A job interview is more than an opportunity to showcase your skills and credentials. It’s an intense situation that requires the entire package: confidence, poise, professional attire. What you wear in these interviews sets the tone of your prospective employer’s opinion of you. That said, there are a few essential items that will make any interview shine — including the one with a teen! If you’re looking for outfit ideas for teens, this list covers most bases, from leather pants to work-appropriate pencil skirts and blouses. For a teen job interview, here are the 30 pieces of clothing that you can’t afford to go wrong:
Table of Contents
- 1. The Business Casual
- 2. The Formal Interview Suit
- 3. Business Black Tie
- 4. The Casual Interview Dress
- 5. The Nice Outfit
- 6. The Jeans and a Shirt Suit
- 7. The Knitwear Suit
- 8. The Tailored Suit
- 9. The Fancy Suit
- 10. The Pencil Suit
- 11. The Tuxedo
- 12. The Dark Suit
- 13. The Striped Suit
- 14. A Mid-length Dress
- 15. Smart Casual
- 16. Black Trousers
- 17. Black High Heels
- 18. Button-down Shirt with Slacks
- 19. Casual Skirt
- 20. Chinos
- 21. A Collared Shirt
- 22. A Polo Shirt
- 23. Pantsuit
- 24. A Sweater
- 25. Denim Jacket
- 26. Sweatpants
- 27. Sport Coat, Slacks and Dress Shoes
- 28. Suit Jacket or Coat with Jeans
- 29. Henley
- 30. V-neck
1. The Business Casual
The business casual is the attire of choice for most interviews. This means jeans, khakis, or slacks with a collared shirt or blouse and tie. If you want to take it up a notch, you can mix it up with some loafers or dress shoes.
2. The Formal Interview Suit
Tailored fabrics such as wool and worsted wool make for a professional-looking suit that shows off your best assets — your shoulders, arms, and legs! It also makes for an interview outfit that’s highly unlikely to set off any alarms at the airport security line.
3. Business Black Tie
If you’re interviewing at a bank or an executive-level job, a black-tie is the only correct way to show up. Generally, this means a tuxedo or tuxedo-like suit (think: vest, jacket, trousers, and tie), but in some situations (like summer weddings), the option for the black-tie is not allowed.
4. The Casual Interview Dress
Dress shirts are the best choice for any job that isn’t in a business setting. You can go for lighter colors and patterned shirts for start-ups or companies with younger employees!
5. The Nice Outfit
Sometimes you’ll have to settle for a job interview over lunch or at the end of a workday instead of in person. There’s an outfit solution for this too! Wear your best pair of khakis or slacks with a collared shirt and nice shoes (maybe even throw in a tie if you’re going downtown).
6. The Jeans and a Shirt Suit
This is the classic interview outfit. It’s clean cut, it’s professional, and it says you’re confident. As long as your shirt color is close to the blue denim color of your jeans, this work outfit will do wonders for you.
7. The Knitwear Suit
If it’s cold out, don’t think you’re going to need a suit! Instead, a nice sweater is a great alternative look that can keep you warm and comfortable at your interview.
8. The Tailored Suit
If you’re going to be interviewing with a more conservative company, try to find a suit that has been tailored to fit well and make you look sharp. Then go for a solid, dark color like navy blue or khaki. Finally, use a crisp white shirt as the tie for your outfit for a sleek look.
9. The Fancy Suit
Rather than fall back on your basics in an interview setting, try going for one of these fancier outfits if you see fit! You can mix up the classics by choosing an elegant suit or blazer in dark colors that are clean and stylish.
10. The Pencil Suit
If you’re going for a more casual look and don’t want to wear slacks, try a pair of dark skinny jeans with a collared shirt and some nice shoes. You can add an accessory like suspenders or a belt to add some color and pizazz to your interview outfit for an exciting twist.
11. The Tuxedo
A tuxedo dress code almost always means that a white tie is the only acceptable way to wear your outfit. Your choice of the shirt will have the most impact on your overall look if you choose to go this route!
12. The Dark Suit
A dark color suit gives you a professional and conservative look that will allow you to feel comfortable at your interview. While it’s traditional for a tuxedo, a dark suit can work just as well in many situations.
13. The Striped Suit
Stripes are among the most popular choices for men because they add a little bit of personality to an outfit but aren’t as distracting as other patterns. You can pair them up with just about any shirt and tie combination, and it’ll look streamlined and professional in an interview setting.
14. A Mid-length Dress
Mid-length dress is a good point for a teenager who hasn’t been to many interviews before. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Just try to avoid anything too short, as it will set the wrong tone for an interview.
15. Smart Casual
Outfits with skirts, jeans, trousers or pants. This is a good mix of business casual and smart casual, so it will not stand out too much against the interviewer’s dress code.
16. Black Trousers
Not only are black trousers the perfect color to wear to an interview, but they can also be dressed up or down depending on the occasion, and they’re professional and stylish.
17. Black High Heels
Black high heels come in handy anytime you want to dress up for an event such as a job interview because they look polished and chic.
This is the best option if you want to give off a professional look, and it is always appropriate. This is a safe option, as it provides structure while still looking professional. The shirt can be tucked in or left out depending on the specific job and climate.
19. Casual Skirt
You want to make an excellent first impression with your interviewer, so try wearing feminine but still professional.
20. Chinos
Chinos are the best options to give off a modern look. You can also wear colors and patterns in these mediums, giving the appearance of being creative.
21. A Collared Shirt
Collared shirt is a safe bet in most cases as it is neutral and professional. In addition, you can pair it with jeans or chinos to create a unique look that suits you.
22. A Polo Shirt
A Polo shirt can be worn by itself or paired with pants, depending on the job and situation. Your goal should be to avoid wearing anything that will make you stick out like a sore thumb in a room full of business-casual attire.
23. Pantsuit
Pantsuit or trouser suit is a safe bet as it will help you stand out from the crowd, but still look professional and polished.
24. A Sweater
Sweater is a good option that comes off as creative without sticking out like a sore thumb. You can also add colors if you feel like injecting some life into yourself in an otherwise sterile environment.
25. Denim Jacket
Denim jacket is unstructured and effortless while looking business casual yet polished. The jacket can be worn with pretty much everything under it, including shirts, t-shirts or polos!
26. Sweatpants
Casual doesn’t have to mean sloppy! Keep things comfortable yet stylish by teaming your sweatpants with a button up shirt, blazer, loafers or boots depending on where you’re headed. You can see more ideas with sweatpants
27. Sport Coat, Slacks and Dress Shoes
This combination is perfect for more formal occasions. The untucked shirt gives a relaxed vibe that’s perfect for interviews!
28. Suit Jacket or Coat with Jeans
This is an outfit that can be worn for more formal occasions yet still gives off a more relaxed vibe by pairing the jacket or coat with jeans instead of dress pants!
29. Henley
This type of henley shirt can be worn alone as a casual piece or under something else for a more dressed up look!
30. V-neck
A v-neck is perfect for those who want a more casual look while still looking professional. This type of shirt is a great way to wear a dress shirt on the casual side! You can wear it by itself or something else for a more dressed up look!
