What to Wear to a Job Interview: Women’s Style Guide

For a formal interview, you can't go wrong with a well-tailored suit. We like this particular Calvin Klein option because of its modern tailoring, the versatile gray color, and the fact that you can save with a Macy's promo code.  

However, there are a lot of other choices that can work equally well. For a very conservative environment like the law, consider a skirt suit in a dark color like navy. If you're interviewing in a field where competence is important, you might opt for a suit set with black work pants and a black jacket. 

Most suits look great with a collared shirt in a neutral color like white. However, if you're in an industry like teaching, you might want to add a little excitement with a jewel-toned blouse or camisole. 

A blazer with work pants is ideal for situations where you want to be dressy but a suit might be too stuffy. One of our go-to styling tips is to follow the "rule of 3" and always accessorize your top and bottom with a third piece. Luckily, a blazer is the perfect third piece. 

When selecting a women’s blazer, a classic black option, like this one from Gap, is versatile enough for a variety of settings. Pair it with dark jeans and loafers for a restaurant manager interview or dress it up with trousers and low heels for a healthcare role. For more stylish black or navy blazers, check out Ann Taylor or J.Crew. And don’t forget to use a Gap promo code for a great deal!

Don't forget that there are also a lot of affordable blazers for more creative outfits as well. If you're in marketing or the arts, you might want to pick a trendier piece in striking color. For 2025, consider a blazer with a slightly oversized fit or a blazer in a stylish material like tweed. 

Business casual is one of the most popular dress codes, so it pays to have a few pieces that meet these criteria. Business casual attire is usually a polished option that's less formal than a suit. It's popular with media, non-profit, and consultant industries. The possibilities are endless, but we like sticking to classics like wide-legged trousers, sleek pencil skirts, and elegant blouses. 

Another common and even less formal option is smart casual. This relaxed look is frequently used in the tech and hospitality industries. It often involves choices like chinos, cardigans, and button-down shirts. When going with a smart casual look, we suggest distinctive pieces like this Hyacinth House cardigan from Tuckernuck that uses oversized buttons to stand out a little. If the bold color is your favorite part, try a C by Bloomingdale’s cardigan that comes in 14 fun colors and is on discount with a Bloomingdale’s promo code.

When you have a video interview scheduled, take a close look at your planned background and choose a trendy top with some contrast. Our fashion experts suggest avoiding busy patterns that might not film well. You'll also want to do a test shot with your webcam setup and make sure the neckline isn't too low cut when viewed on screen.

A simple yet classic blouse, like this Quince silk option, is always a great choice. The tie-neck adds a touch of visual interest, while the jewel tone looks stunning on camera. To finish off the look, pair it with understated accessories, like small gold hoops. Looking for more tie-neck blouse options? We love this style from Mango and Banana Republic, and with a Mango or Banana Republic promo code, you can snag them for a great price!

The right dress can take a lot of guesswork out of preparing for an interview. Instead of having to weigh multiple clothing options carefully, you can just pick the perfect dress and be instantly ready. One of our top picks for an interview dress is this shirt dress from Tuckernuck. The exaggerated sleeves and matching belt make it look professional without being too flashy. Love the look but want a deal too? Match The Tobie Shirt Dress with an Anthropologie promo code for a similar look at a discount!

Whether you pick a shirt dress or another type of dress, you always have the option of accessorizing. Many women like to add a blazer or cardigan to their dresses for extra visual appeal. And don't forget the right shoes for a business casual dress. Most dresses will benefit from a small heel, but longer dresses can look great with flats.

When selecting the right shoes for an interview, start with comfort. You don't want something that's going to make you stumble in front of the interviewer or distract you with pinching. Most interviewers say they prefer lower heels because a high one can look too dressy. A safe bet is always something like Rothy’s The High Point Heel or another close-toed, black pump with a low, chunky heel. This pair from Rothy’s ticks all the boxes, and can be yours for a comfortable price when you use a Rothy’s discount code. 

Most flats or loafers are also popular for an interview. Make sure your shoe matches your outfit and select a close-toed one whenever possible. However, if the work environment is very casual, something like dressier boots can also work well.

Finally, select accessories that look great with the rest of your outfit. A practical purse or tote bag is a good place to start. We find that this Tory Burch tote has room for all your equipment while still looking sleek and put together. If you want to present a technology-proficient vibe, you can also try a laptop bag instead of a tote.

For jewelry, stick with simple options like a layered necklace or a stud earring. Make sure it's something that looks elegant and is not distractingly bright or noisy. In more male-dominated industries, you may want to skip jewelry altogether and focus on more functional accessories such as belts and watches.