You’ve made it past the first part of the application process and got yourself an interview- CONGRATULATIONS! This is the sentence I heard when I applied for the summer 2008 internship. I never imagined receiving a call for an interview (because I was still young) until my phone rang. I started panicking not only about what to say during the interview but also about what to wear!!

When it comes to job interviews, first impressions count. I may only have had seven seconds to make an initial impression, which means the clothes I wore play a key role. But no one ever told me what exactly I should wear to an interview. At first, I wasn’t sure what to wear to my first job interview, so I decided to send a quick email to the recruiter to ask about the dress code. I have made it to the JOB!

Follow my tips on how to dress to impress; avoid deciding what to wear on the day of the interview, do your laundry a day before, and stay away from adding too much jewellery and flashy colours (KEEP IT CLASSY & SIMPLE).

Are you prepared to make a terrific first impression?

Tip: If you are wondering what to wear to an interview, the most important thing to keep in mind is that you should look professional and neat regardless of the type of job you are seeking.

You may hear dress up in business professional (suit, dress, skirt with heels), business casual (pencil skirt or a pair of pants a dress with boots or ballerina), or casual (collared blouse with jeans or dress).

So, what should you wear?!

1. A Blazer Jacket

Blazers are a great addition to your interview wardrobe; you can combine blazers with various outfits that are simple, yet extremely versatile. Blazers look great with matching pants, a blouse, skirts, or even a plain dress.

2. Buttoned-Down Shirts

Guess what? Buttoned-down shirts don’t have to be boring! And you don’t have to limit yourself to the basic white, blue, or navy colours. There are many varieties, depending on the colours and the fabric like the sheer silk or chiffon. When you are shopping for buttoned-down shirts, remember that the neckline should be modest and covered. In addition, it is also a good idea to keep your shirt tucked in your skirt or pants unless it is a style that is designed to be worn not tucked in.

3. Detailed Blouse

A detailed blouse with a bow or lace makes an elegant look, which can be matched with either a skirt or formal pants. A plain formal pants or pencil plain skirt with a detailed blouse is a great way to make a business look you own. Depending on where you're being interviewed, you can add a formal jacket to dress up the look.

4. Go Classy with Black Dress & Tights

The most classy and simple look yet works for a business wardrobe is wearing a black dress with tights. A dress with a structured fit and nice details (puff sleeve or ruffle detail) is professional yet modern. Match the dress with textured tights and heels to give your outfit some classiness.

5. Statement Dress

A perfect addition to your interview wardrobe is a simple plain coloured dress (remember no flashy colours). With a simple little detailed dress, you need to add jewellery or other accessories such as a shawl. It is always important to make sure that the neckline, length, and sleeve are appropriate. Try avoiding short dresses, and low-cut and revealing necklines.

If your current wardrobe doesn’t fill you with confidence, don’t worry. With just a few tweaks, you can walk into that interview with confidence and style!

Figuring out what to wear to an interview doesn’t have to be a challenge. Just consider the standards for that workplace or when in doubt always go for simple looks!

Good Luck!