Job Interview Attire: Experts Say Suits Aren't Always Best Anymore

The traditional image of a job candidate arriving in a suit is becoming outdated, as workplace dress codes evolve. Experts now emphasize researching a company's culture before an interview to avoid making the wrong impression with either overly formal or too casual attire.

While suits still hold relevance for executive positions in fields like law and finance, many tech and creative industries have adopted a more relaxed approach, with employees regularly wearing jeans and t-shirts. This shift means candidates need to gauge the appropriate level of formality.

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The first thing that crossed my mind was that I looked like I was trying too hard and maybe came across as too stiff.

Student Dani McEwen learned this firsthand when she dressed formally for an interview at an insurance company, only to find employees in jeans and t-shirts. She felt she might have appeared "too eager" and "stiff." Personal stylist Christine Adamo attributes the trend toward more casual dress codes to the rise of hybrid and remote work.

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Business dress codes have become significantly more casual in recent years due to the expansion of hybrid and remote work.

London stylist Samantha Harman suggests candidates examine a company's website and social media to understand their typical attire. Her advice is to aim for an outfit that is "just a little more formal" than what employees usually wear. However, even this can be tricky, as Molly Tyndale recalled a business development interview where she was told to dress formally, only for an interviewer to appear in a sports jersey.

Regardless of the specific job, experts agree that clothing should be clean, neat, and well-fitting. For online interviews, solid colors are recommended for a more professional appearance on camera. Corporate recruiter Jamie Close adds that even candidates for trade jobs should dress appropriately for the role, appearing ready for work rather than as if they just finished a shift.

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For the interview, it is best to choose an outfit that is just a little more formal than what employees wear every day.