STYLING

DRESS FOR SUCCESS: WHAT TO WEAR TO A JOB INTERVIEW

By Ayis Stephen-Diver, 19 August 2024

September signals fresh starts – from new goals and relationships to new steps in your career. And if you're job-application admin, you've probably got enough on your plate, so we're here to take the stress out of finding an interview outfit. IRL interviews are back, so we’ve lined up some head-to-toe ‘fits full of workwear essentials – think knits, dresses and tailoring that blur the line between the boardroom and the runway. Stage one? Nailed.

Collage of womenswear clothing including smart trousers, knitwear and ballet flats

1. A MONOCHROME MOMENT

Elevate a blacked-out look by mixing 90s minimalism with modern Tokyo corpcore – this means playing with textures and opacities for a classic yet captivating look. Instead of the quintessential cotton or polyester black shirt, pick a sheer plisse shirt for a hit of texture. Wear it with a knitted waistcoat and slightly oversized smart trousers for an elevated look. A touch of colour in the form of ballet flats tops off this minimal yet memorable 'fit.

GET THE LOOK:
ASOS DESIGN knitted crew neck waistcoat, £28
Topshop plisse shirt in black, £36
Object mid rise pull on smart trouser in black, £45
Public Desire Sherry ballet flats in cherry red patent, £23

Collage of model wearing grey suit co-ord with black heels

2. PLAYFUL SUITING

Navigating what to wear to an interview is a balancing act – you need to look put-together without veering into over-dressed territory. Enter: the suit – but the modern kind with feminine touches and Manhattan-inspired visuals. Pick out a grey A-line skirt and a matching oversized blazer, and team them with a simple shirt. Finish the ‘fit with point-toe kitten heels for a look that's comfy but oh-so Carrie Bradshaw.

GET THE LOOK:
Vila longline blazer co-ord in brown mini check, £68
Mango slim shirt in light blue, £23
Vila mini skirt co-ord in brown mini check, £38
ASOS DESIGN Stroll slingback mid heeled shoes in black, £26

Collage of model wearing high neck black top with pinstripe dress and black loafers

3. OFFICE-SIREN-CORE

Interview dresses are easy stylers. If you’re not sure where to start, go for a pinstripe mini with a high-neck top underneath. Ground the look with a classic pair of chunky loafers for a touch of prep. Already rocking rectangular glasses? Then you’re ahead of the curve. A pair of Bayonetta-style glasses and an obnoxiously big tote bag are the ideal add-ons.

GET THE LOOK:
Stradivarius high neck short sleeve knitted top in black, £15.99
Extro & Vert pinstripe mini bandeau dress in grey, £48
Topshop Cooper leather loafer with gold trim in black, £46

Collage of women wearing neutral tones outfits, including knitwear and a maxi skirt

Pictures: ASOS

4. COSY NEUTRALS

It may not be suitable for *every* job interview, but if the vibe is a little more casual (or it's a video call situation), pick this cosy neutral look – it's your morning latte, but make it fashion. We’ve gone full autumn with a khaki maxi skirt, a sleeveless boat-neck top for a 90s-inspired touch, and a beige cable-knit cardigan. Tie the look together with cream ballet flats for equal parts elegance and effortless.

GET THE LOOK:
Weekday Annie boat neck tank top in beige exclusive to ASOS, £22
Miss Selfridge linen maxi skirt in khaki, £29.99
Levi's Primrose cable knit cardigan in beige, £80
Topshop Bridget leather ballet flat, £45