Ava Gilchrist
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 pretty helpful, general advice, it’s also fair to say the question is subjective to the kind of job or position you're applying for. 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 six outfit templates that always seem to impress for any office-based scenario. Basically, anything that could end up in a dream job offer will benefit from 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 legendary editor Nina Garcia and Who What Wear’s own co-founder, Hillary Kerr, to find out what works for important interviews. So while many might tell you to "dress for the job you want", we've taken it one step further to not only round up crucial pieces of advice from the industry's heavyweights, but bring you some visual templates for you to follow.
Without further ado, keep scrolling below for five outfit ideas that are guaranteed to impress.
What to Wear to a Job Interview? 5 Pieces of Advice That's Guaranteed to Impress
1. Showcase Your Personal Style
Style Notes: If you're a minimalist, stick to being a minimalist to make you feel at your most comfortable and confident. If tailoring is usually something you would wear, there's no reason not to come suited and booted to an interview. Just keep it on brand and consistent with your personal style, and add your favourite accessories to make it more cool than corporate. Truly, there's nothing worse than putting on a front for a job interview, only to feel pressured to show up five days a week dressing completely unlike yourself.
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 co-founder and New York Times best-selling author.
Shop the Look:
Ask any seasoned industry professional and they'll tell you that high-street staple COS is such a hotbed for job interview pieces; clean-cut blazers, sophisticated trousers, delicate shirting that's sure to make you look as polished as your résumé.
Continue the refinement with the matching trousers and open shirt.
An easy way to make more of an impact is through accessories. This pencil case-esque clutch means business, but is so premium.
2. Try the 80/20 Personality Rule
Style Notes: Add a pinch of personality to basics—a tailored blazer and white 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
Shop the Look:
Prada featured a range of textured collar coats on its recent autumn/winter 2025 collection, so a coat like this is an excellent way of showcasing your sartorial know-how while also flexing your flair.
This skirt is both modest and modern, with a slightly pleated hemline and soft-as-butter cotton.
Keep things in the Miuccia-verse with Prada's pinched leather pumps—one of the top designer buys that has recently reached cult status.
3. Research the Team's Office 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 US
Shop the Look:
A glorious coat that would certainly turn heads through any office lobby.
The COS arch jeans are a style that's so easy to dress up and down thanks to the fluid shape.
Don't overestimate the power of shirting, especially this sumptuous sky blue satin blouse from Australian brand Camilla and Marc.
4. Rely on Wardrobe 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.
Shop the Look:
Capsule wardrobe items don't ever have to be an eye-watering price, as this expensive-looking high-street staple proves.
Wide-leg trousers are such an Olsen Twin essential, and this reminds me of something you'd find at The Row.
With a ruched front and gathered finish, this Dune style almost rivals it's Saint Laurent counterpart.
5. Consider Accessories
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
Shop the Look:
Ever since Bottega Veneta released its teardrop earrings, this jewellery category has really never been the same. This affordable pair is such a great dupe for the designer style.
How beautiful would this look poking out of a chignon?
A silk scarf is one of the most multifaceted accessories one can own—throw it around your neck, tie it around your waist or around the top handle of your bag.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognisable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.
We regularly try on pieces ourselves—everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes—and speak to external experts and fashion insiders, staying closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise, and each and every buy we feature has to meet our exceptional taste standards—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.
-
4 Anti-Trend Outfits I Spot Every Time I'm in EuropeClassic looks that are always in style.
-
First Jennifer Aniston in the '90s, Now J.Law—No Jeans Outfit Is Complete Without This Styling TweakStyling inspiration incoming.
-
I've Done the Research—These 5 Microtrends Are the Ones Worth Your Investment This SeasonOff the mood board and onto the wish list.
-
Forget Jeans for a Minute—These 6 Dress-and-Boot Outfits Are Making Up My Autumn Rotation Instead Right NowPerfect pairings.
-
From Trainers to Heels, These Are the Best Shoes to Wear With Barrel-Leg JeansTake it from me.
-
If Simple Elegance Is Your Vibe Right Now, You'll Probably Want to Try These 7 Chic OutfitsGet inspired.
-
The Easy Outfit I Wear to Look Like I Have a Yacht-Sized Bank Balance—It Works Every TimeBright, white and luxe.
-
I've Mastered Hamptons Style—7 Outfit Formulas I Rely On Every SummerCoastal chic at its finest. No flight necessary.
