What to Wear

Wearing the right outfit to an interview or career fair will help you feel comfortable, confident and make a strong lasting first impression. Understanding how to dress properly will help you demonstrate your professionalism and preparedness. Although professional attire is a very personal matter, there are some general guidelines and steps that you can take when deciding what to wear. We also encourage you to watch the Career Center’s How to Dress for Success and Career Fair Outfit of the Day videos for more ideas.

Things to Consider When Choosing Professional Attire:

  • Research the company dress code - Work environments for each company differ greatly, so it's a good idea to start by looking at a company's website and social media to learn more about the common attire their employees wear. In addition, consider if the interview will require specific attire like closed-toe shoes, PPE or clothing that allows you to move around.  A good strategy is to dress one step above the formality of what's typical at that company. It's almost always better to be overdressed than underdressed. 
  • Don’t forget about comfort - Choose clothes that align with the weather and season and avoid wearing clothes that may be uncomfortable for that season. Try to also avoid clothes that are too small or large because they may cause distractions if you have to continually adjust them or feel self-conscious in them.
  • Make sure your clothes are presentable - Wear clothes free of pet hair, large logos, holes or stains that may be noticeable to the interviewer. For a more professional look, you can press, steam or iron your clothes to remove any wrinkles. Also, be mindful of wearing any distracting jewelry and fragrances. 
  • Build your professional wardrobe early on - Building your professional wardrobe can be expensive and takes time. When applying to jobs and internships, start early on and browse online websites and stores to take advantage of sales and clothing availability. Before the career fair or interview, don’t forget to try on your outfit to make sure it fits comfortably and lay it out the night before to save time. It also helps to have several options for outfits, in case you are invited for a second interview.
  • Use your attire to reflect your personality - In general, we recommend wearing attire that does not distract from your personality, however, you can also use your outfit to showcase your personality and show them more about yourself. Try incorporating some of your favorite styles, colors or patterns into your outfits to set yourself apart. 

Local resources for free/low-cost clothing options: