STYLING

WHAT TO WEAR TO A JOB INTERVIEW

By Ayis Stephen-Diver, 5 January 2026

From new goals and relationships to new steps in your career, January is the month of beginnings. Applying for jobs or chasing a promotion can be often feel like a 9-5, so let us take the stress out of finding interview outfits for women. We’ve lined up some head-to-toe interview looks full of workwear essentials – think trousers, dresses and interview clothes – that blur the line between smart-casual and full business attire. Prepare to make a fabulous first impression.

GOING MONOCHROME

If your sartorial tastes are restricted by an interview dress code, worry not. All-black outfits always understand the assignment. Elevate a monochrome look by blending 90s corpcore with modern visuals. Instead of an unexciting black shirt, experiment with texture and opacity – this sheer plisse shirt adds dimension to an otherwise standard silhouette. Style it with a knitted waistcoat + basic trousers and add a pop of colour to take things from minimal to memorable.

GET THE LOOK:
ASOS DESIGN knitted structured crew neck waistcoat with front split in black, £26
Object mid rise pull on smart trouser in black, £45
Bershka Block heel slingback shoes in burgundy, £29.99
Mango plisse lightweight top in black, £49.99

INTERVIEW SUITING

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 Manhattan vibe. Although grey suits look great as they are, a subtle pinstripe adds some nice visual interest. Bows are a big deal right now, so consider this as a detail – it’ll keep the intensity of the look even if you take off your blazer. People swear by suits for their interview outfit – and there's a reason why.

GET THE LOOK:
Weekday co-ord blazer in grey melange stripe, £75
ASOS DESIGN cinch overwrap bow detail oversized shirt in blue, £34
Topshop Nadie chisel toe ankle boot in black, £45

COSY AND CASUAL

Sometimes the best interview outfits are the comfortable ones – and nothing says comfort like a jumper. Pick out an oversized wool jumper – like this cream one from ARKET – the zip fastening at the side prevents it from feeling one-note. A sleek midi skirt will keep you toasty en route to the interview, and chunky loafers (with high socks) keep things smart, while adding some prep into the equation.

GET THE LOOK:
ARKET wool jumper with raglan sleeves in off white, £119
RAID Wide Fit Nonnie penny loafers in brown, £35
ASOS DESIGN slinky ruched side midi skirt in black, £22
Topshop Sunny shoulder bag with asymmetric flap in burgundy, £28

OFFICE NEUTRALS

A women's interview dress is 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, like this one from Pretty Lavish. Set yourself apart from other candidates by colour-drenching – neutral accessories like a beige bag and sandy ballets perfectly complement the chocolate dress.

GET THE LOOK:
Pretty Lavish fluffy knit roll neck short sleeve maxi dress in brown, £68
ASOS DESIGN Lachlan eyelet detail chisel toe ballets in sand suedette, £24
Mango faux leather rectangle shoulder bag in latte, £24.99

WHAT ACCESSORIES ARE APPROPRIATE WITH INTERVIEW OUTFITS?

Remember getting told off for wearing a hat in class? The same often applies to job interviews. Beanies and baseball caps will feel too casual, so opt for a preppy headband instead. Avoid sunglasses, too – eye contact matters more than you’d think.

GET THE LOOK:
ASOS DESIGN wide ribbed headband in grey, £10
Sui Ava theresa solid big hair claw in burgundy, £13
Lost Souls stainless steel 18ct gold plated flat snake chain necklace, £10
Casio stainless steel watch with green face in silver, £45

Pictures: ASOS

WHAT COLOURS SHOULD I WEAR (AND AVOID)?

Knowing office style trends can help – you’re extremely likely to see employees in neutral colours like black, grey, white, beige and navy (and they're associated with professionalism), so they'll always be a good choice. Although there’s nothing wrong with a pop of colour –colour theory is a real thing. Jewel tones like burgundy and emerald are said to add personality while feeling professional, while soft pastels evoke a creative, easy-going nature. In terms of what to avoid, busy patterns or bright reds might feel distracting and hinder your performance.

WHAT OUTFITS SHOULD I AVOID FOR INTERVIEWS?

Most job interviews don’t require anything more than smart trousers and ballet flats, but you should always prioritise professionalism when crafting your look. Unless the company culture allows, avoid anything that could imply you’re off to the cinema 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 implies you’re taking it seriously, but have your own sense of style. It's also important to consider the company's specific dress code, of course.