What to wear to a job interview in 2025

Getting dressed for an interview sounds trivial until you're standing in front of your wardrobe at 7am with no idea what's appropriate. The right outfit doesn't get you the job — but the wrong one can cost you it.

The golden rule: dress one level above the company's everyday standard

The safest strategy for any interview is to dress slightly smarter than you think the role requires. If the company is jeans-and-t-shirt casual, show up in smart casual. If they're smart casual, wear business casual. You want to signal that you take this seriously — you can dress down once you have the job.

Dress codes explained

Business formal

Suit, tie (men), tailored dress or trouser suit (women). Expected in: finance, law, banking, government, large corporates. When in doubt about a traditional or conservative sector, default here.

Business casual

Smart trousers/skirt, collared shirt or blouse, blazer optional. No tie required. Expected in: most corporate roles, consulting, HR, marketing in established companies.

Smart casual

Clean, fitted clothes — chinos, dark jeans (no rips), smart shirt or blouse, minimal jewellery. Expected in: tech startups, media, creative agencies, digital roles.

Creative / fashion

You have more latitude here, but "creative" doesn't mean "anything goes." Show personality, but keep it polished. An interesting piece or colour can be a conversation starter — mess can signal disorganisation.

What to avoid regardless of sector

• Clothes that are visibly creased, stained or worn
• Overpowering perfume or aftershave
• Distracting accessories or very loud patterns
• Clothes that don't fit well — too tight, too loose, too short
• Casual footwear (trainers, flip-flops) unless you know the culture is very relaxed
• Anything you'd feel uncomfortable or self-conscious wearing

Video interviews — does it matter?

Yes. Dress as you would for an in-person interview, at least from the waist up. Beyond the clothing, make sure your background is tidy, your lighting is good (face a window or use a ring light) and your camera is at eye level, not angled upward from a laptop on a desk.

Practical tips

• Lay your outfit out the night before — never choose the morning of
• Wear something you've worn before — don't debut new, untested clothes at an interview
• Make sure your outfit is clean and pressed at least the day before
• Comfortable shoes matter — nerves are easier to manage when your feet aren't hurting
• Keep make-up and accessories professional and minimal unless you work in a sector where self-expression is part of the role

When in doubt, ask

If you genuinely can't tell what's appropriate, it's perfectly acceptable to email the recruiter: "Could you let me know what the dress code is for the interview?" This shows self-awareness, not insecurity — most recruiters are happy to answer.