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Introduction
Yes, it’s that time again. You’ve decided to make a change and go for that job you’ve always wanted. Everything is set for you to start your plan for world domination except for one final thing that stands in your way… The interview.
Now obviously, this scenario is one in which you want to impress. But while that is true, the mistake that is often made by guys is to try too hard to impress and take things a little bit too far in the sartorial department. Unfortunately, a first impression is something you can’t take back.
The important thing is to understand the basics of the interview that is taking place. More than likely, you are going to be interviewed by the person that will be a boss of some kind. So it’s important not to outshine them to show that you are humble and respectful. But while communicating this, there are still a few details you can use to show your creative flair.
The Basics
First of all, you should wear something formal to an interview regardless of what kind of job it is. It shows you understand the importance of the setting you’re in and besides, everyone looks better in a suit. Hopefully, all of you should have at least two suits to hand, preferably in medium grey and navy. If not, go out and buy them! And while you’re at it, read my articles on buying a suit that fits.
The reasons these two colour work best in a job interview is because they are very versatile, neutral and classic. You can literally pair anything with them. I wouldn’t suggest wearing a black suit to an interview because you will come across as too serious and probably just remind your boss of an undertaker.
But what to wear with your suit? Well, the beauty of a grey or navy suit is that they look great when paired with a simple white shirt and dark coloured tie combination. Just think of Cary Grant and how good he looked when he wore a navy suit, white shirt and a blue tie. It’s a simple classic look that is easy to pull off for an interview.
Alternatively, you can add a shot of colour into your outfit. Both of these suits work extremely well with a light pink, blue or grey shirt. You can then either stay tonal by picking a tie that is a darker shade of the shirt or pick a complimenting colour instead. For example, a light blue shirt will look great with a red or even a yellow tie while pink works well with blues and greens.
However, you do want to be careful that you don’t make your outfit too busy when it comes to colours. If you do want to be creative with your look, the most business-savvy way of doing this is through pattern. So why not pick a shirt that is in a stripe or even gingham print. They work fantastically with a suit and keeping the tie a solid colour as well will help anchor the pattern to the look.
You can also get creative with your suiting accessories. Why not pick up a tie bar? A pocket square gives you the chance to introduce another colour or pattern to your look without drawing too much attention to it. A formal hat like a trilby is also another great option. Just remember to take it off when you get indoors! For more ideas see my article on suit accessories.
The Alternatives
Finally, here are a few cheat options for those guys out there who hate wearing ties. If you are going to skip the neckwear, make up for it by adding an extra layer to your suit. For example, why not pull on a v-neck jumper under your suit jacket? Think of it as a much larger tie and pick a complimenting colour to your suit. A white shirt, grey jumper and navy suit combination is fool proof as is a black jumper with a grey suit.
Alternatively, if that seems a bit too much or the weather is a bit too warm out, why not go all out three-piece? A waistcoat is a great way of still looking really put together without having to wear a tie. Just make sure it is a waistcoat that is matching with the rest of your jacket, even if the colour is only slightly off it will look awful. Furthermore, leave the jacket at home! Turning up to an interview in a full three-piece suit is the definition of way too much.
Until next week guys,
Matt Allinson
Men's Fashion Basics - Part 50 - Business Casual Part 1
Men's Fashion Basics - Part 48 - Dressing For A Work Event
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thanks for another great article. i like to wear waistcoats but i was once told only to wear one as part of a three piece suit for a job interview not just the waistcoat and trousers. i prefer the look without the jacket but is this really acceptable?
I think it’s completely acceptable. I had a job interview a few weeks ago I went in a grey waistcoat and trousers with a red gingham shirt and got complimented by the way I was dressed. Some people may few it as a look more suitable for S/S though.
For furhter suit ideas make sure you simly watch the Apprentice! there are usually some great suits there formal and informal.
Parry, can’t see a problem with waistcoat and trousers – it’s a smart look which is all that’s required
What about a grey shawl collar cardigan with a tie? Will it work?
I think when it comes to working at your job/office then a cardigan is fine. It’s pretty much what I wear every day. But for an actual interview I think it’s best to stick with tailored pieces just a suit jacket or a waistcoat to maintain a sense of formality.
I went for a dapper look for a recent job interview wearing grey waistcoat and trousers, white shirt and silver tie. I was complimented on looking smart but didn’t get the job! I think a jacket or waistcoat is necessary for an interview rather than cardigan/jumper. Personally I always go with the waistcoat as I always get way too hot in a jacket.
I think i will try a waistcoat at my next interview as it is a smart look but something slightly different. I also agree with the point that you can keep cooler during the warmer weather
Not too sure about a waistcoast singularly or with a jacket. There’s no doubt it looks smart and I love wearing them on nights out and whenever I can.
The reason I disagree is I think it can look a bit OTT. Afterall you wouldn’t wear a 3 piece suit in the office nor would you wear just a waistcoat to a meeting.
Oli, why wouldn’t you wear a three piece for an office job or a waistcoat for a meeting? These are surely items that you would wear! You state that you like to wear waistcoats for nights out which I assume you wear in a more casual way – but of course you can wear them in a more formal way for work/interviews without being OTT
Hey Matt, any chance you would do a piece on party wear for the birthday boy?
sure, I can’t see why not. Just so that I can get it right what sort of stuff would you be wanting me to cover? Because there is an article on what to wear when going on a night out coming soon so that might help. And obviously, happy birthday.
tie bar or pocket square seem like good ideas for an interview but I think a hat would be a waste of time as you are going to be indoors. I would always wear a tie to an interview and a waistcoat is certainly a good idea
Matt, what is your preference with waistcoats… a high or low fit at the front? and satin back?
I prefer a quite a traditional waistcoat, high five button fit normally with the satin back and buckle adjuster too. I don’t really like the idea of low fit or jersey waistcoat because the whole original point of a waistcoat is to keep your tie in check and low fit doesn’t do that at all.
yes that would be a great thing about a waistcoat at an interview – stopping the tie from flapping about
I have never understood why experts suggest neutral colours for interviews. Surely brighter colours would make you stand out from the other candidates?
I have an interview tomorrow for a retail job, got my suit, but it’s for a brand which regularly teams bright knits with darker smart trousers… is it acceptable to imitate that style?
Hmm, I didn’t know going to interview in a three piece suit was too much… when exactly do you use the three piece then? I want to get one but if I’m only going to bring it out with the big guns (important meetings… er… being the best looking guy wherever you go etc) then it’ll just gather dust in my wardrobe. Can’t I go Simon Baker and wear it all the time?