Formal dress code for interview is a term that we all are aware of, but it often happens that we make clothing blunders while dressing up for a formal event. When it comes to getting dressed for an interview, it does not happen always that you wear the right outfit. Whether you are a man or a woman, to gather a proper formal attire is sometimes a little tricky. We all know that there is a certain interview dress code. An interview candidate, be it a professional at a firm or a college student follows a proper dress code for a job interview. Here, we will help you achieve the right interview dress code for male and interview dress code for female.
There are so many things to keep in mind before getting ready, starting from the occasion you want to dress for, to the budget you have. Now all your worries are a problem of the past because we are here for you. In this blog, you will find the complete guide to Dress Code for Job Interview- all the dos and don’ts and major tips for Formal Dress Code for Interview.
What is Dress Code?
Dress code is specified rules about clothing like the type of clothes that one should wear under certain circumstances and on a specific occasion. These defined clothing rules are usually set socially by certain social classes according to tradition, comfort, and religious & political reasons. However, there are different cultures and societies that have different dress codes but the one that we will discuss in detail is the Interview dress code.
Interview Dress Code
When you arrive on your interview day, you must make sure that you dress up appropriately. The formal Dress Code for Interview should include clothing that is wrinkle-free, crisp, and nicely ironed to have a neat look. Moreover, you can dress in countless dress code for job interview but we will focus on them later. Let’s first talk about the purpose of an interview dress code.
Purpose of an Interview Dress Code
Everything in this world happens for a reason and there is a reason behind having a formal dress code for interview. Interview Dress Code is extremely important to maintain a certain kind of discipline. It creates a professional image of the environment of your workplace and enhances the brand name. As a result, it is crucial to have a defined interview dress code for male and interview dress code for female. Check out this article to know about the interview checklist that includes stuff you must carry with you on your big day.
Interview Dress Code for Male
Interview dress code for male is something that is quite understood by everyone in general. It is an unspoken rule but as we know that there are myriad options of dress code, it is necessary to divide them in the right way. If you want to make an unprecedented impression on the day of your interview then there are certain formal dressing codes that you can follow to do so. Here, we have for you, defined rules for dress code for interview that will help you ace your office interview or college placement without any hassle.
Let’s first talk about crucial things that you need to complete the men’s dress code for job interview.
Shirts
It is not necessary that you dress up in a suit for an interview because a shirt is always a good option to choose. Formal shirts in classic colours like white, black, beige, grey or blue, always work for an interview day. Make sure that the quality of the shirt is good and the fitting is comfortable; not too tight or loose. Try not to be too playful with the patterns, go for something basic but classy. Do not forget to iron the shirt, you do not want to exhibit an unprofessional look.
Bottom Wear
If you select the right formal bottom wear for the interview, there is no room left for mistakes. Formal trousers or pants are great professional choices for bottom wear. Try to pick dark coloured trousers that do not have much pattern or prints on it. They should not be too tight and should look crisp and creased. Black or grey or brown coloured trousers look sharp for a formal occasion.
Suits
Suits offer a professional image and they look really appropriate for office. It is not necessary that they should be black in colour, you can choose from colours like blue, grey, off white, to name a few. If you want to play safe you can always go with light colour suits. Apart from this, the important thing to keep in mind is the fitting. Formal wear should always fit perfectly as this helps in giving you an overall formal appearance.
Ties
One way to express your style and still look professional is by choosing a tie that speaks for you. Wear a tie whose colour or tones goes well with your suit or shirt. You can also choose bolder colours but not too much that they do not give a sophisticated look. You know you can never go wrong with black ties but it is not mandatory that we always pick black ties. But if you really want to wear a black tie, go for a more contemporary and fashionable version of it.
Accessories
There are many other accessories that need special attention to make a formal outfit perfect. Shoes, socks, belts, watches, and bags are some of the accessories that should fit the interview dress code for male. Using matching or complementing bags, shoes or belts adds a sophistication to the overall look. Also, if you carry your own pen to your interview, it tells a lot about your personality as a responsible professional.
Interview Dress Code for Female
The interview dress code for female is a strict code that has to be followed for interview purposes. The most important reason for this is to make an impression on the interviewer and also to comply with the professional norms. When it comes to formal attire, there are numerous ways that one can dress up formally. Not being able to decide the right outfit can create a disaster for you. Go through the tips that we have mention below to get a proper formal dress code for interview. We have gathered for you all the essentials that you cannot think of ignoring to ace your job interview dress code.
Top Wear
When it comes to formal top wear, you can pick from a wide variety including dress shirts, formal tops, turtleneck tops, dress shirts, tailored knit sweaters, and so many more. The fit should not be too figure-hugging but should give a smart look. Top wear made from fabrics such as cotton, silk, and other blended fabrics fits aptly under the formal category. Avoid blouses made out of fabrics that are too shiny and shimmery, these top wear are not suitable for a formal environment.
Accessories
Wear simple and tasteful jewellery and watch that are not too chunky and bright. If you are thinking of wearing a scarf or a belt, pick something that does not look over the top. Be mindful of the perfume you choose, way too strong perfume is not suitable for your interview day. Keep your makeup natural and minimal. It should not be way too much because it will not go well with the formal look you have been trying to get. Read this to know more about accessorising your outfit rightly for a job interview.
Bottom Wear
While deciding what bottom wear to choose, go for something that falls under the category of formal bottom wear. Trousers, pants, formal skirts are a few options that you can wear to get an apt interview dress code for female. The pants or skirt that you wear should not be too tight. Go for a safe bet with colours like brown, black, grey, navy blue, etc. For a precise formal appearance, make sure your pants or skirt are ironed to assemble a decent dress code for job interview.
Footwear
It happens sometimes that we do not give much importance to footwear but it is one of the key factors to achieve an interview dress code. Footwear made from materials like leather or faux leather gives a more professional appearance. Chunky heels, too much strappy, sports shoes are some of the footwear that one must avoid. Closed-toe, flats, sandals or shoes in dress material and in colours like black, tan, brown, or grey are the right choices to select from. One tip that you should always remember is to keep your footwear polished and clean.
Interview Attires for Male
- A fine tailored suit is always a safe bet for a professional setting. If you are going for an interview that has strict dressing codes then the suit is a suitable selection to prefer. You can also make combinations with blazer, shirt and dress pants or a solid colour shirt, well-knit sweater, and matching trousers.
- Are you heading out for a big interview at an MNC? It is time to appear in full formals and the best thing is to stick with a white & black or an all-black attire. Therefore, avoid wearing colourful socks, go for the usual black or grey formal socks with your black shoes.
- A buttoned-up collar shirt in solid colour paired with matching pants, leather shoes, and a complementing tie makes a flawless interview dress code for men. In addition, you can accessorize your look by adding a black belt.
- If you are going for an interview then accessorizing can be a risky thing for men. Whether you are wearing a full-formal outfit or a semi-formal outfit. The way to play safe is by deciding from accessories like leather watch, cufflinks, formal bags, or briefcase.
Interview Attires for Female
- Don a formal skirt of moderate length with an office-appropriate blouse like a collared blouse and add some dainty jewellery to finish the look. Carry a leather tote bag and tie your hair nicely in a ponytail.
- If you are willing to look smart on the day of your interview then go for this combo. A well-tailored pantsuit with a leather tote bag and a nice pair of high heels will do the deal. Make sure you do not overdo the makeup.
- It does not matter whether you are giving an interview at a private working place or a college placement. Stick to black trousers and a white formal shirt that are ideal for a standard interview dress code.
- Business suits are always fitting to wear when it comes to formal wear. They look well-groomed and you can make some interview appropriate fashion additions with a pair of black heels and a leather strap watch.
Dressing up according to a particular event is something that is done by all of us. There are some set dress codes that we follow to get ready in the right way as per the occasion. Similarly, if you are going for an interview then you must wear the correct professional attire and that is why we have mentioned all the essential points that you must consider. In conclusion, you should go through this entire guide to gather a precise outfit that will help you look professional on the day of your interview.
FAQs | Interview Dress Code for Male & Female – A Complete Guide
Pantyhose are not one of the essentials that are needed to complete the interview dress code for women. However, they are worn by women by choice during the winter season. They are usually worn under the formal skirt to give your attire a more professional appearance. Wearing pantyhose is completely your choice.
The most important thing is to make sure that the fit is not too tight. Always be sure that the dress shirt is not too revealing as it does not fit the interview dress code norms. Blouses in fabrics for instance velvet and sequins must be avoided. Tops must not be too short or too long. Pick something subtle in a solid colour that is well-tailored.
It is not a well-set rule that you have to carry a briefcase on the day of your interview. However, you will need something to keep your documents and curriculum vitae and for that, you must take a folder or a small formal bag for men with you. There is a lot of options for men’s bags nowadays, you must select something formal preferably a leather bag. Avoid carrying backpacks.
Editor’s Note | Interview Dress Code
The effect of COVID-19 has been seen worldwide in mostly all the industries, one of them being corporate. The economy is facing a recession currently and there has been a sudden decline in the number of job interviews. We all know it is important to follow a proper interview dress code but since recruitment has narrowed down to small numbers, people are not buying much formal wear. Even though unlock guidelines have been initiated, people are still afraid to conduct face-to-face interviews. Some online interviews are still taking place but there is a need for more innovative steps to get more hiring done. People who have been waiting for a better opportunity should be given a chance to make their lives easier in these difficult times.
