Non-Stuffy Interview Clothes

Q. Hi Jordan,

I applied for a job at a very “hip/indie” office. I don’t want to look too stuffy; I want to look cool yet professional. Can you give me any pointers?

A. If the office is very informal – the kind of place where people wear jeans and take pride in showing off their personal style – you’ll look out-of-place strolling into an interview in a suit, or anything resembling one…but of course you still want to look professional and presentable.

For me, what’s most important in an interview situation is feeling like myself – if you feel like you look good, it’ll show through in your confidence level…so make sure that nothing you wear makes you feel uncomfortable in the least (and before you leave the house, check to make sure your chosen outfit doesn’t require any fiddling – nothing is more distracting than someone who’s constantly pulling at her hemline or fussing with her scarf). Oh, and no exposed skin in places you don’t want it to be exposed – if your blouse toes the line, so to speak, just add a thin camisole underneath.

Above are two outfits that I’d happily wear to an interview for a job in an informal workplace: either skinny black pants or dark jeans (yes, jeans…but nothing with any visible wear at all; think tailored and clean-looking) paired with a gorgeous, classic pair of heels, a vintage-inspired blouse, and possibly a blazer (but not a black one, unless it has a very interesting cut – too conservative). And then I’d add amazing accessories, like a pair of statement earrings and a bright belt.

In short: the clothing itself should be well-cut, neat, and classic, and the accessories are where you should show off your personality.

If the office is slightly more corporate, you should always go with a suit for an interview. But in this case, choose one with chic details, like narrow lapels or a wide-leg cut (I’d do pants rather than a skirt), and pair them with the aforementioned beautiful blouse and amazing accessories.

And finally: I think that sleek, shiny hair is essential for a professional, pulled-together look, so if this is a very important interview consider splurging on a blowout.

Good luck!!

UPDATED: Since a few HR managers wrote in to say never (evereverever) wear anything resembling jeans to anything resembling an interview, I wanted to offer some more ideas. While the above’s what I would wear to an interview at a super-casual workplace, I’m a serial underdresser, so, you know…might not want to listen to me.

If those ideas don’t work for you, here are some slightly dressier options, like a chic dress paired with a fun coat, or some beautifully cut slacks topped with a lacy, gorgeous shell (wear a camisole underneath, obviously, and top with a blazer if you feel too bare).