewees alike:

• Adequate light: Make sure you’re visible on screen. Avoid excessive glare or shadows.
• Appropriate background: Keep your background free of distractions. You can opt for a virtual background or blurred background for privacy and ease.
• Visual harmony: Stick to muted prints or solid colors, and avoid prints that may become distorted on video (such as thin, fine stripes, which cause a moiré effect). You can double-check your outfit by hopping on a video platform ahead of your interview to troubleshoot your appearance on screen.

What Not to Wear To a Job Interview

Social expectations, particularly about dress, are always better communicated than left to “common sense,” especially because candidates’ cultural backgrounds, upbringings, and experiences vary. Here’s a list of examples of what not to wear to an interview, for men, women, and gender fluid candidates:

• Pajamas
• Shorts
• Athleisure or gym clothes
• Hats
• Flip-flops
• Clothing with rips or holes
• Large or distracting accessories
• Bright, flashy clothes
• Sunglasses
• Underwear that’s visible
• Revealing clothing of any kind

Delivering Dress Code Details: Tips for Interviewers

Knowing the requirements in advance helps candidates understand your organization and feel better prepared. Start by identifying your company’s dress code. Expand on the standard categories of business professional, business casual, or casual with any requirements specific to your organization.

After communicating your standards, you can re-emphasize the importance of dressing comfortably—the goal should be to focus on the interview, instead of adjusting collars or skirts.

Your communication should create a clear picture of what it’s like to work in your organization. Does your organization require a company uniform? Will employees need a certain type of work clothing for safety reasons?

Remember that dress code rules regarding hairstyle and facial hair must comply with US law. For example, half of US states prohibit discrimination based on hair texture and hairstyles. While you can require employees to shave, religious and ADA accommodations sometimes apply. That said, you can’t dictate a candidate’s hairstyle.

Of course, communication takes time, and time is often in short supply among hiring managers and recruiters. So, we’ve provided the following templates that you can adapt to craft your own messaging and let your candidates know what to wear to a job interview.

Sending these details ahead of time can ensure your organization’s definition of appropriate dress for an interview matches up with your candidates’.

Business Professional Attire Template

“We’re excited to meet with you! So you know what to expect: our office observes business professional attire to meet the needs of our clients. What does this mean at [Your Company]?

• Business suit and tie
• Blazer and dress pants
• Button-down dress shirts
• Pantsuits or skirts
• Clean, close-toed shoes, with or without a heel

We ask that our employees maintain a clean-shaven appearance or neatly groomed facial hair. Please dress comfortably in this style so we can focus on getting to know you better during the interview.”

Business Casual Attire Template

“We’re excited to meet with you! So you know what to expect: our office observes business casual attire. What does this mean at [Your Company]?

• Dress slacks, pants, Chinos, or khakis
• Tucked-in, button-down shirt
• Polo shirts
• Blouse and dress pants
• Conservative dresses or skirts
• Close-toed shoes, with or without a heel

Please dress comfortably in this style so we can focus on getting to know you better during the interview.”

Casual Interview Attire Template

“We’re excited to meet with you! So you know what to expect: we have what we call a smart-casual dress code. What does this mean?

• Collared shirts
• Long pants (no shorts, please!) without frayed hems, rips, or holes
• A dress
• Comfortable, close-toed shoes

Feel free to dress comfortably so we can focus on getting to know you better during the interview.”

Build a Smoother, Faster Hiring Process

Offering guidance on job interviews and good interview clothes is just one part of the hiring process. Want to know more about streamlining your recruitment with BambooHR? Read our 10 top tips for better and faster hiring. Download our free infographic.