Skip to main content
your browser is not supported
To use ASOS, we recommend using the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Edge
ASOS home
Begin typing to search, use arrow keys to navigate, enter to select

STYLING

WHAT TO WEAR TO A JOB INTERVIEW

Autumn is on the horizon and with it comes that back-to-school feeling. For those who have graduated from the education phase, that can look like new goals or new steps in your career. Applying for jobs or chasing a promotion can often feel like a 9-5 in itself, so let us take the stress out of finding interview outfits. We’ve lined up some head-to-toe interview looks full of workwear essentials – think trousers, dresses and blazers – that blur the line between smart-casual and full business attire. Prepare to make an unforgettable first impression.

CLASSIC BLACK AND WHITE

Collage of ASOS clothes

Wondering what to wear to an interview? If your sartorial tastes are restricted by a dress code, worry not. Black and white outfits always understand the assignment. Elevate the look by blending 90s corpcore with modern silhouettes. Think cropped wide-leg trousers balanced by a structured, fitted top. Subtle patterns and pops of colour will take things from minimal to memorable too.

 

GET THE LOOK:

ARRANGE structured ruched top in ivory, £55

Topshop linen A line culotte in black, £40
ASOS DESIGN Hotline hair on real leather pointed heeled mules in zebra, £40
ASOS DESIGN clear lens blue light square glasses in red, £14

RELAXED TAILORING

Collage of ASOS clothes

Navigating what to wear to a job interview is a balancing act – you need to look put-together without veering into overdressed territory. Enter: the interview suit – complete with modern, feminine touches and a city-girl vibe. Grey suits look especially great with blue shirts, and Topshop's striped style will break up the block colours of your two-piece without taking it out of business attire. 

 

GET THE LOOK:

NA-KD Oversized blazer in dark grey, £65.95

ASOS DESIGN Wide Fit Rosalind kitten heel ankle boots in black, £40

Topshop oversized shirt in blue stripe, £38

NA-KD Wide mid waist trouser in dark grey, £50.95

COSY AND CASUAL

Collage of ASOS clothes

Sometimes the best interview outfits are the comfortable ones, and nothing says 'comfort' like a jumper. Pick out an oversized jumper like this white one from JDY – the drop shoulders prevent it from feeling too stuffy. A pinstriped midi skirt keeps the look smart, and chunky loafers (with high socks) add a healthy slice of prep to the equation.

 

GET THE LOOK:

JDY drop shoulder knitted jumper in white, £30
ASOS DESIGN tote bag with panel detail bag in burgundy, £28

Dr Martens Unisex Adrian Ben tassel loafer in black, £155

Vero Moda column maxi skirt co-ord in dark grey pinstripe, £45

OFFICE NEUTRALS

Collage of ASOS clothes

An interview dress is often underrated. Dresses compensate for tops and bottoms (so that’s less time spent outfit building), and always feel considered – especially maxi dresses with elevated silhouettes. Set yourself apart from other candidates by colour-drenching – think a sharp trench coat. Finish the look with neutral, textured accessories, like Dragon Diffusion's woven tote bag or these ballet flats.

 

GET THE LOOK:

Mango boat neck sleeveless maxi dress in khaki, £35.99

Dragon Diffusion Japan woven tote bag in tan, £413
Glamorous woven ballet flats in chocolate brown, £28
ASOS DESIGN oversized belted maxi trench coat in stone, £125

WHAT ACCESSORIES ARE APPROPRIATE WITH INTERVIEW OUTFITS?

Collage of ASOS accessories

Remember getting told off for wearing a hat in class? The same logic applies to job interviews. Beanies and baseball caps will feel too casual, so opt for a preppy headband instead. Keep jewellery and watches simple. And it's a no to sunglasses – eye contact matters more than you’d think.

 

GET THE LOOK:

DesignB London wide tortoise shell headband in brown, £9

Casio AQ-230GA-9DMQYES digital bracelet watch, £58

Sui Ava oval bone hair clip in cream, £11

Lost Souls stainless steel 18ct gold plated satellite fine chain necklace, £10

Collage of colours

Pictures: ASOS

WHAT COLOURS SHOULD I WEAR (AND AVOID)?

Depending on the office – you’re likely to see employees in neutral colours like black, grey, white, beige and navy, so they'll always be a safe choice. Although there’s nothing wrong with a pop of colour – jewel tones like burgundy and turquoise will bring some personality to your interview clothes in an instant. Plus, soft pastels are easy to wear, and can be woven into your foundational pieces.

WHAT OUTFITS SHOULD I AVOID FOR INTERVIEWS?

Most job interviews don’t require a super formal outfit, but you should always think about the brand you're interviewing for when crafting your look. Unless the company culture allows, avoid anything that could imply you’re off to the club rather than an interview. So strike graphic tees, tracksuits, hoodies and the like off the checklist.

DOES MY OUTFIT NEED TO BE EXACTLY BUSINESS FORMAL?

Although we often speak about business-formal and business-casual as their own aesthetics, it’s best to visualise them as a spectrum. You can lean more towards business or casual. And with a job interview, a balance shows you’re taking it seriously, while still bringing your own sense of style. It's also important to consider the company's specific dress code, of course.

SHOP INTERVIEW OUTFITS Items