What to Wear for a Creative Job Interview | Interview Outfit Ideas | Dress for Success

Yes! Finally you landed an interview!  After sending out resume after resume, you got it!  Time to prep, study, and… figure out what to wear!!! 🙁  You tell yourself, “I want to dress for success, but this is a creative job..Do the same rules apply?  What to wear for a Creative job interview?“

When going on an interview, what you wear is just as important as what you say. And if you are interviewing for a Creative job position (think Fashion, PR, Marketing, Graphic Design Etc) it is sometimes even more important. Being in fashion myself, as well as in leadership positions for most of my career, I have experienced this first hand.  I have definitely fallen guilty of judging a potential candidate based on their choice of wardrobe.  What you wear for a creative job interview is so important especially if you are going to apply for a design position where looking the part can say a lot about your capability as a designer. I will never forget the time I interned at Polo Ralph Lauren. Everyone in the entire office looked like they just walked out of a Polo ad! It was almost as if wearing a RL Polo was the official uniform for the employees. At first I didn’t get it (hey I was only 20 years old at the time). But after a few months I got it completely. Soon I too was rocking my sporty polo and grosgrain striped belt!

What will get you hired?

One of the things I try to instill with all my clients is that employers hire based on 2 things; Confidence and Character (this is of course assuming that you have all the necessary skills needed to do the job). People want to hire people that are confident of themselves and people that they like and feel will ‘Fit in’ with the company culture. If you look the part, you will already have one up on your competitor.

You’ll want to show off your style and personality as well as fit in with the company aesthetics, but there is still one key missing- you should still look professional. Unless you are interviewing at ‘Baggy Ripped Jeans Company’, there are still some general rules and guidelines to follow, at least in my opinion, on what to wear for an interview;

Top 10 Tips on What NOT to Wear to an Interview

1. No ripped baggy jeans
2. Nothing that is dirty, has coffee stains, etc.
3. No sneakers (unless it’s an athletic brand or sneaker company). Yes I know sneakers of all types are in right now but save them for another time.
4. No tee shirts unless you paid at least $100 for it
5. No holes/distressed items even if they are intentional
6. Not too many accessories. Yes Iris Apfel is AMAZING but not many people can pull off the look like she can. Plus accessories can sometimes make a lot of noise which can distract from the important information you are sharing during an interview
7. No fabric tote bags.  I’m all for recyclable, reusable, and biodegradable materials-just not for an interview. Break out the leather and suede ones instead.
8. No open toe shoes. Now I know I’m gonna get a lot of slack for this one but most people, not all but most, do not have pretty feet. Therefore keep those tootsies covered up please. And if you must, at least make sure your pedicure is fresh!
9. No fur. Unless you are applying for a job at Fendi, fur can be very controversial.
10. No see through leggings.  I am a huge fan of leggings however when going on an interview, leave them at home!

So you know what not to wear, now let’s get to the chase.

What to Wear for a Creative Job Interview

Here are my top 7 Interview Outfit Ideas that are super chic and would work for almost any creative type. We’ve even labeled them just in case you needed a bit more help 🙂

1.The Graphic Artist

Wear something classic but with a twist.  In this case the sleeveless jacket vest and the floral pumps are both a new take on classic items.

2. The Art Director 

Denim to an interview?! If it’s faux, go for it!  Here the chambray shirt gives the feeling of denim yet it is still professional

3. The Merchandiser

Don’t be afraid of color. The right color can help convey the exact message you want to say about yourself. It can make you more memorable and stand out to your future employer.  Cobalt and Teal are great color combos.  And if you love neon- see how to wear it to the office here.

4. The Head Designer

Dare to be a little different. Play with different textures. Leather can be great for an interview as long as you keep it classy. (Keep those skin tight leather pants for after work ok).

5. The Gallery Assistant

Prints can be a great conversation starter and can even lead to talking about a favorite painting or artist. Just don’t wear anything too loud, especially crazy pants, for an interview.  This printed orange dress here is perfect and the white jacket adds a touch of professionalism.

6. The Magazine Editor

Save your black pant suit for an interview on wall street.  For creative fields use your black blazer in more fun ways.  Here we’ve shown it just draped over the shoulders for a professional yet casual look.

7. The Textile Designer

Let your accessories do the talking- Keep your outfit plain and add a fun necklace and clutch. Here the coral accessories say it all while the rest of the look is very clean and simple.  You can even add some faux glasses to give the added perception of intelligence!  Watch this video for some great accessory ideas!

Follow these tips and you will be sure you can Dress for Success! You can also download our Trend Report document to ensure you’re dressing accordingly.

Which interview outfit look is your favorite?  Have a look of your own that you’d like to share?  Let me know in the comments below.  

Now that you are a pro at what to wear, let’s get your interviewing skills down pat!  Schedule a career coaching session today and land the job of your dreams!

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