Your interview outfit sends a message before you’ve even spoken a word. Get it right, and you’ll feel confident and professional. Get it wrong, and you risk making the wrong first impression—no matter how qualified you are.
This guide answers the most common question UK job seekers ask: what should I actually wear to an interview? We’ll cover appropriate attire for different industries, dress codes, budgets, and scenarios so you can walk into any interview feeling prepared and polished.
What Should You Wear to an Interview in the UK?
For most professional interviews in the UK, business formal or smart business casual is appropriate. This typically means a suit or tailored separates in neutral colours, paired with polished shoes and minimal accessories.
However, the “right” interview outfit depends on the industry, company culture, role level, and type of interview. A law firm expects different attire than a creative agency, and what works for a graduate role may differ from a senior leadership position.
The golden rule: when in doubt, it’s always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. You can remove a jacket, but you can’t add formality if you’ve dressed too casually.
Why Interview Attire Matters
First Impressions Count
Research shows that interviewers form initial impressions within the first seven seconds of meeting you. Your appearance communicates professionalism, attention to detail, and respect for the opportunity before the interview even begins.
Appropriate interview attire demonstrates that you:
- Understand workplace norms and expectations
- Take the opportunity seriously
- Can represent the company professionally
- Pay attention to detail
Confidence Boost
Wearing the right outfit isn’t just about impressing employers—it affects how you feel. When you know you look professional and appropriate, your confidence increases, which positively impacts your performance.
Psychologists call this “enclothed cognition”—the influence that clothes have on the wearer’s psychological processes. Dressing professionally can actually make you feel and act more professionally.
Understanding UK Dress Codes
Business Formal
Business formal is the most traditional and conservative dress code. It’s standard for interviews in finance, law, accountancy, insurance, and senior corporate roles.
For men:
- Dark-coloured suit (navy, charcoal, or black)
- White or light blue dress shirt
- Conservative tie
- Black or brown leather shoes (polished)
- Dark socks that match trousers
- Minimal accessories (watch, wedding ring)
For women:
- Tailored trouser or skirt suit in dark colours
- Blouse or tailored shirt (modest neckline)
- Closed-toe court shoes or smart flats
- Neutral or skin-tone tights
- Minimal jewellery
- Conservative makeup and hair
Smart Business Casual
Smart business casual offers more flexibility while maintaining professionalism. It’s common in tech, marketing, media, education, and many modern workplaces.
For men:
- Smart trousers (chinos acceptable in some settings)
- Button-down shirt or smart polo
- Optional blazer or sport coat
- Leather shoes or clean, smart trainers (industry-dependent)
- Belt matching shoes
- Jumper or cardigan (optional)
For women:
- Tailored trousers, smart skirt, or shift dress
- Blouse, smart top, or knitwear
- Blazer or cardigan (optional)
- Smart shoes (heels, flats, or ankle boots)
- More flexibility with colours and patterns
- Professional accessories
Smart Casual
Smart casual is the most relaxed professional dress code, typically seen in creative industries, startups, retail management, and hospitality. However, even “casual” interviews require thought and polish.
For men:
- Dark jeans or chinos (no rips or distressing)
- Smart shirt, polo, or quality T-shirt with blazer
- Clean trainers, loafers, or leather shoes
- Optional cardigan or jumper
For women:
- Smart jeans, tailored trousers, or casual dress
- Blouse, smart top, or quality knitwear
- Ankle boots, flats, or trainers (clean and minimal)
- Statement accessories acceptable
What to Wear by Industry
Finance, Banking, and Law
These industries maintain traditional standards. Always opt for business formal.
Safe choices:
- Conservative suits in navy, charcoal, or black
- Crisp white or pale blue shirts
- Traditional leather shoes
- Understated accessories
- Neutral colours throughout
Avoid:
- Bright colours or bold patterns
- Fashion-forward styles
- Open-toed shoes
- Excessive jewellery or cologne/perfume
Corporate and Professional Services
Accountancy, consultancy, insurance, and HR typically expect business formal for interviews, even if day-to-day dress is more relaxed.
Recommended:
- Well-fitted suit
- Quality fabrics that look polished
- Conservative accessories
- Neutral colour palette
Technology and Startups
Tech companies and startups often have relaxed dress codes, but don’t mistake this for an excuse to dress down for interviews.
Best approach:
- Smart business casual as a minimum
- Well-fitted dark jeans with blazer acceptable for some roles
- Quality fabrics and clean, modern styling
- Company research is essential—check their website and social media for clues
Consider:
- Tech interviews may focus more on cultural fit than formality
- Clean, quality trainers sometimes acceptable
- Still avoid anything too casual (no gym wear or distressed denim)
Creative Industries
Marketing, advertising, design, media, and arts organisations often appreciate personality in interview attire, but professionalism still matters.
Options:
- Smart separates rather than full suits
- More colour and pattern acceptable
- Individual style can shine through
- Quality and fit still paramount
Balance:
- Show creativity without looking unprofessional
- Avoid anything too avant-garde for first interviews
- Let your portfolio do the creative talking
Healthcare and Medical
Interviews for NHS roles, GP practices, hospitals, and care settings require clean, professional, conservative attire.
Guidelines:
- Business formal or smart business casual
- Conservative colours
- Closed-toe shoes
- Minimal jewellery (for hygiene considerations)
- Natural makeup, tidy hair
Important:
- If the role requires a uniform, they’re assessing if you understand professional presentation
- Cleanliness and tidiness are especially important in healthcare
Retail, Hospitality, and Customer Service
These interviews often assess your presentation skills since you’ll be customer-facing.
Approach:
- Smart business casual typically appropriate
- Consider the brand’s style—high-end retail expects more formality
- Well-groomed appearance essential
- Show you understand the brand aesthetic
For customer-facing roles:
- Demonstrate you can represent the company well
- Good personal grooming matters significantly
- Clothing should be clean, pressed, and well-maintained
Education and Public Sector
Schools, universities, local councils, and civil service positions typically expect business formal or smart business casual.
Recommendations:
- Conservative, professional attire
- Avoid anything too trendy or revealing
- Traditional styles work well
- Comfortable shoes if you’ll be touring the premises
Trades and Manual Labour
Even for hands-on roles, interview presentation matters.
Suggested attire:
- Smart casual minimum
- Clean, well-fitted clothes
- Avoid worn or dirty clothing
- Demonstrate you understand professional contexts
- If there’s a practical assessment, bring appropriate work clothing to change into
Seasonal Considerations for UK Interviews
Winter Interview Attire
British winters mean rain, cold, and unpredictable weather. Plan accordingly.
Practical tips:
- Wear a smart coat (wool or tailored, not puffer jackets)
- Carry an umbrella (compact and professional-looking)
- Arrive early to compose yourself after weather exposure
- Bring tissues for rain-dampened faces
- Wear weather-appropriate shoes with good grip
- Layer appropriately—buildings are often overheated
Smart layering:
- Thermal undergarments work under suits
- Wear a quality jumper under your blazer
- Have a second pair of shoes if yours get wet
Summer Interview Attire
British summers can be surprisingly warm, but professionalism shouldn’t slip.
Warm weather guidelines:
- Lightweight fabrics (linen blends, cotton, breathable materials)
- Still maintain formality—no shorts, flip-flops, or vest tops
- Men may skip the jacket in very hot weather, but bring it
- Women can wear sleeveless tops under a jacket or cardigan
- Ensure clothing isn’t see-through or too tight
Heat management:
- Arrive early to cool down in air conditioning
- Carry tissues or a small towel for perspiration
- Choose antiperspirant carefully
- Avoid heavy makeup that might run
Budget-Friendly Interview Outfits
You don’t need to spend hundreds to look professional. Here’s how to dress well on a budget.
Where to Shop
High Street options:
- Marks & Spencer (reliable suits and workwear)
- Next (affordable professional clothing)
- H&M (basic work pieces)
- Primark (budget basics that can be styled up)
- Matalan (value workwear)
- TK Maxx (designer brands at discount prices)
Second-hand options:
- Charity shops in affluent areas
- Vinted and Depop (online second-hand)
- eBay for specific items
- Facebook Marketplace
Building a Core Interview Wardrobe
Invest in versatile pieces that work for multiple interviews:
Essentials for men:
- One navy or charcoal suit
- Two white or light blue shirts
- One conservative tie
- Black leather shoes
- Black belt
- Dark socks
Essentials for women:
- Black trousers and matching blazer
- White blouse or shirt
- Black court shoes or smart flats
- Neutral handbag
- Skin-tone tights
These basics can be mixed and matched for different interviews.
Care and Maintenance
Make your interview clothes last:
- Hang suits properly on shaped hangers
- Steam or iron before each interview
- Check for stains, loose threads, or missing buttons
- Polish shoes regularly
- Rotate outfits to reduce wear
Common Interview Attire Mistakes
Being Too Casual
The most common error is underestimating formality expectations. Even in creative or casual industries, interviews require more polish than everyday office wear.
Examples of too casual:
- Jeans (unless explicitly smart casual and very dark)
- Trainers (unless clearly appropriate for the industry)
- T-shirts without a jacket
- Leggings or yoga pants
- Sandals or flip-flops
- Hoodies or casual sweatshirts
Inappropriate Fit
Clothing that’s too tight, too loose, or poorly fitted looks unprofessional regardless of quality.
Fit problems:
- Trousers dragging on the floor
- Sleeves covering hands
- Gaping shirt buttons
- Visible underwear lines
- Suits that pull or wrinkle excessively
Solution: Visit a tailor for minor adjustments. Basic alterations are inexpensive and make budget clothes look expensive.
Distracting Elements
Your outfit should enhance your presentation, not distract from it.
Avoid:
- Strong fragrances (cologne, perfume, or aftershave)
- Excessive jewellery or jangling accessories
- Loud patterns or very bright colours
- Visible logos or branded clothing
- Revealing or overly tight clothing
- Wrinkled or stained garments
Ignoring Company Culture
Research the organisation before your interview. A Google search and LinkedIn company page reveal a lot about dress expectations.
Red flags:
- Wearing a full suit to a startup that’s explicitly casual
- Dressing too casually for a traditional firm
- Not considering the sector norms
Poor Grooming
Even the best outfit fails if grooming is neglected.
Grooming checklist:
- Clean, styled hair (or neatly tied back)
- Trimmed, clean nails
- Fresh breath (avoid strong foods beforehand)
- Minimal, natural makeup (if worn)
- Facial hair neatly groomed or clean-shaven
- Shower before the interview
- Clean, pressed clothes
- Polished shoes
Special Circumstances
Video Interviews
Remote interviews have different considerations but professionalism still applies.
Video interview attire:
- Dress as you would for in-person interviews (full outfit, not just top half)
- Solid colours work better on camera than patterns
- Avoid pure white (can create glare)
- Ensure clothing contrasts with your background
- Test your outfit on camera beforehand
- Good lighting is essential
Additional tips:
- Remove distracting jewellery that might catch light
- Ensure hair is away from your face
- Neutral or minimal makeup photographs better
- Sit far enough back that hand gestures are visible
Second or Third Interviews
If you’re called back, consider slightly adjusting your outfit while maintaining professionalism.
Strategies:
- Same level of formality, different colour or style
- If you wore a suit initially, smart business casual acceptable for informal second rounds
- Take cues from interviewers—if they dressed down, you might slightly in round two
- Always err on the side of professionalism
Assessment Centres
Full-day assessment centres may include different activities requiring outfit adaptation.
Plan ahead:
- Wear business attire for formal presentations and interviews
- Bring smart casual changes if physical activities are scheduled
- Comfortable shoes if you’ll be on your feet all day
- Consider bringing a change of shoes
- Pack everything in a professional bag
Interviews During Pregnancy
Professional maternity wear is available and appropriate for interviews.
Considerations:
- Ensure clothing is comfortable for sitting
- Choose stretchy, breathable fabrics
- Maternity suits and blazers are available
- Focus on looking polished and professional
- Comfort is legitimate—you don’t need to suffer
Expressing Gender Identity
Wear what makes you feel confident and authentic while meeting professional standards.
Guidance:
- Choose the dress code category that fits your identity
- Professional standards apply regardless of gender expression
- Comfort and confidence matter
- UK equality law protects gender identity expression
- Focus on professionalism rather than traditional gendered expectations
Final Outfit Checklist
Use this checklist the night before your interview:
Clothing:
- [ ] Outfit chosen, clean, and pressed
- [ ] No stains, tears, or loose threads
- [ ] Appropriate for industry and company
- [ ] Fits well and feels comfortable
- [ ] Shoes clean and polished
- [ ] Backup outfit available (if possible)
Grooming:
- [ ] Hair plan decided (cut, style, or neat)
- [ ] Nails clean and trimmed
- [ ] Outfit complements your grooming choices
- [ ] Fragrance minimal or none
- [ ] Any visible tattoos or piercings considered
Accessories:
- [ ] Watch or minimal jewellery only
- [ ] Professional bag or briefcase
- [ ] Belt matches shoes (if wearing belt)
- [ ] Tights or socks (no holes)
- [ ] Coat suitable for journey
Weather preparation:
- [ ] Umbrella if rain expected
- [ ] Appropriate outerwear
- [ ] Backup shoes if weather is poor
- [ ] Tissues for weather-related issues
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear jeans to an interview in the UK?
Generally, no. Jeans are too casual for most UK interviews, even in relaxed industries. The exception might be very casual creative roles or startups where you’ve been explicitly told the dress code is casual. Even then, dark, undamaged jeans with a blazer is the minimum. When in doubt, choose trousers instead.
Should I wear a tie to an interview?
For business formal interviews (finance, law, corporate), yes, men should wear ties. For smart business casual or creative industries, ties are optional. If you’re unsure, wear one—you can always remove it if everyone else is tie-free. It’s easier to dress down than up.
Are open-toed shoes acceptable for women at UK interviews?
Generally no, especially for formal interviews. Closed-toe shoes are safer and more professional. In summer or for very casual interviews, clean, polished sandals might be acceptable, but closed-toe court shoes, flats, or ankle boots are always the safer choice.
What colours should I wear to an interview?
Stick to neutral colours: navy, charcoal, black, grey, or beige for main pieces. White, light blue, or subtle pastels work for shirts and blouses. Avoid very bright colours, neon, or loud patterns for conservative industries. Creative industries allow more colour, but ensure it’s tasteful rather than distracting.
Can I show tattoos at an interview?
This depends entirely on the industry and role. Conservative sectors (finance, law) generally expect tattoos to be covered. Creative, tech, and many modern workplaces are tattoo-friendly. When uncertain, cover visible tattoos for the first interview. You can gauge the company culture and ask about policies if offered the role.
What should I do if I can’t afford interview clothes?
Several options exist:
- Charity shops often have business attire for £10-30
- Smart Works (charity) provides free interview clothing for women
- Dress for Success supports women returning to work
- Borrow from friends or family
- Buy one versatile outfit and re-wear it
- Prioritise fit and cleanliness over brand names
Is it acceptable to ask about dress code before an interview?
Yes, it’s perfectly reasonable to ask when scheduling your interview: “Could you advise on the dress code for the interview?” or “Is the office business formal or smart casual?” Most recruiters appreciate candidates who want to dress appropriately. This is professional, not awkward.
Should I dress differently for phone interviews?
While they can’t see you, many candidates find that dressing professionally for phone interviews improves their performance. It puts you in a professional mindset. At minimum, avoid loungewear—your voice and confidence reflect your state of mind.
What’s the difference between interview attire and first-day-of-work attire?
Interview attire is typically more formal. Once you’ve started, you can match the office culture. Use your first week to observe what colleagues wear, then adjust accordingly. It’s always safe to slightly overdress for your first few days until you understand the norms.
Can I wear the same outfit to multiple interviews at the same company?
If it’s the same day or consecutive days, yes. If interviews are weeks apart, consider varying your outfit slightly while maintaining the same level of formality. Most interviewers won’t notice or care, but having options helps you feel fresh and confident.
Your Professional Image Matters
Your interview outfit is an investment in your career. It’s not about fashion or following trends—it’s about demonstrating professionalism, respect, and your understanding of workplace expectations.
The right attire won’t get you the job on its own, but the wrong outfit can cost you the opportunity before you’ve had a chance to showcase your skills and experience.
Remember: you’re not dressing for yourself. You’re dressing to meet or exceed the interviewer’s expectations and to show you can represent their organisation professionally.
Take Action Before Your Next Interview
Use this guide to prepare your interview outfit well in advance. Don’t leave it until the morning of your interview to discover your suit needs dry cleaning or your shoes need polishing.
Your action plan:
- Research the company culture and industry norms
- Choose or purchase appropriate interview attire
- Ensure everything fits well and is clean
- Try on your complete outfit 2-3 days before
- Check all grooming and accessory details
- Prepare backup options for weather or wardrobe emergencies
When you walk into that interview room knowing you look professional and appropriate, you’ll carry yourself with confidence. That confidence, combined with your preparation and skills, gives you the best possible chance of success.
Dress well. Feel confident. Perform brilliantly. Good luck.