What to Wear (and Definitely Not Wear) for Job Interviews: Zoom and In-Person

Don’t wear this at a job interview.

What to Wear to a Job Interview (Without Looking Like You’re in Wall Street: The Musical)

Job interviews are stressful enough without also worrying if your outfit says “I’m a professional candidate” or “I just got dressed in the dark after an electrical storm.” The trick is to look polished, comfortable, and like yourself—not like you are auditioning for a role in Wall Street: The Musical.

And yes, Zoom has created its own set of rules. As I discussed in my article on Nailing the Zoom Interview, there are a host of things to do—and not do—on Zoom. The first interview for most job candidates is going to be virtual, so setting yourself up for success should be a no-brainer.

Zoom Interviews: Business on Top, Safety Net on Bottom

The golden rule: wear pants.
You think you won’t need them, but an emergency happens, you stand up, and suddenly your shamrock boxers are the star of the show. Do not be “Shamrock Boxer Brief” guy.

Zoom Outfit Rules

• Blazer and shirt combo is always a win
Women: cardigan and blouse or blazer and shell
Men: shirt and blazer, or sweater and tie
Keep it classic—not costume.

• Colors matter on camera
Navy, gray, and tan are safe bets. Plaid on Zoom reads like an “optical illusion.” Bright green or blue? Congratulations—you’ve disappeared into your virtual background.

I once booked the head of an arts organization to appear on a popular morning news show. I told him to wear a suit and look sharp, even though it was 5 a.m. I turned on the morning news and there he was in a lime green suit sitting on a green chair. My jaw dropped. He looked like a tiny head floating in space.

• Jewelry
If it jingles, clanks, or looks like you just inherited your Aunt Flo’s antique vintage jewelry collection, it’s a no. Friendship bracelets, rubber bracelets—take them off. You are not 13.

• Glasses
If you don’t usually wear them, don’t debut them now. Reflections can make you look like a lighthouse keeper. I wear glasses and tend not to use them in Zoom meetings or interviews because of glare—and it allows for a closer connection with the people I’m meeting, even if they’re a bit blurry. This may be controversial.

• Laptop angle
Raise it up with a stand or books. Nothing says “ready to lead” like a chin shot.

• Second Zoom interview?
You made it—you’re offered a second interview and this time it’s on Zoom. Guess what? WEAR THE EXACT SAME THING. Callbacks are not the time to reinvent your look.

In-Person Interviews: Pants. Shoes. The Works.

This is where the whole outfit counts. And yes—actual shoes. Not Crocs.

For Women

• Tailored pants, skirts, or dresses
Comfort matters, especially for an academic interview. You may be walking across campus like it’s a 5K or going up and down stairs.

• Closed-toe heels under 4 inches
Block heels or kitten heels are lifesavers. Professional boots are good too. Stilettos are fine only if you can walk in them without resembling a baby giraffe—and only if you’re interviewing for a role in fashion or style. Be careful with this one.

• Jewelry and makeup
Think “boardroom,” not “Vegas residency.”

For Men

Everyone thinks it’s easier for men to figure out what to wear…it actually gets complicated in weird ways.

• Slacks, blazer, and tie
Depending on the role, a full suit may be best—or a suit with no tie, or a suit with a sweater and tie.

• Navy or gray are safest
I once wore a black suit and black tie and looked like Dracula applying for tenure. If this were a major city, it might’ve worked—but it wasn’t (read the room). Not my best branding moment. I should have worn a lighter gray suit with no tie and maybe a sweater.

I’ve also been in interviews where someone said, “Wow, you decided not to wear a tie, huh?” No one actually likes a tie, but sometimes it’s the difference between too formal and not formal enough.

• Tailor your pants—seriously
Hem them properly. Bad fit kills even the fanciest suit. This is easy: find a local dry cleaner and get your trousers hemmed. It usually costs $10–$25 and is absolutely worth it. Bring the shoes you’ll wear to the fitting. It may take about a week.

Many men’s dress slacks are sold without consistent inseam lengths. Have one solid interview pair and get them hemmed.

• Wear a belt
Not a jeans belt—a men’s dress belt. These are inexpensive and should fit properly.

• Shoes
Kenneth Cole’s Grand line looks like dress shoes but walks like sneakers. Your feet will thank you. Most men’s dress shoes are either cheap or extremely expensive—and they all feel like planks of wood. The Grand line replaces heavy materials with foam, EVA midsoles, and flexible outsoles.

• Bags
Choose a sleek shoulder bag or an upscale backpack. If you need to carry a laptop, do not bring the backpack you’ve had since grad school. INCASE makes excellent professional backpacks, laptop sleeves, crossbody bags, and laptop briefs.

For Gender-Nonconforming and Trans Candidates

Here’s the deal: you do not have to stop being yourself to look professional. Same rules—professional, fitted, confident. Be yourself, but make sure your outfit says “ready for this role,” not “still figuring out laundry day.”

Final Hint: Dress Like the Role

At the end of the day, you are auditioning. If you want to be seen as a leader, dress like one. If it’s a creative role, show your style—but in a way that whispers confidence, not shouts “look at my socks” (which I have done).

Your clothes should reinforce the message you’re sending:
I belong in this role. I am ready for this role and will be respected in this role.

The goal is not to be remembered for your outfit.
The goal is to be remembered for your answers.

And pants. Always pants.