What To Wear (And What *Not* To Wear) To Land the Job—These Are the Best Outfit Colors for an Interview

On average, over 100 people apply for any given job. But only 20 percent of those people get a chance to interview for the position. That means there’s still a lot of competition before receiving that coveted job offer. So, it’s important when that interview comes to put your best foot forward. That includes being prepared. And preparation means everything from researching the company and learning more about the job expectations, to practicing what you’ll say in your interview. It also means deciding what outfit, and even what colors, to wear.

“The best colors to wear to an interview are those that are considered to be professional and respectable,” notes Travis Lindemoen, the founder of Enjoy Mondays. “Dress for the job you want: If you're interviewing for a job that requires you to be creative, you may be able to get away with wearing more colorful clothing. However, if you're interviewing for a job that requires you to be more conservative, you'll want to dress more formally,” he adds.

As you seek to find the right balance, you want to select the colors that send the right message. We take a look at the best colors to wear to an interview, what colors you shouldn’t wear, and what the colors you wear say to the person conducting the interview.

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Best Colors To Wear to an Interview and Why

Several colors are looked at as the standard for interviews.

Navy

“Navy is a classic color that is often associated with authority and confidence. It is a versatile color that can be dressed up or down, making it a good choice for interviews in a variety of industries,” Lindemoen explains.

Black

No matter what industry you’re in, experts say everyone should have the standard black outfit in their closet.

“Black is another classic color that is often seen as being professional and sophisticated. It is a good choice for interviews in any industry, but it is especially appropriate for conservative industries,” says Lindemoen.

Gray

Also, a more conservative color, gray indicates trustworthiness and reliability. “Charcoal gray is associated with sophistication, professionalism and stability,” notes Jeff Herzog, President of FPC National.

Brown

Warmth and stability are the qualities conveyed when you wear brown. It is a solid choice as an interview color.

Wearing colors that send a message of confidence and professionalism helps create you to make a positive impression. Online job sites, like Indeed.com, echo this advice on wearing the right colors and how it benefits you.

For the person sitting behind a desk or in an office building, these colors are what you’d expect to see. But what about for the actor, or instructor at a daycare, or a photographer? When the job you’re going for is less about structure and more about thinking outside the box, other colors may be just as acceptable.

“As workplace cultures evolve and become more diverse and informal, we're seeing more people experimenting with lighter and brighter colors. Pastels and neutrals suggest that you've put thought into your outfit and may indicate approachability and creativity, important traits in today's open-space environments where social skills are increasingly valued,” states Bayu Prihandito, certified psychology expert and founder at Life Architekture.

Related: Here’s How to Answer the Trickiest Interview Question So You Get the Job

Colors To Avoid Wearing to an Interview

While dressing for a job in the corporate world is different than dressing for a job on a movie set, there are still some colors that experts say are best to avoid altogether for an interview.

Red

Red makes a statement, but for an interview, it can be too much. Experts say it may be too flashy.

Orange

Orange also can be seen as flashy and attention-seeking. Orange may come across as unprofessional.

Yellow

Yellow is associated with being bright and cheerful; however, in interview settings, it may convey immaturity and lack of professionalism.

Green

“Green is a color that is often seen as being too casual or relaxed. It is not the best choice for interviews in more formal industries,” Lindemoen states.

Knowing what to wear is just as important as knowing what not to wear for an interview.

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How To Choose Colors for an Interview

A lot of factors go into choosing the color of your outfit for an interview.

Consider the Audience

The culture of the company makes a difference. What is their dress code? Are they casual and laid-back, where pops of color may work? Or is it a formal atmosphere with a corporate feel? Choose colors that fit the tone of the company you want to be a part of.

Consider the Color Itself

Different colors have different meanings. What is the message you are trying to convey and why? “Choose colors that suit the purpose and occasion of the interview. Opt for colors that align with the role you're applying for and reflect the industry's standards,” Herzog advises.

Consider Your Background

And after you take all of these factors into consideration, add your own individual style.

“Ideally you still want to feel yourself, you look your best with confidence,” states breakthrough expert and business mentor Jacquellene Lukich.

Even if you’re wearing the right colors, don’t forget the basics. Make sure your clothes fit well, that they’re clean, and are wrinkle-free. An interviewer will notice your presentation right away, and you want your first impression to be the right one.

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