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Advice / Job Search / Interviewing

What Not to Wear to an Interview—and What Works Better

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Interviews are stressful enough without the added worry of what you’re wearing. There’s a new wave of fresh takes on interview style as Gen Z is creating TikTok trends around workplace fashion. But as fun as these trends are, the reality is that interviews require a more curated approach than a typical day in the office.

Your clothes make a first impression before you even speak, so dressing appropriately can give you an edge in making a memorable impact. Your success depends as much on choosing the right outfit as it does knowing what not to wear to an interview. We’ve got details on both below.

Why dressing right matters

Whether you’re vying for a creative role at a hot startup or a finance position at a Fortune 500 company, the way you present yourself visually sets the tone for your entire interview.

“The right attire can visually communicate professionalism, confidence, and an understanding of the industry culture,” says fashion designer Ahmed Ati. “A well-thought-out outfit shows that you’ve put in the effort, are detail-oriented, and respect the company’s values.”

Yes, your clothes should also reflect your personal style. But the truth is, some items simply don’t work in an interview setting. It’s about finding a balance—and doing your research.

Tips for choosing appropriate interview attire

  • Research the company culture. Many companies share photos of their workspace and employees on social media, which can give you a sense of how formal or casual the environment is.
  • Plan your outfit ahead of time. Try on your outfit a day or two before to ensure everything fits well and feels comfortable.
  • Stay true to your style. It’s OK to add a personal touch to your outfit with a subtle accessory or pop of color, as long as it doesn’t distract from a polished, professional appearance.

What not to wear to an interview: Common mistakes to avoid

Wearing the wrong outfit to an interview can take away from your focus, professionalism, and accomplishments. Here are some specific things to keep off your interview look.

1. Overly casual clothing

Examples: Shorts, tank tops, graphic tees, hoodies

Casual wear is comfortable but often too laid-back for an interview. Even if the office dress code is casual, showing up for an interview in shorts or a graphic tee can make it seem like you’re not taking the opportunity seriously. “Even in creative industries, there’s an expectation of professionalism,” Ati says.

What to wear instead:

Aim for business casual at the least, with options like pants or a tailored pair of jeans (if appropriate for the company), paired with a button-up shirt, blouse, or structured top.

2. Clothes that are too flashy or distracting

Examples: Bright neon colors, heavy logos, excessive patterns

Flashy outfits can be fun and stylish, but in an interview, they can take attention away from your qualifications and experience. Anything with loud prints, distracting logos, or neon colors may stand out for the wrong reasons.

What to wear instead:

Stick to neutral or soft colors, like navy, black, white, to keep the focus on your skills and words. Classic patterns, like pinstripes or subtle checks, can also work if they’re not too bold.

3. Unprofessional footwear

Examples: Flip-flops, sandals, sneakers, flashy heels

When it comes to footwear, avoid anything too casual or flashy. Sandals, especially flip-flops, tend to give a beachy vibe and can make it seem like you’re too relaxed. Sneakers are typically a no-go unless you’re sure the office culture is laid-back.

What to wear instead:

Opt for closed-toe shoes like loafers, dress shoes, or heels. A pair of clean, polished flats is also a can’t lose staple.

4. Heavy or casual outerwear

Examples: Puffy jackets, sweatshirts, denim jackets

Outerwear can make a strong statement. Denim jackets or puffy coats are great for a day out, they don’t convey a professional image. They may come across as too casual for an interview setting.

What to wear instead:

A classic trench coat or blazer is a great choice, giving you a put-together look that matches both casual and more formal attire.

5. Clothing that’s overly tight or revealing

Examples: Short skirts, low-cut tops, tight dresses

Tight or revealing clothing can be uncomfortable and distract from your professional message. Everything you wear should make you feel comfortable and confident.

What to wear instead:

Choose clothing that’s well-fitted without being too tight. Dresses or skirts should ideally be knee-length, and tops should have a modest neckline. Blouses, button-ups, or lightweight sweaters work well and give a polished look.

6. Excessive accessories or bold makeup

Examples: Large hoop earrings, chunky necklaces, bright makeup

Accessories are a great way to express yourself, but in an interview, it’s best to avoid items that can be overly distracting or take focus away from what you’re saying. The same goes for makeup that’s too bold.

What to wear instead:

Subtle, minimalistic accessories like stud earrings or a simple watch are perfect for interviews. Stick with natural-looking makeup that enhances rather than overshadows your features.

7. Inappropriate headwear

Examples: Hats, beanies, large hair accessories

Hats, caps, or large hair accessories can be distracting in an interview setting and may even convey a lack of professionalism unless you’re interviewing for a very casual, creative role.

What to wear instead:

Keep your hairstyle simple and polished. If you need an accessory, opt for something minimal like a hair clip or simple headband.

8. Oversized or wrinkled clothing

Examples: Baggy shirts, unpressed trousers, oversized blazers

While oversized fashion is in, wrinkled or baggy clothing can make you look unprepared or sloppy. Ensuring your clothes are clean, wrinkle-free, and well-fitted will reflect well on your attention to detail.

What to wear instead:

Stick to well-tailored clothing that fits your frame. Iron your clothes ahead of time, or use a steamer for a crisp, polished appearance.

9. Colors not to wear to an interview

Wondering if there are certain colors not to wear to a job interview? The answer is not as objective as listing certain colors, but going the neutral route is a more safe choice. Certain colors can be distracting or send the wrong message in an interview. For instance, bright red can sometimes come off as overly aggressive, while neon shades may seem unprofessional. Unfortunately, pink may be seen as unserious for women.

What to wear instead:

Neutral colors like navy, black, gray, and white are generally safe choices. You can add hints of color in accessories if you want to incorporate a bit of personality.

Ready to dress up for your next interview? Browse 400,000+ open jobs on The Muse—one of them could be your perfect next career move »

Common doubt: When not to wear a suit to an interview?

A suit often feels like the safest option for white-collar interviews, but there are certain scenarios where it can actually come across as too formal or mismatched with the company culture. You don't want to be too much. The idea is to blend in. “The focus in these environments is typically on how well you can adhere to established standards, so subtlety is key,” Ati says.

For example, if you’re interviewing at a tech startup, a creative agency, or a company known for its casual vibe, showing up in a full suit could seem overly stiff and out of touch. In such environments, smart business casual—such as a tailored blazer with slacks or a clean, polished button-up with chinos—might be more appropriate.

Virtual interviews also call for a toned-down approach. Here, you want to look professional but not overly formal, and it’s unlikely your interviewer will be in a full suit themselves. A crisp shirt or blouse with a blazer can make a great impression without feeling like too much.

What about not wearing makeup to a job interview?

There's a reason why the megaviral meme “very demure, very mindful” was about not wearing heavy makeup to work. As with all other matters of personal style, you need to find your own balance. If you’re someone who views their face as a blank canvas for makeup creativity, ask yourself if your new employer would value that as a professional positive. If yes, go wild! If not necessarily, scale it back for the day.

On the other hand, you might decide you’re not wearing makeup to job interviews. If that’s your default look, no need to change it for an interview. As always though, making sure your appearance is well groomed is important.

Bottom line: Show up as your best self.

How to decide what not wear to an interview

Dressing for an interview doesn’t mean stifling your personal style, but it does mean making thoughtful choices about what’s appropriate and professional. By steering clear of common attire mistakes, you’re more likely to feel confident, focused, and ready to show you’re prepared and serious about the opportunity.