Figuring out what to wear to an interview can feel weirdly stressful. You want to look professional, but not stiff. Polished, but still like yourself. And depending on the company, the expectations can feel fuzzy. In this blog, we’ll share 3 rules of thumb, real-life examples, and helpful tips to make sure you look and feel your best come interview day!
3 Rules of Thumb
If you remember anything from this blog, let it be these 3 rules. They apply no matter where you’re interviewing or what the role is.
1- It’s Better to Overdress Than Underdress.
Dressing slightly more formally than your interviewer may make you feel uncomfortable, but that’s now how they see it. Hiring managers and HR view it as a sign that you put in effort. Showing up too casually, on the other hand, can come across as careless.
2- Feel Good in What You Wear.
When we feel good, we stand up a little taller and smile a little wider. Choose something in your closet that makes you say, “Wow, I look GREAT,” when you look in the mirror. (Just make sure it’s not jeans 😉)
Pro-Tip: Pick out your outfit the night before to make the day of your interview less stressful!
3- No Jeans. Ever.
Even if you know the office is “casual” or your friend said they wore jeans to their interview, and it was fine — don’t do it. Interview day is not the time to wear something you’d throw on for errands or a trip to Hy-Vee.
Dress for the Setting
Not all interview settings call for quite the same level of formality. Before you pick out what to wear, do a little research on the company’s culture.
- Look at the company’s social media or team page photos
- Ask a recruiter what they recommend (we’re always happy to answer questions!)
- Check LinkedIn to see how current employees present themselves
If you’re not sure after doing some digging, lean business professional for the first interview.
Public Accounting / CPA Firms
Suit up. Always. Even for a small or mid-sized CPA firm. This is one setting where dressing more formally is the expectation.
One of the smaller CPA firms we partner with has noted that even candidates coming from larger CPA firms are dressing more casually. Many of those candidates (even those with great resumes) didn’t move forward in the process.
Corporate / Industry Settings
Business professional or sharp business casual usually works here. Think blazers, collared shirts, blouses, and tailored pants or skirts.
Outfit Examples
A polished and professional outfit shows you’re prepared and care about making a good first impression. It helps you feel more confident walking into the conversation. Polos and khakis are not necessarily enough!
✅ Here’s Why We Like These Outfits:
Tan blazer + white blouse (left)
This is a polished, neutral look that works across most accounting and finance environments. The blazer adds structure, and the color of the pants matches, giving it a cohesive look.
Light blue button-up shirt + tie (second from left)
A timeless business professional outfit. Great for first-round interviews or settings where you want to lean slightly formal (even without a blazer).
Patterned blazer + blue shirt (second from right)
Blends personality with professionalism. This look works well for corporate or mid-sized environments with a smart casual dress code.
Beige suit + navy tie (right)
This confident, tailored choice is especially fitting for leadership roles or executive interviews. Clean lines and proper fit make a strong impression.
Final Thoughts
Will your outfit alone get you the job? Probably not. But could it help that hiring manager picture you in the role? Absolutely!
So, take a little time to plan it out. Feel good in what you wear. And if you’re still not sure? Ask us! We’ve seen it all, and we’re always happy to help you show up like the sharp, capable pro you are.
FAQs: Interview Attire
Q: What do I wear if the interview is on video?
A: Dress just like you would in person (or at least from the waist up – we get it, we love our sweatpants, too). A blazer and dress shirt are always a smart idea, even on video.
Q: Do I need to wear a full suit to my in-person interview?
A: It depends on the environment, but a blazer and button-up shirt is a safe choice for round one. You can always adjust later based on what you learn.
Q: Can I wear a dark pair of jeans with no rips?
A: No. Stick with tailored pants or a skirt. Jeans, even dark ones, are still too casual for interviews in this field.