It is generally better to avoid wearing leggings to an interview as they can often be seen as too casual.
There are a lot of variables when it comes to being good at an interview, and you certainly do not want to add to that list by not dressing “professionally.”
Leggings are comfortable, versatile, and easy to wear. They’re an essential element of a woman’s wardrobe, one she can wear for many occasions such as jogging, yoga, meeting friends, etc. That being said, there are certain times and places when you should avoid them.
In this article, I will be going over the dress code required at interviews and whether you can wear leggings or not.
Should you wear leggings to an interview?
In a job interview, the employer may frown upon your outfit if you turn up in leggings, especially if it’s a different formal workplace such as a law or financial firm. You run the risk of being labeled as “unprofessional.”
Once you’ve got the job, however, you may turn up to work in leggings, primarily if you work at casual places such as a fitness or a fashion studio. That being said, for an interview, even at these places, I suggest not turning up in leggings.
I know it sounds silly, but in the professional world, your attire’s sophistication decreases with comfort and ease of use. Unfortunately, we all have to adhere to it.
Plus, you don’t want to risk giving a poor first impression to the interviewer.
What to avoid wearing to an interview?
These are the things that you should avoid wearing to a job interview.
1. Overly casual clothes
This one is obvious. An interview is a professional setting, and turning up in anything that screams casual is seen as unprofessional.
Not only will you look out of place, but it also runs the risk of you being interpreted as someone who doesn’t care enough about the job and decides to wear a t-shirt and denim.
Items such as leggings, jeans, t-shirts, sweatpants, sweatshirts, etc., should be avoided at all costs.
2. Wrinkled clothing
When appearing for an interview, you have prepared for it and possess the skills necessary for the job, but you also need to look at the part. If you turn up in clothes that fit you poorly or are unclean or wrinkled, they will not enhance your presence.
3. Clothes that fit poorly
They make you look sloppy and unprofessional in the eyes of the interviewer. They’re also quite uncomfortable to wear, and that isn’t good, especially when you need to focus on the interview itself. Finally, being dressed poorly is not going to instill a ton of confidence in yourself, which you certainly need.
4. Too much make-up and accessories
An interview is a professional setting, and you are expected to be subtle in your dress. Too much makeup can be interpreted as being flashy, which is generally not ideal.
The same applies to wearing too much jewelry, accessories, or perfume. These things can often distract the interviewer from listening to the words that come from your mouth.
You want your outfit to enhance your chances of getting the job, not be detrimental to them.
What should a woman wear to an interview?
As a general rule of thumb when it comes to interviewing attire, remember to wear formal clothing when you’re in doubt.
Trust me; it is much better to turn up in a suit in an office full of people wearing casuals than wearing a polo and jeans at a workplace where everyone is donning a formal suit.
You can even use it as an icebreaker during the interview by laughing it off with the interviewer, thus establishing a rapport. Here are two types of outfits you can wear to an interview.
1. Business casual
Dressing up in smart or business casual should be the bare minimum for an interview. They’re a notch above pure casuals and fain between business formals and casuals.
Smart casuals include shirts, trousers, blouses, coats, blazers, sweaters, dress pants, flats, and leather shoes. As you see, these are all stylish garments but, at the same time, subtle and sophisticated.
Wearing these items will make you look the part, instill confidence in yourself and be comfortable doing it! Business or innovative casuals are some of the most common attire for interviews.
2. Formal wear
Yeah, we’re going for the big guns here. Business formals, or simply, formals, are the traditional type of attire that people wear to work, especially in a formal setting
If you are interviewing for a position at a traditionally formal workplace such as a law firm, consultancy firm, IT firm, etc., business formals are the way to go.
This includes a conventional tailored, matching suit paired with formal flats or loafers. For ladies, there are other options, such as pairing a blazer with pants or a pencil skirt. A traditional dress is also a great choice of outfit for an interview!
What colors to wear to an interview?
When it comes to interviewing attire, there are three things you need to keep in mind.
- You need to look at the part.
- No one should notice your outfit.
- It needs to make you feel confident.
Humans have a natural tendency to respond to the things around us, and colors, especially, tend to affect our psychological perception.
As an interviewee, you can use this to your advantage. Colors such as black, gray, blue, white, and brown are associated with qualities such as sophistication, trust, intelligence, power, etc. Wearing them is going to make you stand out and feel the part!
Brighter colors, such as yellow and green, are associated with positive qualities such as fun and happiness. Still, they’re not necessarily the best choices for a professional setting like an interview.
Final remarks
It is better to avoid wearing leggings to an interview as they are not generally seen as intelligent casuals or formal. They can be excused in specific workplaces, but as a safe bet, you should steer clear of them.
Smart casuals or business formals should be your go-to type for an interview outfit as they make you look like you belong there, you care about your appearance, and they also instill the confidence of the employer in you.
