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What to Wear for Your Virtual Interview (Depending on Your Industry)
This is not the time for mullet dressing.
Navigating what to wear as you work from home is strange. But even stranger is the process of selecting an outfit for a virtual job interview. Interview dressing is all about looking capable, polished, and, to some extent, by-the-book. Remote-work style, on the other hand, is lawless. A sheath dress with a cashmere shawl and some tie-dye socks? Sure. A button-up and blazer with pajama shorts? We’ve been there.
But when it comes to dressing for your virtual interview, we take a firm stance: Get fully dressed, including shoes (that haven’t seen the outdoors for several days, of course). Wearing shoes inside might feel weird (I’m half Korean, so to me, it feels extremely weird)—but that’s kind of the point. Looking the part isn’t just for your potential future employer’s sake; it also helps you feel the part. (Plus, wearing shoes will remind you that just because your feet are off-camera doesn’t mean you should prop them up on the table mid-interview.) Here are virtual-interview outfits for five different industries, modeled by M.M. employees.
What Is a Virtual Interview?
A virtual interview is any interview where you’re not meeting in person. If you’re asked to do a virtual interview, chances are, the hiring manager will expect you to be on video—typically over Zoom or Google Meet.
Virtual Interview Outfits by Industry
Below, find our guide to comfortable and appropriate interview attire for ten different industries.
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Education
The breezy Fatima dress strikes a balance you know all too well if you’ve been living on Zoom for the past year. It’s got enough going on—subtly patterned fabric in a light color—to make an impression on camera, but it’s not distracting. Plus, it’s machine-washable and can be worn with or without the sash (personally, I prefer it without). Complete the outfit with the Claressa earrings, and add a jardigan—a much stretchier alternative to a suit jacket—if you’d like some more coverage.
Consulting
You’ll want to keep things fairly buttoned-up for your prospective consulting job—even you don’t have an in-person interview. Sticking to neutral colors is always an option, but opting for a rich jewel tone instead will give your look that extra something. Try the Woolf jardigan in vine for a vibrant splash of color. The Lagarde shirt in alabaster is a no-brainer, since it’s easy to layer and machine-washable (stress sweat is real), and the matching Foster pant completes the business casual look. Finish your look with the Lyssa earrings, then go forth and speak confidently, with your feet firmly planted in your memory-foam-soled Ginger pumps.
Tech
If the trendsetters of the tech industry really want you to wear a T-shirt to work, so be it. The Soyoung T-shirt is made from ultra-luxurious pima cotton, placing it a league above the tees you wear to walk the dog. Pair it with the Hyo jacket, which has a drawstring in the waist so you can choose how much definition you’d like. Simple gold hoops will complete the I-tried-but-not-too-hard look. You’ll look like you’re wearing a suit on your Zoom interview, but you’ll be way more comfortable.
Fashion
At the risk of being obvious, if you’re interviewing for a position in the fashion industry, you’ll want to look fashionable. And I can’t think of a better way to show you’ve got style than with the gorgeous Lilia jacket—undeniably modern, but with vintage vibes that your future colleagues will surely appreciate. Bring the color palette full-circle with the Paige tank in ivory and the Milo jeans in tusk—a complete outfit you’ll be eager to show off in an actual office someday. Pro tip: When wearing this look for video interviews, find some natural light that will make you (and your intricately knit jacket) shine.
Startup
You may not associate business attire with bright colors, but startups tend to have relaxed dress codes, so feel free to mix things up. Stand out from the super-casual masses by wearing the Leo pullover, which has a more laid-back look than your standard button-down, but sharp lapels that place it firmly in the interview-friendly zone. Pair it with other light neutrals for a look that’s fresh, cool, and perfectly professional. Not sure what the dress code is? Here’s the bottom line: Err on the slightly more formal side, then, once you get the job, see what other people wear and go from there.
Media
Media tends to be a fairly casual industry, but not in a tech-bro-hoodie type of way. What I’m saying is: Don’t be afraid to have some fun with your interview outfit. A colorful top, like the Leo in rosewood, will make you stand out in a good way, as will the (surprisingly lightweight) Mardy earrings. Pair these pieces with the Rowley skirt in rosewood to create a monochrome look that’s perfect for gleefully twirling around your apartment after they offer you the job on the spot.
Government
If there was ever an occasion for a power suit, it’s your government job interview. But here’s the thing about the power suit: it’s only powerful if you feel like your best, most confident self when you wear it. That’s why you should choose something that’s professional but has personality, like the pleated Gaia jacket and polished Foster pants. The V-neck Peggy top is an essential you’ll wear again and again, and the multicolored Jojo earrings will add a unique touch.
Law
You should dress conservatively for your law interview, but that doesn’t mean you need to wear a black suit. Try navy for a look that’s fresh and summer-ready (dare I say nautical?)—but also fit for year-round wear. For your underpinning, stick with a crisp, light-colored button-down. The machine-washable Nora top has a beautifully draped neckline to give your Zoom look some interest—and it looks great with jeans for your post-interview stroll around the block.
Finance
When you wear red, you exude confidence—exactly what you need when the person in your screen is grilling you on the ins and outs of your resume. Offset the vibrant color with a crisp white shirt, and tie it all together with complementary light-colored trousers. (Warning: You might feel compelled to take mirror selfies in this outfit. Do it—and then send them our way.)
Healthcare
If you work in the healthcare industry right now, you deserve mood-boosting colors and machine-washable fabrics. The Darcy top in purple jasper is polished and professional, and it looks great on Zoom. Wear it with the dark navy Curie pants and slightly sparkly Grace loafers.