What to Wear to an Interview (But Like, Let’s Keep It Real)

Okay, so you’ve got an interview—exciting, nerve-wracking, all the feels. And now comes the part where you stare at your closet thinking, “Do I look too overdressed? Not polished enough? Ugh.” I’m right there with ya. Let’s walk through this like two pals prepping over a late-night coffee.

The Vibe (Because Vibe Matters)

1. Research the Place

So first thing—I promise, don’t zone out on me—you gotta kinda get a sense of the company vibe. You know, check their website or socials—or, if you’re bold, swing by in real life or ask HR, “Hey, how do folks usually dress there?” Some little secrets from smart folks say: dress one step up from the usual workplace vibe. So if people are in jeans and hoodies, go with nice non-denim pants and a tidy top. If they’re button-down suits, yeah, suit up.

2. Color Vibes—Keep It Chill, Keep It You

Let’s talk colors. Neutrals like navy, grey, brown, black—they’re safe bets unless you’re in something super creative where a splash of personality’s expected. Bright funky prints? Maybe not for the first go. One style-informed voice notes certain tones like red or bright greens may be too bold; blue is solid but can feel casual in some industries. Off-white can read as more approachable than pure white—and black shirts? Try mixing in a classic blazer if you do.

3. Formal vs. Business Casual vs. Creative

• Formal / Business Professional: Tailored suit, matching pants or skirt, button-down, dress shoes, tie optional (men) or neat pumps/flats (women). Minimal jewelry, clean grooming.
• Business Casual: Slacks or pencil skirt with a blouse, maybe a blazer, clean closed-toe shoes. No jeans or tees.
• Creative / Startup: You can edge into stylish territory—blazer over a quality tee, dressy slacks or skirts, a tasteful pop of color. Still polished, though.

FYI, across sectors, feeling confident and comfortable in what you wear matters just as much.

4. Some Real Talk from Folks Online

Ok, so this is gold—real people in real-life interviews:

“I always wear black dress pants with a nice top and an open blazer… flats and simple jewelry.”
“Go by what people at the company are wearing, then dress slightly above that.”
“In tech, I wear a lightweight sweater, trousers, and sneakers—skipping the stiff suit feels more authentic.”

And over in Vancouver:

“I never wore a suit. I wore black jeans, button-down shirt, grey casual blazer. Dude across from me wore a Flyers jersey.”
“Always wear slightly more formal than what you expect. If they wear polos, you wear a shirt and dress pants.”

Lesson: adapt to the scene—but show you care.

5. Grooming + Accessories + Practical Stuff

Let’s not just think clothes. You are you, not a mannequin.

• Grooming: Hair styled, nails tidy, facial hair neat, minimal makeup.
• Accessories: Keep it simple. Too many rings or loud jewelry = distractions. Two accessories tops.
• Perfume/Cologne: Go light—or skip it. Avoid overpowering scents.
• Shoes: Clean, comfortable, not overly flashy (no scuffed sneakers, please).
• Prepare for mishaps: Lint roller, spare tights or shirt, safety pins—real life waits for no one.

6. Zoom vs. In-Person

If it’s virtual, you can get away with comfort down below—just keep that upper half tidy and camera-ready: solid color top, neat hair, non-distracting background.
But real-world? You gotta think head-to-toe.

7. Outfit Mistakes to Dodge (We’ve All Slipped)

Here’s a quick “don’t do this” list:

• Under- or overdressed.
• Wrinkled or ill-fitting clothes.
• Too many patterns or loud accessories.
• Distracting scents or obvious brsnd logos.
• Uncomfortable shoes or outfits that make you fidget.

Examples from the Wardrobe Realm

Let me paint some scenarios—imperfect, chatty, but maybe useful:

Corporate gig: Navy suit, classic button-down, loafers. Simple stud earrings and a watch. Feel like you mean business without screaming.

Business casual office: Blouse, slacks, blazer optional. Clean flats or pumps. A subtle scarf if you wanna. No graphics or wrinkles.

Creative startup: Blazer over a cool tee, dark jeans or chinos (no holes), neat sneakers or clean ankle boots. Impressive, not sloppy.

Interview in a warehouse or hands-on industry: Polished but practical. Maybe khakis and a crisp polo or shirt. Clean, closed-toe shoes. Show you can walk the talk.

But What If You Mess Up?

Guess what—you might. One flat in the lobby? Wrinkled shirt? Big deal. Often, folks remember your energy more than your pocket square. Just roll with it.

A note from fashion psychologists: wearing clothes that align with your vibe boosts confidence—which carries more weight than threading the sartorial needle.

Tying It Together (With Some Feels)

Alright, so what’s the scoop?

• Do your homework—peek at how people dress there and lean one notch smarter than that.
• Pick colors and styles that are safe-yet-you, comfy and confidence-boosting.
• Look groomed, not overdone.
• Accessorize—just don’t distract.
• Prepare for life’s little surprises—bring backup, stay breezy.

People will pick up on your confidence, not just your pocket square. If you’re worried about messing up the shirt or the shoes, remember: most interviewers arre rooting for you. They’re human too.

Final Chatty Recap (No Pretension, Promise)

Here’s our “Oh yeah, exactly that” list:

1. Figure out the company vibe.
2. Dress a notch above that.
3. Go neutral and confident.
4. Keep grooming sharp, accessories minimal.
5. Test drive outfit—walk around, sit, stretch.
6. Pack a mini-emergency kit.
7. For Zoom, look sharp up top. For real life, full-look.
8. Remember, you’re more than clothes.

You’ve got this—just go in there, let your outfit support your energy, not define it. You’re walking in as you, ready to chat, ready to shine. That’s the real power suit.