First impression does count! Interview outfits

Let’s start by saying that the workplace has changed immeasurably from when your dad was a youngster.

Back then, the only option for a job interview was the classy dark suit; white shirt, and black tie. Shoes gleaming, hair combed, and a good handshake.

As for those ”rebel without a cause” dudes a patterned tie, a collared shirt, and a pair of shades, and that was all, immutable: you wore what your boss was wearing that wore what his boss had worn, by default on repeat…

Then the workplace exploded. Start-ups. Flextime. Hot desking. All of this extremely mutable. The world’s wealthiest men took to wearing chinos, jeans, and hoodies, chill outfits. So, if you wanted to be like them, were you supposed to dress like them? Well no, as The Mark Zuckerberg look is strongly accessorized with a billion dollars account. What you have to do instead is dress accordingly as your prime goal is to make a good impression, show respect and close the deal on the spot.

The good news is that now we are not so limited, the dark suit is no longer the only option!

First of all, let’s just lay out the basics: have confidence, be yourself and do your best. Learn about the company, be prepared, ask questions and be available.

Interview outfits: the Rules!

Rule number one: wear a suit! In today’s corporate world, you should never appear less smart than the person on the other side of the table. Dressing properly and following ”the code” shows interest for the person that is interviewing you and also that you really care about getting that job.

But keep in mind that you don’t need to overdo it. Being smart is not the same as being flashy; let your million dollar watch/ suit for other occasions. As colors go, stick to safe ones like black, charcoal and navy and the subtlest of patterns. If you don’t feel ok in one of those office suits, go smart casual but don’t forget to go for something classy and timeless.

Choose the right shoes! In 2012, researchers at the University of Kansas found we can glean 90 % of someone’s personality just by looking at their shoes, including character traits, salary and political inclinations. Invest in quality shoes that show you are dependable and indispensable. Go with dark colors, leather rather than rubber soles, and laces, not buckles. Finally, although what you wear is important, how you wear it will make all the difference: the right positive attitude will definitely open the right door! Also, go for the best materials you can afford.

You can’t go wrong in a navy suit with a white shirt and burgundy tie!

The Be Professional Job Interview

Welcome to the British office, home of the classic dress code that’s slowly inching from not-quite-corporate to business casual. Suggestion: play it safe, go full office! The best option out there is of course the modern suit: not too classy and not too casual. Even though the smart casual look might be an option, it can also show a slightly lack of interest for the job. Colored or even patterned shirts are fine, although keep them classy like the stripes

Pay particular attention to your shoes. For me, Brogues are too casual, so go on and stick to Oxfords.

Be careful with the ffitting, get a haircut the week before, tidy up any facial hair and believe in your abilities, be the best without being a show-off. It’s all about what you can do for them, not the other way around.

Corporate to business casual

Classy business suit

The Be Creative Job Interview

So this is a tricky one; being too classy, rigid, could mean being dull, but careful, on the other hand you don’t want to look too bombastic. Here you have to be creative and adding your own smart casual spin is just the way to do it.

The idea is to balance your creativity: adopt a smart look emphasizing on the esthetics without popping up too much. Remember that even though we are talking about a creative job, the work environment has its rules and its own preconceptions.

As a basic look, you can always go smart: a cotton two-piece with a T-shirt and trainers. As creativity goes, a daring colored shirt will definitely make you stand out. Suggestion: opt for the classy tailored blazer in a textured fabric, and instead of a shirt try a knitted polo shirt. As color goes think beige and light blue in summer, green and cobalt in winter, it will set you apart subtly.

The idea here is to express your personality in a classy way. Add your personal touch to the look, but not eclipse the fact you have all the abilities required to do the job and take it to a new level.

The Be Skilled Job Interview

Whether if you’re going to be working on a construction site, tool shop or at the ”right on the corner” coffee shop, your outfit isn’t the prime concern. Odds are that some kind of a uniform is involved so this is more about being presentable.

But, the’s always a but, keep in mind that you’re not auditioning for a modeling gig, don’t let your guard down, you still have to show that the interview is important.

With a suit, even though it’s a little bit too formal, you will definitely stand out from the group.

Suggestion, go along with a smart chill look: a pair of modern Chinos, a jacket, and an open-neck shirt.