Human psychology is such that all of us judge a person by his or her looks and the way they present themselves. So when an interview panel sits to select one out of hundreds of candidates, the way the candidate dresses up is a major deciding factor.
That is why it is all the way more critical for an individual to dress up well for interviews. Till a generation ago, men dominated the general workforce and subsequently, the job interviews.
That is why there wasn’t much talk over the interview wear for women. However, times have changed, and with the emerging participation of women in the workplace, there has been a more complicated structure of what they should and should not wear to job interviews.
The fact that women have more options in terms of clothing gives them a more excellent choice when it comes to deciding what to wear on an interview.
While some women may opt for Indian wear, others prefer western outfits. Among Indian wear, women may wear sarees, salwar kameez, and Kurtis leggings during an interview.
For women who are more comfortable in western wear, formal trousers or skirts can be with formal shirts. One may also choose to wear formal dresses.
Different Types of Dresses For Interview:
This article speaks at length about the different ways a girl can dress up for an interview and discusses the things that she should keep in mind (concerning her attire) to cast a lasting first impression.
It is an excellent first impression that will be the first step for a girl to get the job of her dreams.
01. Solid Coloured Shirt with Mandarin Collars:
Solid colored shirts can never go out of style. Going for the ones with Chinese or mandarin collars is an efficient way of doing away with the need for any accessory.
As these are easy to maintain, you have the option of making a pick from a whole host of fabric choices.
You may need to either tuck in your shirt for the interview or let it flow. Make sure that you avoid sleeveless shirts and go for the ones that are half or full-sleeved.
02. Blouse with Bow:
While dressing up for an interview, you do not have to stick to single-colored shirts all the time. You may well experiment with styles, the prettiest of which will be that of bows.
These not only make you look feminine, but they also speak about your confidence. You may even wear formal trousers or pencil skirts with them. If your blouse with the bow is of a lighter shade, go for dark-colored bottom wear and vice versa.
03. A Classic Black Dress:
A perfect black dress is one interview dress idea that can never go out of style. Go for a dress that fits you well and skims the knee.
A black suit would suffice. In case you would want to go for patterns, choose the subtle ones. Wearing anything that stands out might not work in your favor on the day of the interview.
You can team your black dress with slacks or stockings to complete the look.
04. Printed Pencil Skirts:
If you are choosing to wear formal pencil skirts to the interview, you don’t need to stick to single colored ones. You may well go for those in pinstripes or prints.
However, take special care to ensure that the prints are not too flashy. Choosing ones in subtle hues will make you appear professional and well prepared for the interview.
05. A shirt with Black Pants:
If the organization that you are interviewing for is not very particular about formal wear, dressing up in a business suit for the interview will make you look out of place.
The smart thing here would be to cut it down a bit while still adhering to the interview decorum. You can team your black trousers with a shirt.
Preferably go for shirts that are of pastel shades. As most offices in India operate in AC conditions, you will be comfortable in such a getup.
06. Blazers:
The classic blazers never go out of style while dressing for formal occasions. While interviewing for an executive post, it is a good idea to wear a blazer. You don’t need to stick to darker shades.
You may well experiment and go for not must light-colored blazers but also for ones in small floral prints, stripes, or checks.
07. Solid black Pencil Skirts:
If you are selecting and like black color always then a black color pencil skirt is a good option for the interview because it can go with any color tops or a shirt.
As always this does not about look its will be comfortable for the interview.
08. Saree:
For those women who are more comfortable in Indian wear, there is no reason to switch from the same on the day of the interview. The saree is the national dress of India and is accepted formal wear in offices across all sectors in India.
However, while wearing the saree for an interview, make sure that your pleats are neat and that the pallu. You may opt for cotton or silk sarees with well-fitted blouses. Make sure that you avoid any form of zari and too much jewelry.
09. Salwar Kameez:
The salwar kameez is another comfortable clothing that one can wear to an interview. Make sure you choose a simple one that does not have too much of sequence work in it.
Also, the bottom wear has to be a salwar or a churidar and not a partial, palazzo, semi Patiala, etc. You may also choose to have the dupatta or veiled pinned during the interview.
Doing so will ensure that you are comfortable in your clothing and enable you to perform to the best of your abilities.
10. Kurtis Leggings:
The younger generation of Indian women prefers this as, and there is nothing wrong with wearing this on the day of the interview. Try to keep things subtle and o for solid colored Kurtis with contrast leggings.
Also, make sure that the Kurtis are sufficiently long and have decent slits. Try to go for Kurtis in straight cuts as they make one look more formal.
RELATED QUESTIONS
Is it Mandatory to wear Cotton or Linen Fabric While Dressing Up for an Interview?
In the western world, fabrics like cotton are considered formal wear. Practically speaking, cotton is prone to frequent crushing.
No matter how well you iron it if you have to use public transport to reach your place of interview, the chances are that the shirt will get crushed even before the meeting starts.
In such a situation, giving cotton a miss would be a smart idea. You can go for shirts in polyester and other wrinkle-free fabric.
Can Chinese Neck Kurtis be Worn to an Interview?
For women who do not wish to carry a dupatta to the interview, Chinese neck Kurtis is a smart choice. These not only make you look stylish, but they also bring about an air of professionalism.
However, make sure that the Kurtis is of a straight cut and asymmetrical. If you wish to carry a dupatta with a Chinese neck Kurtis, make sure that you neatly pin the same on one side.
What Type of Belts is Appropriate as Interview Wear for Women?
Irrespective of what your body structure is, you should go for thin belts while attending an interview. Leather belts in shades of black, brown, or beige would be the most appropriate. Ideally, the buckle should not be too flashy, and the color of the metal area of the buckle should match that of your wristwatch.
If your trousers firs you well, you may choose not to wear a belt at all. However, if you are tucking in your shirt, it will be a good idea to put on a belt irrespective of the fitting of your pants.
Should one have to Wear Closed Footwear While Wearing Indian Wear to a Job Interview?
Women don’t need to wear closed shoes while going for job interviews in Indian wear. However, make sure that the sandal does not have too much glitter or design in it.
It should preferably be in shades of the back, brown, or beige and must not make too much sound when one walks around in
