Have you ever searched for “Business Casual Interview Attire Female,” while trying to prepare for an upcoming job interview without success? If so, you’re in the right place!
For many careers overdressing for an interview is unnecessary. In fact, if you overdress it will appear as if you don’t fit into the company’s culture.
On the other hand, dressing poorly will tell the interviewer that you don’t care and may cost you the job.
So what does one wear to wear to a casual job interview?
The good news is learning what to wear to a casual job interview is easy.
Here we will discuss what to wear to a casual job interview for women.
Business Casual Interview Attire Female – Definition
Business casual is less formal than traditional business clothing but still professional enough to be office-appropriate. For women, this typically means a blouse or top, sweaters, pants or skirts, business casual women’s shoes, and bags/totes.
When to Wear
- Entry Level Restaurant Jobs – Any non-management job at a fast good restaurant such as cashier, or team member. If you are interviewing at a high-end restaurant and you are interviewing for a front-of-the-house position such as a server you may want to consider dressing formally.
- All Entry Level jobs in retail. This includes positions such as cashier, people who manage inventory (stock shelves), store associates, janitors, etc.
- Call Center Jobs – people who answer the phone and process. orders
When NOT to Wear
- High-End Restaurants.
- Banks (this includes entry-level positions, such as tellers).
- Airlines – If you are facing the customer then you want to dress formally (flight attendant, crew member, etc).
- Retail – High-End Retail such as a place to buy men’s suits when you want to dress formally.
What NOT to Wear
Before we discuss stylish business casual outfits for your upcoming interview, let’s hit on the DON’Ts:
- No jeans
- No low-rise pants
- No cropped pants (shorts, skorts, or capris)
- No yoga pants
- No strapless or spaghetti strap tops or dresses
- No sundresses
- No plunging necklines
Business Casual Interview Attire Female (Tops and Blouses)
When selecting a top, you want to pick something that is not overly tight or revealing. However, this is your opportunity to bring in a fun punch of color! Go with a color that makes you feel confident and that you are comfortable wearing. Muted florals and prints like polka dots, paisley, and geometric are all acceptable. If you feel great, it will shine through in your confidence level.
Shirts may be tucked in or worn out. If your top is not tucked in, make sure it covers the waistband of your pants.
Some acceptable necklines include collared, boat neck, scoop, or v-neck (keep modesty in mind!).
Business Casual Interview Attire Female (Sweaters)
A cardigan is often a smart-looking and stylish business casual option. Stick with a fine knit that fits well and is not too baggy.
You can always add a belt to the outside of a longer cardigan for a stylish business casual outfit.
Business Casual Interview Attire Female (Pants)
When wearing pants to an interview make sure that they fit you well, that they are not wrinkled, and have no rips or frayed hems.
Sticking with neutral colors is probably best, especially if you are going to pair them with a brightly colored or patterned top. Colors like black, grey, navy, or beige are all good business casual outfit ideas.
And remember, no jeans!
Business Casual Interview Attire Female (Skirts)
Pencil, A-line, and pleated skirts are all excellent choices for interview attire. As with pants, keeping with neutrals like black, grey, navy, and beige is best.
Again, keep modesty front of mind when selecting your skirt. Hemlines should be approximately knee-length (an inch or two above or below is fine). Also, if your skirt has a slit, make sure it is not too high and that it is appropriate when you are seated.
Business Casual Interview Attire Female (Shoes)
When selecting business casual women’s shoes, you have many excellent options. Heels, boots, flats, and wedges are all appropriate. Go with what you are comfortable with. If you never wear heels, don’t bust out a pair for
your interview. You want to be as confident and comfortable as possible.
Reserve color for flats and heels. Boots should be a neutral color and simple in style.
Business Casual Interview Attire Female (Bag or Tote)
My number one tip for selecting a bag to bring to an interview is to select one that is large enough to hold your stuff (think: copies of your resume and references, portfolios, notepads, phone, etc.).
Make sure that your bag is well organized, as you don’t want to appear disorganized by rummaging through it to find something.
It should go without saying that gym bags, duffel bags, and plastic bags are all not appropriate for an interview.
A stylish laptop bag, satchel bag or classic tote are all great options.