Fashion

Dressing For An Interview: The Menswear Guide

You’ve sent off your resume and within a short period you’re called in for an interview – can there be a better feeling?

So how do you set yourself apart from all the other applicants who probably have a similar degree, similar internships/experience and similar answers to the company’s questions? You dress for the part!

Before we put a few outfits together, let’s go through some simple housekeeping rules:

♦  Try a colour other than a black suit. According to MJ Bale Manager Roberto Grasso “Black suits send the wrong message for interview, I always suggest wear navy or grey/charcoal.”

♦  Don’t wear or purchase a suit too small or too big for you.

♦  When purchasing a suit jacket, check how the suit sits on your shoulder, the seam should line up with your shoulder.

♦  Ideally wear a blue or white shirt that doesn’t gape when you’re sitting down. Similar to the suit jacket, the seam should line up with your shoulder. I strongly recommend a French cuffed shirt as opposed to a buttoned shirt.

♦  If the job you’ve applied for is more of a creative role that doesn’t require a suit day-to-day, try mixing and matching your jacket and trouser. For example, a beige/tobacco trouser with an open collared white shirt and a navy jacket.

♦  Any tie that is less than 5.5cm wide is too narrow.

♦  A brown shoe is a better contrast to a navy suit than your standard black shoe.

An Interview Outfit On A Budget

The Suit
Taymount Slim Suit
Connor $199.99 (on sale for $149.99)
This is a slim cut suit that can be appropriate for an interview because of its dark navy colour. It’s also versatile enough to wear to the races or a wedding if worn with a brighter colour shirt and tie.

Source: Connor
Source: Connor

The Shirt
Highgate Stretch Shift French Cuff Shirt 
Oxford $129.00 (on sale $64.50)
French cuff shirts are considered more formal so they’re always a good choice for an interview.

Source: Oxford Shop
Source: Oxford Shop

The Tie
Circle Grid Tie 
YD. $29.99 (on sale for $22.49)
This navy patterned tie brings the outfit together because of the similar colour to the jacket but the pattern on the tie breaks it up.

Source: YD.
Source: YD.

The Shoes
Gibson by Nova
Payless Shoes $49.99 (on sale for $34.99)
The almond toe style of the shoe adds subtle elegance and style.

Source: Payless Shoes
Source: Payless Shoes

 

An Interview Outfit You Can Splurge On

The Suit
Maluca Suit
MJ Bale $599
If you don’t fit in the traditional suit sizes and need to buy separates the Maluca Suit can accommodate just that. For example, if you’re a size 38 jacket you won’t have to buy the traditionally matching 32 trouser.

Source: MJ Bale
Source: MJ Bale

The Shirt
Non-Iron Slim Fit Spread Collar French Cuff Dress Shirt – White
Brooks Brothers $99
This crisp white shirt with French cuff is perfect for an interview. The Ainsley collar style looks best with a Windsor knot tie.

Source: Brooks Brothers
Source: Brooks Brothers

The Tie
Navy Twill with Triple Stripe 
Rhodes and Beckett $119
This tie brings the outfit together but adds character with s diagonal stripe.

Source: Rhodes & Beckett
Source: Rhodes & Beckett

The Shoes
Cage
Florsheim $169.95
The brown shoe is a stylish contrast with the French Navy suit, not otherwise achievable with a black shoe.

Source: Florsheim
Source: Florsheim

 

They don’t say, “first impressions last forever” for no reason, so don’t let your attire be the reason you miss out on the perfect role!

Previous ArticleNext Article

4 Comments

  1. I do not see many comments here, it means you have low traffic. I know how to make your page go viral. If you want to know simply search in google for:
    Kimting’s Method To Go Viral

  2. Great advice about the grey/navy suit for interviews. You pretty much hit the nail on the head with the first outfit. Are you stalking my wardrobe..?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

three × 2 =

Send this to friend