Who Says You Have to Wear a Suit for an Interview? 4 Style Tips to Make a Great First Impression

We all know that the way you present yourself speaks volumes, especially in an interview. Before you even speak, your appearance, outfit, and body language do a lot of the talking. Think of Sherlock Holmes, who can deduce someone’s story from a glance at their clothes or posture. Psychologist Linda Blair's "seven-second rule" suggests that our first impression is formed in those crucial first few seconds of meeting—and it can be tough to change.

That’s why preparing for an interview isn’t just about answering questions or demonstrating your knowledge. How you dress can make a real difference in how you’re perceived. To help you stand out, here are four simple tips to boost your likeability through your wardrobe choices.

1. Keep It Clean and Neat

This one is obvious but essential. Looking polished is key. Greasy hair, wrinkled clothes, or untidy nails can quickly work against you. Being clean and neat shows respect for the interview and those you're meeting.

As for makeup, unless it’s relevant to the role, try to keep things natural. Dramatic false eyelashes or bold lipstick may not be the best choice unless they fit the industry you’re entering. A subtle, polished look that highlights your natural features is a safer bet, helping you look fresh without overdoing it.

2. Go for Simple and Professional

When in doubt, stick to neutral colours like black, white, or grey. These shades are timeless and professional. If you want to add a bit of warmth, earth tones like brown, beige, or off-white can create a calm, stylish look. This year’s trend of Maillard colour matching offers an easy way to experiment with these tones while still keeping things professional.

Bright or flashy colours, on the other hand, can be risky. While bold fashion statements can work in some industries, they might not always make the best impression in an interview, especially if you’re not sure how the interviewer will respond to them.

3. Dress for the Role

Wearing a formal suit is often the go-to for interviews in industries like finance or law, where a professional and conservative appearance is expected. In these fields, suits in solid colours like black or navy can help project authority and reliability.

However, if you’re applying for a role in a creative field—like fashion, marketing, or PR—it’s important to let your personality shine through in your outfit. Wearing something too formal might come across as stiff or overly serious. Instead, choose pieces with interesting details or design elements that express your individuality without going over the top.

4. Avoid Revealing or Torn Clothing

Even for creative roles, ripped jeans or overly casual outfits can come across as unprofessional. And while miniskirts might be making a comeback, it’s best to avoid anything too revealing in an interview setting. You don’t want your clothing to be a distraction or send the wrong message.

Footwear is important too. Sandals or flip-flops can seem too casual, and they can even make distracting noises when walking. Stick to more polished shoes that complement your overall look.