When you are meeting with a potential employer, you want to make a good impression. Dressing inappropriately will only serve to ruin your chances of getting the job. With that being said, some people may wonder if they can wear shorts to an interview.
The answer is a clear “no.” Never wear shorts to an interview. Dressing too casually or inappropriately isn’t acceptable for such occasions. There are many comfortable alternatives you can choose instead.
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Best Alternatives For Shorts
Feeling comfortable during your interview is crucial, but so is dressing appropriately. If you’re unsure about what to wear instead of shorts, consider these suggestions:
- Slacks
- A pencil skirt
- Dress pants
- Khakis
- Jeans (in a dark wash)
There are many other options you can wear that are both comfortable and stylish. For your next interview, leave the shorts at home!
Tops You Can Wear To An Interview
We’ve discussed bottoms, so let’s move on to tops. There are certain tops you should avoid wearing to an interview.
Tops To Avoid
Here are some examples of tops you shouldn’t wear to an interview:
- T-shirts with irrelevant prints
- Tank tops
- Hoodies
- Sports jerseys
- Cropped tops
These items are quite casual. Avoid anything too relaxed or sporty. Choose something that looks more professional.
Best Tops To Wear To An Interview
Not sure what to wear to your interview? Here are a few ideas:
- Blouses
- Button-down shirts
- Polo shirts
- Coats
Don’t go too casual. Dress like you’re meeting a potential client, because you are!
It helps to think about your whole look as one outfit rather than separate pieces. A smart top loses its effect if it sits over shorts or scuffed trainers, so match the level of every item: tidy trousers, a clean shirt or blouse, and closed, polished shoes. When you are unsure how formal to go, lean one step dressier than you think the workplace expects. Showing up slightly overdressed reads as respect for the role, while turning up too relaxed can quietly cost you before you say a word.
There are a few situations where the rule softens. If you are interviewing for a hands-on, outdoor, or seasonal job, such as a camp counselor or a role on a building site, neat shorts with a clean shirt may be accepted, and a working trial where you actually do the tasks can call for practical clothing. Even then, it pays to check first. A short, polite message to the person arranging the meeting, asking what staff usually wear on the job, takes a minute and removes the guesswork. If the answer is anything other than a clear yes, choose long trousers and keep the shorts for another day.
