DRESS TO IMPRESS
Style /
June 2021
So to put it extremely lightly, this last year or so has been a bit of a doozy. From losing jobs, to quitting them, to graduations, and gap years, many people are looking to switch up their daily routines with new jobs or new careers. The good news? There are TONS of opportunities out there for people looking to move to something new. The downside? The rules have completely changed when it comes to the job search.
We know you have a ton of questions like “how do I fix my resume?” and “what should I write in my cover letter?”even “What do I wear to a job interview?” and “How do I prep?”
Well, here at Levi’s® we can help you with one of these questions, and one of them only: “What do I wear to a job interview.” For the other stuff, we highly recommend consulting another website that may be better equipped to help answer those questions. Something business-y maybe?
Anyways, back to the issue at hand: what to wear to a job interview, even if it’s virtual. We’ve put together 6 interview-friendly outfits for men and women that range from super casual for a zoom interview to super formal (read: business casual) so you can at least look the part—acting it is up to you and that business-y website though.
So without further ado, here is what you should wear to a job interview in 2021.
Business Casual
Don’t be deceived by the “casual” in the name, when dressing for a business casual interview—or biz caj as we like to call it—the first rule is to err on the side of formal. Not a suit but definitely no jeans. Think smart separates with a clean, streamlined look. Keep bold patterns and statement-making color to one key piece if you must, and temper the statement with neutrals or subtle patterns like windowpane or stripes.
Here’s what that looks like:
- We picked a straight-leg chino here with a traditional pleated front in a classic tan. It’s the perfect base for any interview outfit.
- Next, we added a fresh button-up in a subtle blue stripe. The pattern adds personality, while still serving as a nod to traditional suiting.
- A woven leather belt is essential with a tucked-in look.
- Finally, we add a dash of personality with a navy chore coat as an alternative to a traditional sport coat. The muted color blends with the blue of the shirt and complement the beige of the pants using a harmonious color palette to integrate a not-so-traditional piece.
- As a nod to suiting, we’ve picked a matching pant and blazer, but updated it with trend-driven fits like a paper bag waist, and oversized double breasted coat.
- We grounded the look in a solid neutral (beige) that serves as the perfect backdrop for a pop of complementary blue in the shirt.
- Puff sleeves and a high ruffled collar add a feminine edge to the traditional menswear pieces.
- Last, but not least, a polished bag leaves a good impression when you pull out your notebook. We chose a rich saddle bucket bag to match for a trend driven look that can’t miss.
Smart Casual
A step down from Business Casual is Smart Casual. This is for a job where you’re definitely not going to be in full business attire in the office, but you still want to be polished. Jeans are okay here—thank God—so this is kind of our wheelhouse. You definitely want to look put together, so stick with structured pieces and coordinated colors and patterns. There is also a little more wiggle room for self-expression, so don’t feel as restricted with the bright and the bold as you did in the business casual section. Smart Casual is all about fun, but, like, a work appropriate amount of fun.
Here’s what that looks like:
- So you’re gonna like these pants. The XX Chino EZ has a secret stretchy waistband and drawstring, but still looks ultra put together because of the traditional zip fly and belt loops. We’re all for the mix of comfort and style.
- Not only are these pants covertly comfy, it also has an ultra-chic plaid pattern that is giving us major ’70s vibes while still feeling like traditional menswear.
- We paired this bold pattern, with a clean white button-down to really let it shine, and added an easy black Trucker Jacket as an extra layer in case you get cold.
- We finished this look off with some sunnies and a sleek bag to get you from point A to point B. Point A being basic, point B being VIBEY.
- Okay, so this is where the jeans come into play. Here we’ve got a nice solid dark wash in a high-waisted straight leg that almost follows the same lines as your traditional work pants. Look quickly and you may even confuse them.
- Next we added a polished blouse in an on-trend ’90s floral. We love the way the volume in the puff sleeves and the flattering curved hem balance out the sleekness in the pants. Feel free to wear this tucked in to emphasize the waist.
- For accessories we’re going polished and simple with a trending twist. You’ve seen this bucket bag before, but we’re kind of obsessed with it, so you’ll forgive us for recommending it in a second color.
- We’re topping it all off with a timeless trench that you’re never going to want to take off. We’re wearing ours right now.
Zoom Professional
So if you’re remote, you’ve probably been working on your video conferencing app of choice (probably Zoom) for a while now, which means you’ve definitely pushed the limits of how ugly you’re willing to look in front of your coworkers in a meeting—at least we know we have. And while third day hair, an oversized college tee, and no makeup definitely have their place in the world (your couch), they’re also not what you want in an interview. So instead we’re recommending you amp up the polished look on top while maximizing comfort on the bottom. Just don’t get too comfortable (wear pants).
Here’s what that looks like:
- We’re starting strong here with shorts. We told you to get comfortable, and since no one is going to be able to see your lower half, we’re offering the elastic waist and loose fit only sweatshorts can provide. Cold? Sweatpants are an acceptable substitute.
- Next we’re offering a choice for your top. The more formal of the two is a button-down. Is it weird with sweatshorts? Kinda. Is anybody gonna know? No. We love that you’ll look polished and professional where it counts thanks to the foldover collar that says “I’m capable.”
- Your next option is a T-shirt. It’s less traditional, yes, but if the job is more of a “smart casual” type of thing anyways then a plain tee in a flattering color could be just the ticket. We recommend avoiding any major logos or extreme graphics. Stick to stripes and solids.
- Finally accessories, normally we’d give you a smart belt or sleek sunnies, but wearing sunglasses inside is weird and sweatshorts don’t have belt loops, so we’ll skip it this time around.
- Alright, so the only reason we’re not suggesting sweats here is that we have something better: the sweatpants of jeans. Our low pro jeans are the slouchy, low-slung boyfriend jean you never dread zipping up. Plus, this semi-dressed-up bottom will put you in the mindset to impress instead of nap—and you’ll probably want to do the former in your interview.
- Next, we’re keeping it simple with “no-iron” knits up top. These easy options never wrinkle so there’s no advanced prep time and no pulling and fussing in the meeting. Just throw and go.
- We recommend either a trending collared look that feels professional or a romantic blouse that feels feminine, but polished. No need to stress too much over the top, just make sure you’re not showing too much skin on camera. So no plunging necklines or spaghetti straps. Patterns and colors are welcome.
- Last but not least, we’re recommending some simple, classic jewelry like hoops or studs and maybe even a headband for a polished prep look.
