Your dress style says a lot about you. It’s, in fact, one of the first things that people see about you. You must therefore dress right if you intend to give interviewers an excellent first impression and increase your chances of landing the job you desire. However, to know what to wear or not for an interview, you must know the right color combinations. Getting your colors right can communicate to the interviewer that you are confident, professional, and can fit nicely into a given workplace. So, which color should you wear? Let’s find out.
Prioritize Neutral Colors
It’s recommended that you choose neutral colors over bright colors. Bright colors are generally ‘noisy’ and can draw too much attention, which you should avoid, especially on your first day showing up at the workplace. You don’t want people remembering you for your outfit and not job qualifications. The best neutral colors for a job interview include black, brown, gray, and navy. You can also put on a white blouse or shirt, a highly revered color.
Wear A Color That Matches The Office Environment
You should find out more about the company’s work environment before selecting a color. Remember, the right color choice tells the interviewer that you would fit the company’s culture well. For example, neutral and solid colors work for conservative offices and are the right choice if you are interviewing in one.
On the other hand, a little extra color can work for casual offices such as non-profit organizations and startups. Consider wearing softer colors, such as pale blue, when interviewing for a role in such offices to convey a degree of personality without doing too much. What happens if you don’t know anything about the company’s culture? Wear conservative colors, i.e., solid and neutral.
Wear A Color That Matches The Job You Are Interviewing For
Consider the job you are interviewing for before settling on a color. Specific positions like art-related roles allow you to get more creative with your colors. You can throw in bright colors to bring out your sense of style. However, be sure not to do too much.
If you are interviewing for a top executive role, then conservative colors such as neutral or solid colors will work. You can also add some bright or bold colors to your attire for such positions to convey authority. However, ensure that bright colors do not dominate your outfit, or you will soon become the center of attention, and not for the right reasons.
Prioritize Solid Colors Over Patterns
As we mentioned, it’s important to avoid drawing too much attention to yourself on your first time at your new potential workplace. Avoid colors that will distract interviewers from focusing on your skills and what you can do in the workplace, which is why you need colors such as solid dark gray, navy, or black for your suit or dresses.
Solid colors make you look more professional and less distracting, which is crucial if you want to be taken seriously in an interview. If you have to wear patterns, consider small patterns like thin pinstripes, which are less distracting.
Different Colors And What They Say
Different colors portray different things, which explains why taking your dressing style seriously is important. Our minds respond differently to colors as they evoke various responses, meaning that what you choose to wear will significantly influence what the interviewer thinks of you at a glance. Here are the different colors and what they imply:
1. Navy Blue
Navy blue is one of the best neutral colors to wear for interviews. It can communicate confidence, calm, and trust- attributes employers need in their employees. Darker shades of blue such as navy blue, can also communicate authority and come in handy for top executive positions.
2. Brown
You should consider including brown in your attire as it is a neutral color that communicates calmness. It is a good option for conservative interviews.
3. Red
You can also consider including a dash of red in your interview attire. Red can communicate passion and energy when worn right, given its bright, powerful qualities. For example, consider wearing a red scarf or tie to spice up your dress and convey passion.
4. Black
Black is one of the most popular colors in existence. It is recommended for suits and dresses thanks to its commanding effect. Wearing black can therefore communicate authority and power, making it the perfect choice for top executive positions interviews. You should also consider wearing black when attending an interview in a conservative environment such as a school office.
However, note that black may not be the best choice for casual offices and work environments such as NGOs and startups where you shouldn’t be seen as unapproachable. However, you can consider using black as an accent color to convey a little bit of authority in such settings.
5. White
White is a great color option in casual and conservative settings alike. However, it should only be worn in shirts and blouses. It can convey a level of truth and simplicity. It can also be a great addition to your attire as it adds some brightness.
Colors To Avoid In A Job Interview
These are some of the colors worth avoiding when interviewing for a job interview:
1. Orange
Even though orange is a common color that can work for casual environments if worn right, it’s not recommended for job interviews. It is mostly seen as unprofessional and can harm your chances if you are interviewing for a top-executive position or a role in a conservative work environment.
We also understand that orange is associated with creativity, but to succeed in your interview, consider a color that makes you look more professional and dependable.
2. Color Blends
A little bit of color can add to your pomp and fashion, but wearing too many colors may not solve your interview attire problem. This is because bold colors are more often than not distracting and can therefore prevent the interviewer from focusing on what matters the most- your skills and experience. Even though some colors are usually great when paired right, it’s better to avoid them altogether lest they get out of hand.
3. Too Much Red
Wearing red is not a bad thing in itself. However, too much of it can be disastrous, especially in some interviews. Given its powerful and energetic quality, red can be just as distracting as other bold colors if over-worn. The best decision if you have to wear red is to use it as an accent color.
Additional Tips For Picking The Best Color For Your Interview Attire
Some of the things to do and remember when picking the best color for your interview include:
1. Make Sure that You End Up With A Neutral Color As The Dominant One
To end up with the right, less-distracting attire for your interview, ensure that the primary color is a neutral color such as brown, navy, gray, or black. Bright colors are also recommended, just that they have to be limited. Using colors such as red as an accent can help portray authority, which comes in handy in top-executive position interviews.
2. Use Accessories To Boost Your Confidence
Confidence is critical when attending interviews. Therefore, consider spicing your attire with jewelry and other accessories after getting the color right. Therefore, look carefully at your wardrobe and find something that boosts your courage and conviction. Make sure you walk into the interview room with all the confidence you can obtain and convince the interviewer that you are best suited for the job.
3. Think About Your Interview Audience
Who are you going to face in your interview? What do they expect from you? Understanding your audience and their expectations can help you pick the right colors for your interview attire. For example, consider wearing solids over patterns when appearing before a team of investment bankers or the management team of a conservative firm. On the other hand, you can explore your creativity as much as you want if your interview audience is made up of artists and models.
Additional Tips
Also, focus on other aspects of your dressing, not the only color. Once you have the right color combinations, remember to do the following:
- Ensure that you put on something comfortable. Avoid wearing clothes or shoes that are too tight, as they are usually noticeable.
- Do not over-accessorize. Only put on accessories that complete your clothing. For example, you don’t need face piercings or head scarves when going for an interview.
- Remember to iron your clothes. Ironing your clothes make you look neat and presentable, qualities interviewers need in an employee.
Conclusion
Even though most interviewers care more about your skills and experiences, you still have to give them an excellent first impression. Wearing a color that portrays authority and professionalism can increase your chances of landing a job. Settle for solid and neutral colors if you know little about your potential work environment.