You have landed a big interview at your dream company. When you are facing that big interview, the last thing you want to be concerned about is what you are wearing.
In a time when office dress codes are becoming more and more questionable, it can be confusing to know what to wear. At Christian Boehm, we are here to help. Our custom clothing stylists have prepared a great guide to help you navigate what you should be wearing for an interview.
BEFORE YOU INTERVIEW, DO THE PREP WORK
Before you walk into the interview, really get to know the company you are interviewing for. Research the company online to determine what they wear daily. You will get a good vibe on what the company culture is like.
The person sitting across the room not only wants to make sure that you are qualified for the position but that you also would be a good fit. Try searching online for the company's social media pages to see what employees are wearing. You may even consider what company employees are wearing in their LinkedIn profile pictures. All of this will give you a good indication of the formality of the company.
THE GOLDEN RULE OF INTERVIEW ATTIRE
We can't stress this enough, but first impressions count, especially on a job interview. Our golden rule at Christian Boehm is this: no matter what position or industry you are applying for, we always recommend showing up to a job interview in a suit and tie. It is always better to be overdressed than underdressed.
Whether you are applying for a job as a banker, engineer, teacher, receptionist, etc., the type of industry sector you are applying for should not change what you wear.
WHAT TO WEAR TO AN INTERVIEW
THE FIRST INTERVIEW
The simple idea in interviewing is not to have people notice your clothing but to notice you. It is best to be understated but to have a look of quality and refinement about yourself.
For your first interview, we recommend wearing a navy solid suit. Navy is the color of power. If you think about it, every president you see on TV when he addresses the nation is wearing a navy solid suit. Navy is authoritative and dynamic. It will leave the best first impression, which is what you want in an interview.
With a navy suit, your shirt should be simple. Opt for a white or light blue solid with a tasteful necktie. Shoes should be a lace-up or monk strap dress shoe in dark brown or black with a matching belt.
THE SECOND INTERVIEW
A well-tailored suit speaks volumes about who you are. For your second interview, we recommend wearing a mid-grey solid suit. The reason: grey is the color of confidence. Grey gives you the look of experience and will tell them that you can get the job done.
For shirts, you want to wear a crisp white or light blue solid. A brightly colored but tasteful tie of your choice is recommended. For shoes, it is the same as the navy solid. Pair your grey suit with either a lace-up or a monk strap dress shoe in a dark brown or black with a matching belt.
OTHER ACCESSORIES
We love accessories! They are a great way to show off one's sense of style. When dressing, we recommend keeping it simple. You want your skills to do the talking, not anything that can distract from your message.
When it comes to accessories, we recommend keeping it safe and leaning more on the conservative side. Select a simple tie, belt, and wristwatch. Keep the jewelry to a minimum.
DON'T FORGET ABOUT GROOMING
Just as you don't want your outfit to be a distraction, you don't want your personal hygiene to be a disqualifier. A day or two before your big interview, you want to make sure that your hair and facial hair is neatly trimmed.
A small amount of fragrance can be ok; just do not go overboard on the scent for interviews. Some people may have allergies or get headaches from certain scents if they are too strong. A good rule of thumb is that you should only be able to sense a fragrance from about 6 inches away from your body. Any more, and it becomes a distraction.
Proper nail care is essential. Make sure your nails are neatly cut and brushed and that there is no visible dirt underneath your fingernails. Remember, the key is to let your skills do the talking!
WHAT YOU SHOULD AVOID WEARING TO A JOB INTERVIEW
The key to interview attire is that first and foremost, you want to present yourself in the best light possible. Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression. You don't want what you are wearing to be a distraction to that person across the room. You can never go wrong with being overdressed, but you can go wrong being underdressed. We would strongly recommend avoiding wearing the following to an interview:
Flip flops or sandals
Tennis shoes or other athletic shoes
Shorts
Clothes that are too short or too tight
Overpowering cologne
Flashy accessories
Messy hair
Overly large wristwatches
Jeans
Tank tops or other garments that expose too much skin
Fabric And Fit Considerations For Interview Suits
The fabric of your interview suit matters more than most people realize. A well-chosen fabric not only looks better but also keeps you comfortable during what is already a stressful day.
For a navy interview suit, a Super 120s or 130s wool is the sweet spot. This weight of fabric drapes cleanly, resists wrinkling during your commute, and maintains a sharp appearance throughout the day. Heavier fabrics like flannel can look great but may be too warm if you are interviewing in a warmer climate like Miami.
If you are interviewing in South Florida, consider a tropical wool or a wool-mohair blend. These fabrics are woven with an open weave that allows air to circulate, keeping you cool while still looking professional. The key is to avoid fully unstructured or unlined jackets for interviews, as they can look too casual.
Fit is equally important. A suit that is too tight signals that you are uncomfortable, while a suit that is too loose suggests a lack of attention to detail. At Christian Boehm, we take over 30 measurements to ensure your interview suit fits perfectly, giving you one less thing to worry about on the big day.
Miami Interview Attire Considerations
Interviewing in Miami presents unique challenges due to the climate. If you are walking from a parking lot in July in a full wool suit, you will arrive perspiring. Plan accordingly.
Consider wearing a lightweight undershirt beneath your dress shirt to absorb moisture. Keep your jacket in your car or a garment bag until you arrive at the reception area, then put it on in the lobby restroom. This keeps your jacket fresh and wrinkle-free.
For Miami-based interviews, a mid-weight navy suit in a breathable weave is your best friend. Pair it with a white cotton shirt that has a wrinkle-resistant finish. Avoid linen for interviews, as it wrinkles too easily and can look unkempt by the time you sit down for the interview.
If you are interviewing at a Miami hospitality or real estate firm where the culture is noticeably more relaxed, you may consider removing the tie. However, we still recommend wearing a jacket. A navy blazer with grey trousers and an open-collar white shirt is a safe alternative if a full suit feels too formal.
Building An Interview Wardrobe
If you are actively job hunting, you may need more than one interview outfit. Building a small capsule of interview-appropriate pieces ensures you are always ready.
Start with a navy suit and a grey suit as your foundation. Add two white dress shirts and two light blue dress shirts. Select three ties: one solid navy, one with a subtle pattern in blue and burgundy, and one with a small geometric print. Add a pair of dark brown lace-up shoes and a matching belt.
This capsule gives you multiple combinations without requiring a large investment. Each piece can be mixed and matched to create distinct looks for multiple rounds of interviews.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Interview Attire
Should I wear a tie to a job interview?
Yes, we recommend wearing a tie to every job interview unless you have been explicitly told the dress code is very casual. A tie demonstrates respect for the company and the interview process. Choose a conservative tie in a solid color or subtle pattern that complements your suit.
What if the company has a casual dress code?
Even if the company has a casual dress code, you should dress up for the interview. The golden rule is to dress one level above the company's daily dress code. If they wear jeans and polos, wear a blazer with dress pants. If they wear business casual, wear a suit. Showing up well-dressed signals that you take the opportunity seriously.
Can I wear a three-piece suit to an interview?
A three-piece suit can be appropriate for very formal industries like finance or law, but it may come across as overly flashy for more casual industries. For most interviews, a two-piece suit is the safest and most appropriate choice. Save the vest for your second interview or after you have the job.
