Table of Contents

• Matching Dark Suite
• Navy Blue Blazer
• Button-Down Shirt and a Sweater
• Textured Blazers
• Ties & Belts
• Socks & Shoes
• Jewelry & Bags

So you’ve finally received that call for an interview, congrats! That’s an accomplishment. I’m also happy to see that you realize the importance of your appearance leading up to your interview. What you wear gives the first impression about you even before you open your mouth to speak. It is so important because it only takes your interviewer a few minutes to decide if you are the one. Your credentials speak volumes only when in focus, but their impression of you will linger after you have exited the building. I want you to look your very best for the part, so let’s dive in. 

Depending on the job and industry your attire can be ultra conservative down to business casual. However, I want to discuss some general wardrobe considerations that will work for any interview. 

1. Matching Dark Suit

An interview is not a place to showcase your savvy wardrobe or flashy fashion taste. The idea is to give an impression of a professional who is not just book smart but also fashionable and presentable. A black suit can sometimes go well, but be careful as it can seem a little too serious for an interview. The perfect color to achieve this goal is either a navy blue suit or a gray suit. Ensure your suit is in trend and leave the two buttons open when you sit down during the interview. But when you are walking or standing, keep the first button closed while the second remains open. This gives you the perfect silhouette of a confident candidate.

2. Navy Blue Blazer

A navy blue blazer is another perfect interview outfit. It singles you out from a sea of other dark-suit-wearing candidates. It gives you the liberty of choosing a unique shirt and pants that will pair with it. You can choose to go with beige chinos, khakis, or grey slacks. Depending on the kind of interview, you can choose to wear a necktie or not. Basically, a navy blue blazer gives you multiple options of what to chose for your pants and shirts.

3. Button-Down Shirt and a Sweater

For a casual business interview, you can wear a button-down shirt with a crew neck sweater. It’s ideal to settle for neutral colors like black, grey, or brown, this can be combined with a white, blue, or green shirt. Then tuck the shirt collar into the sweater for a cool and composed appearance.

4. Textured Blazers

Textured blazers have always given men a touch of glamor and sophistication. For a relaxed but still professional interview, you can combine grey textured blazers with a white t-shirt and black chinos.

Depending on the dress code or by choice, you can choose to add a knitted tie to this interview outfit. This will give you a formal and professional look.

5. Ties and Belt

Wearing a tie helps to present you as a professional and capable candidate. For an interview, avoid bright-colored ties. However, they need not be boring. Depending on your choice of outfit, you can go for a skinny or standard tie. Skinny ties though very trendy may not be the best option for an interview in a company or

industry. A conservative color with subtle patterns is a perfect match anytime. In the same vein, avoid bow ties, they look odd in an interview setting. Your belt should match the color of your outfit, particularly your shoes. Keep the buckle simple and you are good to go.

6. Socks and Shoes

While it is true that your interviewer may not see the color of your socks, your confidence will definitely feel the heat if you wear mismatched color socks. Usually, the general color of your appearance influences the color of your socks. For a professional cinch on your already dandy look, choose brown or black flat or low heel shoes. They must be closed-toe, squeaky clean, and smart looking.

7. Jewelry and Bag

Wedding rings remain acceptable during interviews. However, as a man, avoid wearing earrings to your professional interviews. If you must, the lesser the better. While for a watch, a simple leather or metal wristwatch will do. For your bag, avoid backpacks, suitcases, or duffle bags. A stylish leather work bag will serve your purpose.