Interviewing in the winter? Check out these fashion tips. (2024)

Interviewing in the winter? Check out these fashion tips.

Making the best first impression is imperative to a successful interview. And your attire will play a key role. If dressing for an interview wasn’t hard enough, the freezing weather makes it even harder to pull together an impressive outfit, that looks just right for the job you are applying to.

1. Outerwear

There is a chance that you may be tempted to step out in your regular, thick puffer parka and balaclava to beat the freeze or suffer with your favourite thin fall jacket. But when it comes to an interview, experts recommend investing in a formal and warm jacket or coat. Make sure that it fits you well. Usually, mid-thigh or longer coats give an extra polished look and cover the bottom of your blazer or suit jacket. But a trench coat can also work for a classy look. You can find several options which have additional lining or wool to give extra comfort in cold weather. For a strictly formal look, choose black, grey or even dark blue colours for outer layers. Relaxed looks can include light or pastel colours or patterns.

There will likely be a closet or chair to hang your coat on - take advantage of it. You’ll want to be comfortable and not over heat during your interview.

2. Footwear

Footwear is an important accessory to complete your outfit. For a polished look, it is a good idea to match your coat and footwear. Pick a professional-looking neutral or black pair so that they can match most of your outfits and your coat. If the weather is going to be snowy and you will be outside, wear your snow boots and carry your formal shoes. You can change into the shoes after reaching indoors, before your interview.

3. Layering

One of the top tricks to stay comfortable in both, indoor and outdoor temperatures is layering. Remember that although it may be freezing outside, the temperatures indoor are controlled. Thus, it is equally important to focus on wearing winter-friendly comfortable fabrics underneath your outer clothing. Opt for breathable, non-wrinkle fabrics, and subtle prints or solid colours to keep your outfit professional even underneath your winter jacket.

4. Remember the details

Choosing what to wear for a winter interview is never easy. Your outfit needs to make you look professional but should also keep you warm throughout your commute, especially if you are using the transit.

When it comes to finalising an outfit, there are three crucial things that you need to think about:

  • the type of company you are interviewing

  • the weather conditions throughout the day

  • your commute (subway, driving, walking, etc.)

Different companies expect different styles of dressing and it will be usually mentioned in your interview invitation. Whatever you decide to wear, make sure that it is suited for changing weather conditions throughout the day. Choosing a comfortable and presentable outfit is extremely important to sail confidently through your interview.

Looking for more tips on how to succeed in your job search? Read our tips on type of interview questions to expect in an interview, resume tips for a successful resume and top skills that can help you find your next job.

Interviewing in the winter? Check out these fashion tips. (1)

Article by Tamara Smith I Vice-President, Strategic Marketing I Agilus Work Solutions

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Interviewing in the winter? Check out these fashion tips. (2024)

FAQs

Interviewing in the winter? Check out these fashion tips.? ›

For a strictly formal look, choose black, grey or even dark blue colours for outer layers. Relaxed looks can include light or pastel colours or patterns. There will likely be a closet or chair to hang your coat on - take advantage of it. You'll want to be comfortable and not over heat during your interview.

How to dress for an interview in winter? ›

To stay warm and comfortable in a polished look, consider these clothing options for your interview:
  1. Dress in tights. If you would like to wear a dress to your interview, consider wearing a pair of warm tights under it. ...
  2. Velvet. ...
  3. Blazers. ...
  4. Long coat. ...
  5. Sweater. ...
  6. Cardigan. ...
  7. Boots. ...
  8. Test your clothing in a sitting position.
Feb 3, 2023

What is the easiest rule to follow when dressing for an interview? ›

Dress in a manner that is professionally appropriate to the position for which you are applying. In almost all cases, this means wearing a suit. It is rarely appropriate to “dress down” for an interview, regardless of company dress code policy. When in doubt, go conservative.

What to wear to an interview when its warm? ›

Warm weather interview attire
  • Tailored pantsuit.
  • Blouse or shirt.
  • Lightweight blazer.
  • Professional dress or skirt.
  • Slacks or khakis.
  • Closed-toe shoes.
Nov 2, 2022

What is the dressing etiquette for interview? ›

Wear smart slacks or dark coloured jeans, tailored jeans are often best for interviews. A knee length or midi skirt can also work. For shoes wear flats or small heels with closed toes. Choose a blouse or shirt that fits well, avoiding low-cut tops.

What shoes should a woman wear to an interview in winter? ›

In winter, consider a pair of flat leather boots to keep your feet feeling nice and snug. A classic pair of ankle boots will have you sailing through your interview when paired with trousers, a dress or a skirt.

What shoes not to wear to an interview? ›

Avoid wearing shoes that are unclean or scuffed. You should also avoid wearing flip-flops and trainers to an interview.

What to say in a tell me about yourself interview question? ›

The best way to answer "Tell me about yourself" is with a brief highlight-summary of your experience, your education, the value you bring to an employer, and the reason you're looking forward to learning more about this next job and the opportunity to work with them.

What is overdressed for an interview? ›

Overdressing: It is possible to be too formal or elaborate for an interview. While wearing a suit is often appropriate for corporate positions, showing up in a black-tie outfit may be excessive unless the job explicitly demands such attire. An individual should research the company culture and dress accordingly.

Which color shirt is best for interview? ›

Wearing white or beige is a safe color. It can indicate to the hiring manager that you have excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. A clean white shirt can also be an excellent base to pair with accents in other colors to show your personality, such as colorful socks or accessories.

What color should a woman wear to a job interview? ›

As a result, while hues of blue, gray and black will work wonders for formal or traditional job interviews, applying for a more creative job will likely require you to wear something like purple, green or yellow.

Can I wear a nice sweater to an interview? ›

Sweater is fine for office, but definitely should wear to interview. - Consulting Firm.

What is a smart casual dresscode? ›

What Is Smart Casual? Smart casual is an approach to dressing professionally that mixes trendier pieces in with classic staples. The goal is an appearance that's clean and professional but doesn't look too formal. You want to look pulled together but a bit interesting and approachable.

How do you stand out in an interview outfit? ›

Business formal interview
  1. Dark business suit (navy, gray, brown, or black) paired with a neutral color shirt or blouse.
  2. Tailored dress or pantsuit with a matching jacket.
  3. Tie in a solid color.
  4. Close-toed dress shoes such as wingtips, oxfords, pumps, or flats.
  5. Understated jewelry and accessories.
Sep 4, 2023

What is the best rule of thumb for dressing for an interview? ›

1. Consider common rules of thumb. Dress one step up from what those in the workplace environment wear. For example, if a company's leaders and employees typically dress in jeans and T-shirts, your one step up might include a pair of non-denim pants and a tucked-in shirt.

How to do an interview with a cold? ›

Depending on how bad your symptoms are, you can take some cold medicine before the interview, but make sure that it's non-drowsy. Another good idea is to stay hydrated throughout the day and bring a water bottle into your interview in case your throat gets dry from talking so much.

What to wear to an interview if you don't have dress clothes? ›

Casual workplace interview

Some ideas about what to wear to a casual job interview include: Dark jeans, khaki pants, or chinos. Blouse, button-down shirt, or polo top in a bright color or pattern. Casual dress or skirt.

Are sweaters okay for interviews? ›

If the company you're applying for has a more business-casual dress code, you won't go wrong with a sweater with a button-down shirt underneath. You can choose a neutral color for the sweater like grey, brown or black since these match with shirts of just about any color.

Is it unprofessional to wear a jacket to an interview? ›

Business casual is a conservative, yet a relaxed type of dress that's appropriate in many industries. The key rules: No suits. It's fine to wear a jacket, but it should be the light, stylish kind, paired with a non-matching skirt or trousers.

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