What to Wear to an Interview -- A Guide for College Students
As we enter the last couple of weeks of September, job interviews, club interviews, and career fairs are all approaching. No matter what interview you are preparing for, there are many things to consider, from researching the company and role, to practicing your answers, planning logistics, and, of course, looking your best.
That’s why I created this guide: to help you look polished, professional, and confident while making a lasting impression.
Understand the Dress Code
Business Professional
Tailored suit (matching blazer and pants/skirt)
Conservative blouse or shirt
Dress shoes
When to wear: Job interviews, corporate offices, business presentations, and formal networking events.
Business Casual
Blazer or cardigan
Dress pants or modest skirt
Closed-toe shoes
A nice blouse or sweater vest
When to wear: College events, casual networking, internships, club interviews, or creative offices.
2. What to Wear (and Avoid)
Yes! You should wear this…
Business Professional: Suit (matching blazer and pants/skirt) or conservative dress
Colors: Navy, black, gray, muted tones
Shirts/Blouses: Button-down or tailored blouse (white, light pink, cream, soft blue)
Shoes: Closed-toe heels, flats, or loafers
Accessories: Minimal jewelry, professional bag, portfolio with résumé
Fit: Tailored, not too tight
Maybe save these for later…
Bright or neon colors
Crop tops or low-cut blouses
Wrinkled or poorly fitting clothes
Jeans, shorts, leggings, or casual dresses
Athletic sneakers
Overly flashy jewelry or sequins
3. Fit, Cleanliness, & Confidence
Clothes must fit well. If something is too tight or too loose, it sends the wrong message.
Take time to steam or press your outfit. Wrinkles, stains, or torn hems can be distracting.
Lay your outfit out the night before to avoid stress the day of.
Confidence comes from being comfortable. Make sure you can move, sit, and stand with ease.
4. Use What You Have
Mix and match: A blazer can work with different shirts, and dress pants can pair with multiple tops.
Stick to neutral pieces you can reuse, they’ll be worth it for more than one interview.
Auburn University’s Campus Career Closet
If you’re an Auburn student, the Campus Career Closet through Career Discovery & Success is an excellent resource that makes interview prep easier and more affordable.
What It Is
A free wardrobe closet of professional apparel: suits, blazers, skirts, button-down shirts, shoes, and accessories
Intended for career fairs, interviews, networking, and workplace attire
Who Can Use It
Current Auburn University students
Auburn alumni up to five years post-graduation
How It Works
Schedule an appointment through Handshake
You may take up to 4 individual apparel items per academic year (a suit counts as two items: jacket + pants/skirt)
Location: 136 Foy Hall (behind Chicken Salad Chick)
Hours: Monday–Friday, by appointment
Benefits
Reduces cost barrier: Professional clothes can be expensive; the Closet helps level the playing field
Builds a capsule wardrobe: Pieces can be mixed and matched for multiple occasions
Convenient: Ensures you’re ready when an opportunity arises, so you’re not scrambling last minute
Donations & How You Can Help
The Closet accepts donations of business suits, dress shoes, ties, and accessories
Especially needed: neutral-colored items, smaller sizes, shoes, and accessories
Auburn also has an Amazon Wishlist for new item donations
Sample Interview Outfit Ideas
Formal / Business Professional: Navy suit + white button-down shirt + neutral pumps or loafers; minimal jewelry; polished leather belt
Business Casual: Blazer + dress slacks + blouse or nice shirt; closed-toe shoes; skip the tie if company culture is more relaxed
Creative Field: A blazer with some color or pattern, paired with conservative bottoms; clean, stylish shoes; subtle accessories that show personality
Final Tips
Dress one step above what you expect the company environment to be, it’s better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.
Do a trial run: Wear your full outfit before the interview. Walk around, sit, and move to make sure it’s comfortable.
Get everything ready the night before: clothes, shoes, résumé, portfolio, etc.
Confidence is key: When you feel like you look the part, it shows.
Now you’re ready to tackle job interviews, club interviews, and career fairs, looking and feeling your best!
