What to wear to a job interview
For a job interview, men should wear a navy or charcoal suit, a white or light blue shirt, a simple tie and polished leather shoes, unless you know the company dresses casually. Then dress one step above what the team wears day to day.
The outfit
Navy suit, simple tie
- JacketNavy or charcoal suit jacket
- TrousersMatching suit trousers
- ShirtWhite or light blue dress shirt
- NeckwearSolid or subtly patterned silk tie
- ShoesBlack or dark brown leather oxfords or derbies, polished
- ExtrasLeather belt that matches your shoes, simple watch
Tips
- Research the company: photos on its website, LinkedIn and social media show how people dress. Then go one step dressier.
- At corporate companies, like finance, law, consulting and sales, wear a suit and tie.
- At a startup or creative company, a blazer with chinos or trousers and an open collar is usually right; a full suit can feel stiff.
- Fit and grooming matter more than price: pressed, clean and tailored if possible.
If the invite names a dress code
Business casual
Business casual for men means dress trousers or chinos, a collared button-up shirt and leather shoes. A blazer is optional, and a tie usually isn’t needed.
Smart casual
Smart casual for men means a jacket without a tie: a blazer or sport coat, a collared shirt or fine knit, chinos or wool trousers, and leather shoes or clean minimal sneakers.
Common questions
Should I wear a suit to an interview if the company is casual?
One step above the team is usually right, like a blazer and chinos for a jeans-and-T-shirt office. If you’re unsure, a suit without a tie splits the difference.
What color suit is best for an interview?
Navy or charcoal. Both look professional and work with white or light blue shirts.
What should I wear to a video interview?
Dress as you would in person from the waist up, choose solid colors that look clean on camera, and check your lighting.