Interviewing Attire

BUSINESS CASUAL CLOTHING

Rarely will you ever apply for a role where it’s advantageous to dress down for an interview. Even where this is the case, it’s still very important you dress in a manner consistent with the role you’re interviewing for. A lot of business casual dress involves working with, and choosing, different colours and layers that complement each other. In this respect there is a lot of variety and choice, and its down in large part to the style and taste of the individual to choose what they want to wear. While it’s normally better to keep bright colours to a minimum in most interview settings, business casual may be the one exception to this rule

For interviewing purposes, business casual is sometimes split into the subcategories of normal business casual and start-up business casual definitions. While for practical purposes, these definitions can sometimes be indistinguishable from one another, perhaps ironically, you’ll find that a start-up business casual look is even more relaxed than a normal business casual one is

‘Normal’ Business casual

‘Normal’ business casual is regarded as any smart mode of dress associated with this type of interview attire. It means clothing in keeping with what would normally be worn in a formal interview setting, though just not to the same extent. For instance, things like slacks, or dress trousers, which are found in formal interview types would still be worn, but with ‘normal’ business casual these will be worn with a t-shirt or sweater in place of a full suit. Or other things that might be found in more formal interview types like dress jackets and dress shirts, will instead be worn with jeans and trainers. The premise then is that with normal business casual, there is usually some element of the clothing worn that is identifiable with a more formal interview type, either on the upper or lower sections, but not the whole outfit itself.
(Things like sleeveless blouses and full-length dresses and other similar items of clothing are also acceptable in business casual interviews, although the straps should cover an appropriate amount of the shoulder and be wide enough to conceal bra straps. If you are wearing a skirt for business casual, make sure it is still an appropriate length, either just above or below the knee)

‘Start-up’ Business casual

Start-up business casual is sometimes the required manner of dress when interviewing for high-end jobs with start-up companies. The difference between normal and start-up business casual is that start-up business casual is even more relaxed, to an extent of which it may be likened to everyday clothing. For example, start-up business casual attire can consist of things like jeans, t-shirts, and trainers, insofar as there is no distinguishable difference between a ‘start-up’ business casual look and the normal clothing someone might wear when dressed smartly to go out shopping for the day

Using business casual for walk-in applications
When it comes to formally advertised jobs, most applications nowadays are done online. However, the practice of walking into business premises to collect an application or enquire into potential openings is still a commonly utilized practice. When we consider what style of dress we should use for walk-in applications, business casual is the natural choice for a few different reasons:
Many times, people who have decided to canvass a certain area by conducting walk-in enquiries will treat this as a day out, and as such, at times may not know exactly which premises they will be visiting, or even all the things they will be doing on that day. Business casual is great because it’s not overly formal and is therefore easy and comfortable to walk around in, yet it still conveys a professional appearance at the same time. On top of this, many jobs where walk-in enquiries are accepted are for informal or temporary positions, such as hospitality, or low paid temporary or labourer work. For these types of openings, not only is business casual the most appropriate type of dress, but moreover, its the most preferred, and in such instances it’s not uncommon for you to interview with the employer when you go in to enquire on the day

Business casual for men

For men, there are only a few areas we need to focus our attention on to ensure we have the sharpest look possible. Things such as little or no jewellery, and neatly trimmed or completely shaved facial hair. A neat, professional hairstyle, (close cropped is not a prerequisite but is normally most effective in conveying this). Neatly trimmed nails, and a portfolio to carry your resume and finish off the look. As with other types of interview dress styles, a leather belt should still be worn

Business casual for Women

For women, there are also fewer areas to focus your attention on overall to get that ideal business casual look. Things such as little or no jewellery and appropriately worn makeup. (See the accessories and makeup tabs below). For women, nails should be manicured, and may be painted, ideally in light neutral colours, beige/nude/ light pink are the best. (Do not wear long or fake nails – keep the nail to fingertip length or just beyond the fingertip at most). Your goal is for your nails to look nice and very presentable, but not so much so that they are highly noticeable and draw undue attention during the interview

Hair variations are also still more varied for women too.
Again, there is no defined preference, so you should wear it in a way you feel best enhances your appearance with the outfit you have on. With that being said, hairstyles should be simple, such as ponytail or bun, and for woman shoulder length hair is considered a good length for interviewing. (It’s best to wear it in a style where it is tied back, or at the very least in a style that is not free flowing to avoid having to remove it from your face which can be distracting when speaking).
A handbag is the best way to finish off the look. Make sure this is large and utilitarian enough to carry things you’ll need like your resume or portfolio

Everything you have on, or take with you, should look need and tidy.
Always iron your clothes and polish your shoes at least 24hrs before the interview.
Men should still wear a matching belt with any business casual outfit they have on.
If wearing a skirt, make sure it is the appropriate length, which is either just above or below the knee. Women have the option of wearing pantyhose or not. If you find yourself with this dilemma and can’t decide which to choose, remember its best to choose the more conservative option

Because business casual can encompass a large number of potential interviewing situations, there is naturally a lot more variety when we consider this style of dress. Business casual easily encompasses a greater variety of clothing choices than both the business formal and business professional interview styles combined. The business casual style of interviewing dress can be utilised in everything from high-end, well paid jobs, to low paid, labourer and temporary work. That’s why when we consider the business casual style, while the ‘casual’ allows us a lot of leeway, we must remember that it’s still professional in its orientation, and as such treat this dress style accordingly

What not to wear
Make sure clothing is not of a design that has rips, tears, or is frayed
Ensure clothing is fully coloured and is not faded
Don’t wear anything that is too low cut or revealing/ make sure bra straps are not showing
Avoid clothing with prints or designs on it. Plain bright or neutral coloured clothing always works best for an interview
Don’t wear sportswear to an interview
Don’t wear opened toed shoes or heels that are too high
Make sure your clothes fit well, that they are not too tight or baggy. Never wear clothing that has slogans or wording on it


Jeans and business casual

In some business casual interviews, you may decide to wear jeans depending on the role.
If you do so, the advice is that they should be unfaded, and not styled in a way where there are any rips or frays on them.
They should also look clean and be wrinkle-free.
As jeans are a much more casual type of dress, the interviewees who wear them are hoping to make quite an emphatic statement about their confidence and openness towards performing in the prescribed role to the employers interviewing them. Only wear jeans if you are confident it is appropriate for that type of interview. If you have any doubts, play it safe and dress in a more formalised style

JOBS WHERE IT MAY BE APPROPRIATE TO WEAR BUSINESS CASUAL

• High-end start-up businesses (such as tech companies)

• Summer jobs

• College campus jobs

• Some low paid temporary jobs (such as temporary labourer or warehousing work)

• Jobs that are traditionally considered low paid, with a high turnover of staff, (these types of jobs will usually accept walk-in applications) Waiter/Waitress, Host Hostess, Dishwashers, Porters, Cleaners, Launderers, Dry Cleaners, Shop Assistants, etc…

CLOTHING OPTIONS FOR BUSINESS CASUAL
(Neutral Colours)

MEN’S NEUTRAL INTERVIEW COLOURS – Upper Body
Men’s Suit (Jacket or Vest worn without suit trousers only) – Black, Navy, Dark Brown, Dark Gray, Beige
Waistcoat – Black, Navy, Dark Brown, Dark Gray, Beige
Sweater/ Cardigan/ Turtleneck – Black, Navy, Dark Brown, Dark Gray, Beige
Long sleeved shirt, Short sleeved shirt, Dress Shirt – Black, Dark Brown, Dark Gray, Beige, Blue or Dark Blue
Button down shirt – Black, Dark Brown, Dark Gray, Beige, Blue or Dark Blue
Bowtie – Black, Navy, Beige

WOMEN’S NEUTRAL INTERVIEW COLOURS – Upper Body
Women’s Suit (Jacket or Vest worn without suit trousers only) – Black, Navy, Dark Brown, Dark Gray, Beige
Waistcoat – Black, Navy, Dark Brown, Dark Gray, Beige
Sweater/ Cardigan/ Turtleneck – Black, Navy, Dark Brown, Dark Gray, Beige
Long sleeved shirt, Short sleeved shirt, Dress Shirt – Black, Dark Brown, Dark Gray, Beige, Blue or Dark Blue
Blouse top – Black, Navy, Dark Brown, Dark Gray, Beige
Blouse dress – Black, Navy, Dark Brown, Dark Gray, Beige
Dress/ Long Dress/ Cocktail Dress – Black, Navy, Dark Brown, Dark Gray, Beige

MEN’S NEUTRAL INTERVIEW COLOURS – Lower Body
Trousers/ Dress Trousers – Black, Dark Brown, Navy, Blue, Dark Gray, Beige
Slacks – Black, Dark Brown, Navy, Blue, Dark Gray, Beige
Khakis – Black, Dark Brown, Blue, Beige
Jeans – Black, Dark Brown, Blue, Beige

WOMEN’S NEUTRAL INTERVIEW COLOURS – Lower Body
Dress Trousers – Black, Dark Brown, Navy, Blue, Dark Gray, Beige
Pantsuit – Black, Dark Brown, Navy, Blue, Dark Gray, Beige
Skirts – Black, Dark Brown, Navy, Blue, Dark Gray, Beige
Khakis – Black, Dark Brown, Navy, Blue, Dark Gray, Beige
Dresses – Black, Dark Brown, Navy, Blue, Dark Gray, Beige
Pantyhose – black or nude-coloured, if your outfit is darker than your shoes, choose nude-coloured tights or stockings instead

MEN’S NEUTRAL INTERVIEW COLOURS – Shoes
Shoes – Black, Dark Brown
Trainers – Black, Blue, Beige

WOMEN’S NEUTRAL INTERVIEW – Shoes
Shoes – Black, Dark Brown
High heeled dress shoes up to 3inches – Black, Dark Brown, Dark Blue
Trainers – Black, Dark Brown, Dark Blue




CLOTHING OPTIONS FOR BUSINESS CASUAL
(Bright Colours)

MEN’S BRIGHT INTERVIEW COLOURS – Upper Body
Men’s Suit (Jacket or Vest worn without suit trousers only) – White, Yellow, Green, Light Blue
Waistcoat – White, Yellow, Green, Light Blue
Sweater/ Cardigan/ Turtleneck – White, Yellow, Green, Light Blue
Long sleeved shirt, Short sleeved shirt, Dress Shirt – White, Yellow, Orange, Red, Green, Light Blue
Button down shirt – White, Yellow, Orange, Red, Green, Light Blue
Bowtie – White, Yellow, Green, Light Blue

WOMEN’S BRIGHT INTERVIEW COLOURS – Upper Body
Women’s Suit (Jacket or Vest worn without suit trousers only) – White, Yellow, Green, Light Blue
Waistcoat – White, Yellow, Green, Light Blue
Sweater/ Cardigan/ Turtleneck – White, Yellow, Green, Light Blue
Long sleeved shirt, Short sleeved shirt, Dress Shirt – White, Yellow, Orange, Red, Green, Light Blue, Pink, Purple
Blouse top – White, Yellow, Orange, Red, Green, Light Blue, Pink, Purple
Blouse dress – White, Yellow, Orange, Red, Green, Light Blue, Pink, Purple
Dress/Long Dress/ Cocktail Dress – White, Yellow, Orange, Red, Green, Light Blue, Pink

MEN’S BRIGHT INTERVIEW COLOURS – Lower Body
Trousers/ Dress Trousers – White, Yellow, Light Blue
Slacks – White, Yellow, Light Blue
Khakis – White, Yellow, Light Blue
Jeans – White, Yellow, Light Blue

WOMEN’S BRIGHT INTERVIEW COLOURS – Lower Body
Dress Trousers – White, Yellow, Orange, Green, Light Blue, Pink, Purple
Pantsuit – White, Yellow, Orange, Green, Light Blue, Pink, Purple
Skirts – White, Yellow, Green, Light Blue, Pink
Khakis – White, Yellow, Green, Light Blue, Pink
Dresses – White, Yellow, Orange, Green, Light Blue, Pink, Purple

MEN’S BRIGHT INTERVIEW COLOUR – Shoes
Shoes – White, Yellow, Light Blue
Trainers – White, Yellow, Light Blue

WOMEN’S BRIGHT INTERVIEW COLOUR – Shoes
Shoes – White, Yellow, Light Blue
High heeled dress shoes up to 3inches – White, Yellow, Orange, Green, Light Blue, Pink, Purple
Trainers – White, Yellow, Light Blue, Pink



Suggestions for Business Casual outfits
The list below contains suggestions for business casual outfits. While this is by no means an exhaustive list, it may provide some useful ideas if you’re struggling to come up with an outfit for your next interview.
Whereas business formal and business professional are both very business-like and geared towards professional interviewing, business casual differs significantly in that the interview styles it comprises may be geared towards either a casual or professional look depending on the nature of the job and company in question. The challenge then is trying to discern how casually or professionally you want to dress, as there is a much greater spectrum of choice with business casual apparel. Here are some suggestions for possible choices in your next business casual interview

Mens
Sweater with button-down shirt. Worn with jeans, dress trousers or khakis, trainers or dress shoes
Blazer with turtleneck or dress shirt. Worn with jeans or slacks, trainers or dress shoes
Jeans or khakis. Worn with a short or long-sleeved shirt, trainers or dress shoes
Khakis, dress trousers or slacks. Worn with a long or short sleeved shirt, (with optional tie or bow tie), trainers or dress shoes
Waistcoat, with long sleeved dress shirt, (with optional tie or bow tie). Worn with slacks or dress trousers, and dress shoes
Suit jacket, with matching coloured long sleeved shirt. Worn with matching coloured dress trousers or slacks, and dress shoes

Womens
Blouse top and blazer. Worn with summer skirt and high heels
Blazer and short or long-sleeved floral shirt. Worn with summer or dress shirt, and dress shoes or high heels
Suit jacket, with dress shirt or floral shirt. Worn with slacks or dress trousers, trainers, dress shoes, or high heels
Long dress with waist belt. Worn with high heels or dress shoes
Coloured waistcoat and long-sleeved shirt. Worn with skirt and tights, or dress pants, and dress shoes or high heels
Khakis pants, polo shirt or colourful blouse top. Worn with high heels or dress shoes