Dressing for job interview success is an essential part of your regular interview preparation, but when it comes to video interviews, it’s even more important.
With the rise of remote work, many businesses have added virtual interviews into their hiring strategy, carried out over video conferencing platforms like Skype and Zoom.
Naturally, when preparing for a virtual interview, you’ll need to place careful attention on your outfit. While your interview attire shouldn’t differ too much from a regular interview, there are some key points that you should focus on when dressing for a video interview.
So, without further ado, here are the dos and don’ts of what to wear at your video interview.
The dos of video interview outfits
Here are a few things you should consider when choosing your video interview outfit.
1. Avoid white clothing
If a white shirt is your go-to for a regular interview, you’re going to need to switch it up when you’re in front of a webcam. White can look overpowering on screen and will wash you out — obstructing the view of your face.
To ensure that your interviewer can clearly see your expression, opt for neutral tones like beige and camel, which are less distracting for the hiring team.
2. Add a pop of color
With a regular interview, you’re usually told to avoid bright colors unless you’re interviewing for a creative role. However, with the personal interaction taken out of the process, a simple pop of color can make a significant difference to your interview success.
A bold color will enhance your skin tone and make you stand out, instead of blending into the background with your regular black, gray or navy suit.
3. Wear minimal jewelry
Simple jewelry can enhance your outfit and dress up a simple blouse. However, big jewels and bright colors can be extremely distracting on camera.
That said, be mindful of the noise that accessories make too — you don’t want to annoy your interviewer with clunky bracelets that make it hard for them to hear what you’re saying.
4. Dress up your bottom half
Many candidates make a big mistake when they forget to dress their bottom half during a video interview process. For one, it’s been notoriously known that interviewers may ask candidates to stand up during a video call, and you don’t want to be caught out in your PJs now, do you?
Not only that but dressing in a power suit or dress can help boost your confidence and increase your chances of success. According to SUCCESS, wearing a red dress won’t only increase your confidence levels but give others the impression that you’re self-assured and assertive, too.
5. Wear makeup to highlight your features
Makeup is also a great confidence booster and can help highlight your best features on camera. Naturally, webcams are unflattering and tend to wash us out; to give your skin a healthy and natural glow, wear a light foundation or CC cream, and use concealer to brighten the area underneath your eyes.
Make sure you’re sitting in natural light, too. If you’re on the oily side, consider using a blotting paper and some powder before you join your call — you don’t want any shine to distract your interviewer from what you’re saying.
It’s essential to keep your makeup natural and neutral — as you would with a regular interview. Simply use mascara, brow pencil and bronzer to enhance your features and make yourself look more presentable on camera.
6. Match the occasion
Some people automatically assume that their interview attire should be more casual, as they’re interviewing from the comfort of their own home. However, they are mistaken!
You should still dress as you would for an in-person interview. Let’s say you’re interviewing with a big law firm and know that their staff wear suits to work; you need to ensure that you follow the dress code and wear a suit during your virtual interview, too!
7. Try your outfit before the big day
As with any big event, you’ll need to try your outfit before the big day. However, when it comes to video interviews, you should test your outfit on a call to see how it looks. A blouse or shirt may seem fine in the mirror, but when you’re sitting in front of a camera, the light may be unflattering and could even highlight the fact that your shirt is see-through.
Record your answer, and if you don’t like what you see, you have time to change your outfit and make a long-lasting impression.
The don’ts of video interview outfits
Now we’ve covered the dos, here are a few things you shouldn’t do for a video interview.
1. Wear stripes and loud patterns
Stripes and other patterned tops will not look good on screen. They’re unflattering and distracting to the viewer. Remember: the focus should be on you and not on what you’re wearing, so stick to solid and warm colors.
2. Wear ill-fitted clothing
An essential tip to follow in any interview scenario is to wear clothes that fit properly. You don’t want to wear something that’s either too loose or too tight. So, if you don’t have something that you feel comfortable in, give yourself some time to either take a trip to the tailor or your local department store to buy a winning interview outfit.
3. Show too much skin
This ties in with the previous point. Along with well-fitted clothing, you need to ensure that you’re covered up during your virtual interview. Save your spaghetti straps and sleeveless shirts for your weekend attire, and wear something that covers your shoulders.
That said, be sure that the material that you’re wearing is breathable — you don’t want embarrassing sweat marks, either!
4. Wear sparkles and shimmers
If you’re a fan of glitter, it’s best to save it for your weekend attire. Sparkles are even more distracting on camera than they are in real life, as the light reflects into the camera. Even if it’s a bit of glittery eyeshadow or a simple design on your top — avoid any shimmer at all costs!
5. Wear a black blazer
A black blazer may be your go-to for an in-person interview, but you might want to avoid your trusty jacket, as it can get lost in the shadows on camera and can risk making you appear washed-out. That said, if you’re not much of a color person, try wearing a hunter green or blue suit.
6. Wear clothing with writing on it
Although you might find a T-shirt with a strong motto printed on it empowering, your interviewer will not! Not only does clothing with writing look informal, but it could also send across a message that you’re a “loud-mouthed” job candidate and you’re set in your ways.
If you wouldn’t verbally say the words printed on your shirt, it’s probably best left at the back of your wardrobe.
7. Wear heels
Let’s face it: heels are uncomfortable at the best of times and will serve no purpose on a video call. In fact, if you do need to get up, the noise can be rather distracting, as it will echo on the call. Keep your heels safely tucked away for your video interview and opt for a simple pump instead.
8. Forget about your hair
It’s easy to forget about your hair when there’s so much focus on your outfit. However, it’s essential to make sure that your hair is well-groomed. You can style it in any way that is comfortable for you, as long as it’s kept out of your face.
To summarize, here’s a quick overview of what to wear:
Styling tips
There are other things to consider other than simply what you’re going to wear. Here are a few more tips to think about when preparing for your video interview.
1. Consider your surroundings
You’re probably wondering what your surroundings have to do with your video interview attire, but its role in your interview style is much larger than you think!
Let’s say you’re sitting in front of a white wall. You wouldn’t necessarily want to wear a white top, as it will blend into the background. Instead, wear something that contrasts with your background like a colorful top, for example.
2. Make sure your clothes are ironed
Whether you think it or not, the maintenance of your clothes says a lot about you. Clinical psychologist Dr Baumgartner and author of You Are What You Wear: What Your Clothes Reveal About You says: “Anything where it looks like you didn’t take the time or make the effort comes across badly”.
So, on this basis, it’s important that your clothes are clean and wrinkle-free. Turning up with sloppy attire may indicate that you have the same attitude toward your work.
3. Style your hair
Don’t turn up with messy or wet hair. While you might have just hopped out of the shower, it’s important to dry and style it before your interview. Wet hair gives the impression that you don’t have the best time management skills. If you don’t have time for styling, just tie your hair up in a ponytail or a neat bun.
4. Be comfortable
While this isn’t necessarily a styling tip, it’s important to be comfortable during your interview. Don’t wear clothes that are too tight and restrict your movement. Likewise, don’t wear something that is too baggy and makes you feel like you’re drowning.
As for your hair, don’t pull it back so tight that it’s giving you a headache or making you feel like you can’t move your head. It’s important to be as comfortable as possible during your interview, as it will show — even on camera.
Example outfit ideas
Do you need some more specific ideas on what to wear to a video interview? Let’s explore some options!
- Button-down shirt in a light shade of gray, blue or beige. Like we’ve said, intricate patterns and bright white tops can look disorienting on a screen. A shirt in a solid, light tone (emphasis on light — not bright!) is a safe option that’s almost guaranteed to exude professionalism. Just make sure it’s ironed and free of stains!
- Short-sleeved shirt in a slightly more vibrant tone, like sky blue. Although it’s generally inadvisable to wear very bright shades to an interview (unless, of course, it suits the nature of the role), some lively shades, like sky blue, are easy on the eye yet pack more of a punch than gray or brown.
- Pencil skirt in a dark, solid color, such as gray, black or brown. Remember: don’t pay so much attention to the upper half of your body that you end up keeping your sweatpants on underneath by accident! If you go for a skirt, pick one that’s knee length (at the very least).
- Chinos in navy blue, charcoal gray or army green. A well-fitting pair of chinos can look good on men and women alike. If you’re picking a dark shade for your top (such as navy), pick a lighter shade for your chinos (like sand), and vice versa.
- Blouse in a light shade, like cream, tan or almond. Loose-fitting blouses can look professional when paired with the right skirt or pants and accessories. If you’re going for that airy look, however, ensure that your top is not revealing.
- Button-down, sleeveless blouse in jade or sage green. In warmer months, you may like to consider a sleeveless top for your interview. However, crop tops and tank tops are not quite acceptable in an office setting!
- Two-piece suit with pants or skirt. You can never really go wrong with a two-piece suit. If your prospective workplace leans more towards business than casual, then a tailored suit can leave a lasting impression.
- Limited accessories in gold or silver tones. A wristwatch, a plain leather belt, and minimalist jewelry (like small hoop earrings or dainty band rings) can add a very subtle touch of bling to your outfit without distracting the person on the other end.
- Ballet pumps or wedge heel slip-ons in black or brown. Yes, it’s good to think about the shoes, too, even though the interviewer may never get to see them. Just stick to something that’s comfortable and won’t crush your toes; the last thing you want is to squirm uncomfortably in your seat.
- Polished business-casual shoes such as loafers, Derbys or Oxfords. Another great choice for any gender, timeless shoes such as Oxfords can complete just about any interview outfit, so long as they’re well looked after.
Final thoughts
Without the stress of locating and getting to your interview destination, you have more time to focus on your interview outfit and on-camera presentation. By following these tips, you’ll be ready to impress the hiring manager and shine in your next video interview.
Do you have any other questions about your interview outfit? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
This article is a partial update of an earlier version originally published on November 1, 2022, and contains contributions by Electra Michaelidou.
