Wearing jeans is a risk, but not necessarily a no. If you do, everything else better be dressed up: Think a great-fitting blazer, a polished blouse, the right heels, and accessories that elevate the look. Lee Ann Sauter, CEO and founder of Maris Collective, agrees. Her go-to interview look in the fashion and retail space: “A pair of jeans, a great-fitting jacket, and an awesome bag.”
Sauter adds, “Competence always overshadows [your clothes], so it’s important to feel good in what you’re wearing. We actually appreciate opinions and people who have their own style.” The goal is business-elevated casual: creative but grounded, stylish but strategic — and above all, confident.
Wear this:
- A sleek cardigan or suit jacket with a structured top, paired with wide-leg dress trousers or a midi skirt
- Statement jewellery or a bold silhouette that shows your eye for detail
- Loafers or polished closed-toe shoes that are stylish but functional
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For tech and start-ups: Think effortless with edge
Business casual reigns in tech. But don’t confuse relaxed with sloppy. This environment calls for an outfit that’s clean, modern, and efficient — much like the products you’ll be helping to build. Solid colours tend to look more elevated on camera and in person. Even in a casual environment, an intentional look can set you apart.
Rosette Pambakian, a marketing and communications professional who works with tech start-ups, put it best: “Most people know that when they’re interviewing at a tech start-up, they can keep it pretty casual. It’s hard to know what you’re walking into, but if you’ve done your research, you should have a good sense of the company culture.”
That said, casual doesn’t mean looking like you rolled out of bed. Pambakian’s go-to look for stepping it up? A fitted silk blouse, jeans, and polished flats. “Wearing the wrong outfit will make you look and feel uncomfortable, which will keep you from giving your best interview,” she says. And yes — even in a virtual setting, wear real trousers. It changes your posture, your energy, and how you carry your voice.
Wear this:
- A well-fitted, high-quality T-shirt or crewneck under a structured jacket or blazer
- Trousers with good tailoring
- Minimalist loafers or clean trainers, depending on the company’s dress code
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For nonprofit, education, and public sector interviews: Be professional with purpose
In these fields, mission matters. So does your presentation. Aim for modest, respectful business attire that balances formality with approachability. Think reliable, thoughtful, and ready to engage. Keep patterns simple, and stick to light-coloured or neutral tones. The goal is to show warmth and professionalism without being flashy. Your clothes should suggest you’re ready to do the work and stay awhile.
Wear this:
- A neutral or earth-toned blouse, collared shirt, or button-up with a knee-length pencil skirt or tailored trousers
- A structured cardigan or light suit jacket for layering
- Comfortable, closed-toe dress shoes you can walk in for an in-person tour. Read more on how to style loafers.
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For health care and sciences: Aim for clean, precise, reliable
While daily uniforms might include lab coats and scrubs, your interview outfit should still reflect professionalism. Business professional is the safest route, especially if the company culture leans formal. Stick to solid colours or soft patterns, and avoid anything too flashy. Your look should communicate precision, dependability, and respect for the clinical or research environment.