The Best Interview Attire for Women: All the Tips You Need

Before the pandemic made remote work common, we all got dressed for work every day. Now, a lot of us are out of practice. That makes choosing an outfit for a job interview all the more stressful. 

What do people even wear to interviews today? What if it’s a remote interview—should you throw on a silk blouse, or is that trying too hard? Is it better to just wear a plain t-shirt and let your professional experience and interview answers speak for themselves? 

Here, experts break down different options for interview attire for women, so you can shop with confidence and dress your best for your next job interview.

What to keep in mind when choosing an interview outfit

Every industry is different. Your style choices will likely vary depending on the type of role you’re applying for. Interviewing at a law firm versus a fashion magazine will require a different thought process. With that in mind, remember the following guidelines when picking your interview outfit.

• Make sure your clothes are clean and wrinkle-free. Even if you choose the nicest shirt you own, an interviewer will be distracted if it's full of stains, rips, or wrinkles. Presenting yourself well includes taking care of the clothes you put on.

• Wear something that fits well and is comfortable. If the skirt you chose is too short, or the pants fit a little too snug, you’re going to be uncomfortable during the interview. Why torture yourself? Your focus should be on conveying your skill set rather than fidgeting with your clothes. 

• Choose your shoes as carefully as your clothes. In-person interviews often include a tour in the company. You want to be able to walk comfortably, if necessary. “For maximum comfort, I recommend pairing your interview outfit with either ballet flats or loafers,” says Gillian McHattie, a Stitch Fix expert stylist. “If you prefer something more formal, go for a pointed black pump.”

• Maintain your personal style. While most organizations hire people for their expertise first, standing out amongst other qualified candidates often comes down to your personality. Part of that can be portrayed through your style, which is part of your personal branding. “This is what you want to be known for and a way to show your personality visually,” says  Kate Tudoreanu, a career success coach. 

• When in doubt, overdress. “You can never be too dressed up for an interview,” Tudoreanu says. “Even in a more casual environment, you'll come across as put together and prepared.”

Job interview outfits for women: What to wear according to your industry

Knowing your audience is key when choosing the right outfit for an interview. Here are some job interview outfits women might wear in different scenarios: 

Job interview attire for women in conservative fields

If you work in a traditionally conservative industry like law, finance, public service, or healthcare, opt for timeless pieces in neutral colors like gray, off-white, cream, or navy blue. Here are some great options:

• Tailored suit

• Plain blouse

• Button-up shirt

• Knee-length pleated skirt or pencil skirt

• Trousers or pantsuits

If the idea of styling multiple pieces overwhelms you, simplify with a midi dress. It leaves you with little decision-making other than what shoes or accessories to add. Keep it simple with quality fabrics and styles that aren’t overly revealing.

Job interview attire for women in creative industries

If you’re in a creative industry like marketing, design, or architecture, chances are the companies you’re interviewing with have a more casual, relaxed dress code. This gives you room to experiment with your look. Some suggestions:

• Barrel pants

• Wide leg pants

• Pull on pants (well-fitted and in a high quality fabric, like linen or cotton)

• Patterned button-up  shirt (be sure it's not too loud)

• Blouse

• Blazer or cardigan

You can be bolder with your color choices, but stick to shades that feel polished and professional—think mustard, burgundy, or dark green. The goal is to show personality without coming across as too weekend or juvenile.

Interview clothes for women in not-so-formal fields

Some industries aren't necessarily super casual, but aren't overly formal either—it all depends on the particular employer. For example, STEM, tech startups, hospitality, education, and retail are professional settings that typically don't require pantsuits or pencil skirts.

Because these industries value dynamism, innovation, flexibility, and creativity, business casual is usually the safest bet—comfortable yet polished.

So if you're wondering, “What is good attire for a retail position interview?” or any less-formal field, here are a few suggestions of not-so-casual interview attire for women:

• Dark, straight jeans

• Simple, straight pants

• Collared shirts or lightweight blouses

• Jumpsuits (think something Zendaya or Cate Blanchett would wear, but office-appropriate)

As for colors, neutrals and dark tones are always a safe choice. For example, navy blue, cream, khakis, beige, off-white, gray, and black.

Interview attire for women in winter 

If your interview takes place in the fall or winter, layering a quality sweater over a button-up shirt is always a good go-to. Consider pairing it with a long, satin skirt and knee-high boots. A different option would be well-fitted pants with ankle boots.

Interview attire for women in summer

But if your interview takes place the summer or spring, knee-length skirts or dresses with short sleeves are fresh but still professional. Opt for natural fabrics, like cotton and linen, instead of polyester.

What to wear for a Zoom interview

In the age of Zoom interviews and remote work, you have the advantage of needing to look presentable only from the waist up. When picking an outfit, keep in mind that you'll be on a small screen and your clothes should look good on video.

“Stay away from bold prints like stripes,” Tudoreanu says. “They can cause visual distortions on the screen, which may distract your interviewer and make it hard for them to focus on you.”

Aim to align with the industry or company’s usual dress code. Choose a blouse or shirt that looks professional and shows you’ve done your research. If you’re unsure, McHattie recommends dressing “a notch above the office dress code,” as long as it suits the role. In other words, don’t dress like a lawyer if you're applying for a software development position, but also don’t wear a fleece hoodie. 

“This not only demonstrates your understanding of the company culture, but also shows that you've made a genuine effort to make a stylish and professional impression,” she says. 

What about accessories?

McHattie suggests wearing accessories that showcase who you are, “whether that’s by carrying a bag that offers a pop of color or finishing your look with a pair of trend-forward mules.” Just be sure your accessories aren't too distracting.

This includes jewelry: Avoid big, bold earrings and necklaces, and opt for minimalistic, classic styles. If you love stacking rings and wristbands, tone it down to a maximum of two pieces. And if you wear glasses, make sure they’re clean.

What not to wear to a job interview—regardless of industry

One of the most common mistakes an interviewee can make is underdressing, according to McHattie. Before even looking into your wardrobe, she recommends that you rule out clothes that are “too casual.” 

This includes wrinkled t-shirts, ripped jeans, and other informal attire. “For some companies, underdressing can give off the impression that you don’t respect the opportunity or take your professionalism seriously,” McHattie says.

By informal attire, we mean graphic t-shirts (bands, movies, cartoon characters), shorts (even the knee-length ones), short dresses and skirts, and spaghetti straps or strapless shirts and dresses. 

For extra guidance, read this next: 6 Outfit Choices That Will Jeopardize Your Interview Performance

Dress smart, feel confident

Choosing what to wear to an interview can be challenging, especially if it's your first in-person interview after a handful of virtual ones. But once you rule out everything that is too informal or inappropriate for a professional setting, it gets easier.

When in doubt, both Tudoreanu and McHattie suggest going for staple pieces, like  a well-fitted blazer and tailored pants in neutral colors. If you're in a more relaxed industry, switch the blazer for a cardigan with a pop of color.

“This ensures that you're well-prepared for a variety of interviews if you’re on the job hunt,” McHattie says. Use common sense, trust your instincts and your research on the employer, and you will be fine.

Amanda Cardoso contributed to the latest version of this article.