Yes, Interview Outfits Can Be Stylish—5 Looks Guaranteed to Impress
Apart from what to wear to your wedding, I think we can all agree that what to wear to an interview is probably one of the biggest wardrobe conundrums. In the Who What Wear office, we’ve spent time discussing the perfect outfit for an interview (down to the intricacies of what kind of hairdo one should adopt). And while we feel like we’ve settled on some some pretty helpful, general advice, it’s also fair to say there’s no rulebook for this kind of thing. So, we figured we’d ask the experts (ourselves included!) and share our top tips with you.
Inspired by some of the most stylish women—and armed with some excellent industry advice—we've decoded five outfits that always seem to impress for any office type job scenario. Basically, anything that could end up in a dream job offer will be benefitted by a confidence-boosting, personality showcasing ensemble. No rush jobs or last-minute sweat-patch nightmares here.
To undergird these pitch-perfect interview outfit ideas, we included some exclusive tips from big names like Nina Garcia and Who What Wear’s own co-founder—Hillary Kerr—to find out what works for important interviews.
1. Stick to your own style
Style Notes: If you're a minimalist, stick to being a minimalist to make you feel at your most comfortable and confident. If a suit is usually something you would wear, there's no reason not to come suited and booted to an interview. Just keep it on brand by wearing an oversized fit, like Alexis, and add your favourite accessories to make it more cool than corporate.
Expert Tip: "I’m super impressed by talent who obviously know what looks good on them and exhibit how that can work so powerfully in their favour. When something really suits you—whether it’s a beautifully tailored blazer, high-waisted trousers or a flattering midi dress—it shows that you know who you are, and that confidence permeates how you conduct yourself in so many capacities.” — Christene Barberich, Refinery29
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2. Try the 80/20 personality rule
Style Notes: Add a pinch of personality to basics—a tailored blazer and T-shirt with a more detailed skirt and kitten heels, or your favourite jewellery as a potential talking point. Think 80% classic; 20% individual.
Expert Tip: "I’d say something relatively polished that still shows your personality. I also suggest wearing either a shirt or blouse with sleeves or a blazer; there’s something a little odd about seeing someone’s bare arms in an interview.” — Hillary Kerr, Who What Wear
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3. Research the office vibe before the interview
Style Notes: Like you would research the job role, make sure you know the type of office environment you may be entering. Checking out Instagram and TikTok is a great way to get an insider look, and once you see the vibe of the existing staff, it may help you determine whether to go casual or on the smarter side. And always walk in with a great coat, bag, or both.
Expert Tips: "[Candidates should wear] something that demonstrates a knowledge of what is happening in the fashion world but that highlights their own personal style at the same time.” — Nina Garcia, Elle U.S.
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4. Never underestimate the power of great staples
Style Notes: Chic tailored separates are always a good bet, especially paired with an easy-to-walk-in heel, loafers or ballet pumps. Going for tonal separates is always an easy win, too.
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5. Consider your jewellery choices
Style Notes: While it's often best to construct your outfit from basics, that doesn't mean you can't get adventurous when it comes to accessories. A hair ribbon, bold earrings or some stacked rings that mean something to you can make you feel at your most confident.
Expert Tips: "I think jewellery is a great way to personalise an outfit, especially if the pieces you’re wearing are vintage or have some sort of sentimental value.” — Hillary Kerr, Who What Wear
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Next up, The Only Spring/Summer 2024 Trends To Know
Hannah Almassi is the Editor in Chief of Who What Wear UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. She joined following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine, where she led front-of-book news, fashion features and shopping specials as fashion news and features editor. With experience in both print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 16 years in the field as a journalist, editor, content strategist and brand consultant. Hannah has interviewed industry heavyweights such as designers including Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Anderson through to arbiters of taste including Katie Grand and Anna Dello Russo. A skilled moderator and lecturer specialising in the shift to digital media and e-commerce, Hannah’s opinion and work has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com, among many others. Hannah is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits. Hannah currently resides in Eastbourne with her photographer husband, incredibly busy son and highly Instagrammable cat.
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