What To Wear To A Retail Interview (With Examples)

When you step into a job interview, the first thing that an interviewer for a retail position will be evaluating is your attire. You want the hiring manager to see an experienced, professionally dressed potential employee when they look at you.

We will go over how to choose the perfect retail outfit for your interview, provide examples of what you want, and provide places where you can buy these clothes.

Key Takeaways:

• When dressing for an interview, stick with plain professional colors and patterns to keep the attention on you and not your clothes.

• If you are interviewing for a management position, dress more formally than you would an associate position.

• Make sure you clothes are clean and not wrinkled before going into your interview.

What to Wear for a Retail Job Interview

Most retail jobs that you find won’t be expecting more than a business casual look. Even though you probably won’t need to interview for a retail position in a formal suit and tie, there are still some rules you should follow for looking your best and making a positive impression before even saying a word. Here’s how to dress for an interview:

1. Plain, professional colors and patten. When you’re going into a job interview for a retail company, even if you have a funky personal style, it’s best to choose an uncomplicated color scheme for an initial meeting. A solid color neutral blouse or layering with a cardigan sweater is good.

   You don’t want to take too much attention away from your credentials and skills with your clothes. Try to keep your outfit neutral and simple.

2. Clean and neat clothes. One thing that can make an interviewer lose interest in hiring you is dressing sloppily. You should prepare the outfit you wear to a retail interview properly. That means washing and ironing your clothes the night before, as well as showering and getting ready accordingly the morning of the interview.

   Being organized and clean with your interview appearance can make an enormous difference in how an interviewer perceives you. You want your potential employer to see you as prepared and well put together. That starts with your outfit.

3. A conservative outfit. A job interview isn’t the best place to make a grand fashion entrance in a low-cut dress or cut-up jeans. Make sure that the outfit you choose is conservatively cut.

   You don’t know the person interviewing you, and an outfit that’s too flashy or revealing can have a negative impact on their opinion. It can come off as unprofessional and most retailers will want their potential hires to consider this before showing up to an interview in something inappropriate.

4. Appropriate shoes. No matter how casual the interviewer may have come across when they arranged the meeting, professional shoes are a must. An interviewer will look to see what shoes you decided to wear because it says a lot about your overall look.

   Examples of Appropriate Shoes for A Retail Job Interview:

   • Neutral close-toed flats

   • Loafers

   • Lace-up dress shoes

   • Low heels with a closed-toe

   Examples of Inappropriate Shoes for a Retail Job Interview:

   • Sandals

   • Athletic sneakers

   • Very high heels

   • Brightly colored shoes

5. Dress more formally if Interviewing for a management role. Supervisory roles require more responsibility and skill than other positions. Candidates for these kinds of jobs are often expected to dress a little more formally than an entry-level associate would in order to reflect this distinction.

   If you’re interviewing for a retail management role, do some research on the company’s dress code policy. You’re not looking to show up to an interview dressed too stiffly.

   Just some extra professional touches to give you the look of someone who can be trusted in a supervisory position.

Examples of Business-Casual Interview Looks

1. For Women

   You want your retail job interview outfit to make a great impression. As a woman, this can be done with a little more creativity. A monochrome dress, knee-length skirt, or shirt and pants outfit can all be an excellent interview look for women if they choose the right pieces. Try to produce a cohesive and organized outfit. The first step to being a professional is dressing like one.

   You should also utilize appropriate accessories to highlight your style choice. Consider adding one of your smaller pieces of gold jewelry or a simple handbag to give your look an extra edge.

   Example Dress Outfit for a Retail Interview:

   • Dress

   • Shoes

   • Handbag

   • Hair Clip

   Example of Skirt and Top Outfit for a Retail Interview:

   • Skirt

   • Top

   • Tights

   • Shoes

   • Face Mask

   Example of Pants and Button-Down Outfit for a Retail Interview:

   • Button Down

   • Pants

   • Shoes

   • Handbag

   • Earrings

2. For Men

   It can seem like men have a bit less freedom when it comes to their options for interview outfits. However, men’s business casual style is broad. There are a few different professional looks for men that are likely to catch a hiring manager’s attention from the very beginning of the interview.

   If you’re going into a casual retail interview, consider opting for a neat sweater and button-down.On the other hand, if you’re interviewing for a management position, it might be better to wear a more business formal suit outfit.

   Evaluate your circumstance, and do some shopping around to see what styles will be both professional, and express your personality.

   Example of a Suit Jacket and Pants Outfit for a Retail Interview:

   • Button-down shirt

   • Tie

   • Suit jacket

   • Pants

   • Shoes

   Example of a Sweater and Button-Down Outfit for a Retail Interview:

   • Sweater

   • Button-down

   • Pants

   • Shoes

   • Watch

   Example of Business Formal Outfit for a Retail Interview:

   • Suit

   • Tie

   • Shoes

   • Computer bag/briefcase

Examples of How to Wear Accessories to a Retail Interview

A tasteful accessory can either compliment an interview outfit or completely overtake it. The key to dressing for an interview is for your outfit to be a neutral background feature. Your outfit doesn’t have to be boring, but it shouldn’t be distracting.

Accessories can be a tool in making your retail interview outfit unique without being unprofessional. You should be looking for pieces that add to your ensemble. Consider how you would react as an interviewer if a candidate was wearing the accessory you choose.

Where Can You Find the Perfect Outfit for a Retail Job Interview?

You can find the perfect outfit for a retail job interview at several popular clothing stores.

Unless you’re a seasoned retail employee, landing an interview can leave you scrambling for a professional interview outfit. Consider the following retail options for your next business-casual interview look.

1. Nordstrom Rack. Nordstrom Rack is a daughter company of the luxury department store, Nordstrom. It’s known for providing brand names to women, men, and children at an extreme discount. They have a wide collection of business-casual attire and work-appropriate looks on a budget.

   Nordstrom Rack is an excellent option for entry-level candidates who may not have hundreds of dollars to spend on an interview outfit, before even landing the job.

2. ZARA. ZARA is another well-known retailed catering to both male and female professionals. This organizations’ business casual clothing has more of a fashionable feel. ZARA retailers are available for both in-store and online purchases.

   Since the company is very fashion-motivated, you may have to do a little bit of shopping around before you find the perfect interview piece.

3. Express. Express is an American company that supplies clothes to both men and women. Much of their clothes fall under the category of “interview appropriate” even if they’re not marketed as workwear. Express regularly has deals and comes out with new clothing lines based on seasonal changes.

   From basic professional tops to appropriate dresses and shoes, Express will have you covered on most of your business-casual needs.

4. Banana Republic. The Banana Republic, a GAP-owned corporation, has a collection dedicated to business casual looks aimed at men and women. In addition to professional attire, Banana Republic has a large selection of accessories available, including handbags, face masks, and jewelry.

5. Everlane. Everlane is a minimalistic-style clothing brand, making a lot of their products ideal for a neutral interview outfit. The products featured by Everlane are at a higher price point than some of the other retailers on this list. A full interview outfit may run you over $200.

   However, Everlane features quality products that are made to last for years to come. Investing in a business casual piece or two from this retailer can come to serve you for professional interviews long into the future.

6. J. Crew. J. Crew is a retailer that sports a variety of conservative-leaning clothing options. The general style of the brand makes it a great option for business-professionals to find interview outfits. If you incorporate a lot of cardigans, button-downs, and blazers into your work attire style, this is the retailer for you.

   While J. Crew can be a little more expensive than some of the other brands with business casual clothing, you’re making an investment attire that will likely last long beyond the interview you buy it for.

7. HM. HM is an internationally-known retailer that specializes in low-cost, but high-quality clothing. While this store isn’t necessarily only for work clothing, many of their pieces are both stylish and can look impressive in an interview. Check out their dresses and sweaters for your next retail interview.

   HM is a solid alternative for job applicants who are new to the workforce or simply can’t afford to spend a lot of money on a new interview outfit. You can easily craft an interview outfit for less than $100.

Retail Interview Outfits FAQ

1. Can I wear jeans to a retail job interview?

   Yes, you can wear dark jeans to a retail job interview. Khakis or dress pants are always the best choice, but dark, neat jeans paired with a dressy top can also be appropriate for a retail interview.

   If you’re interviewing for a management role, however, it’s a good idea to dress more formally.

2. Can I wear a hoodie to a retail interview?

   No, don’t wear a hoodie to a retail interview. Hoodies and other athletic-inspired wear are too casual for a job interview. Instead, wear a nice blouse, button-down shirt, or sweater.

3. Should you bring anything to an interview?

   Yes, you should bring copies of your resume, a references sheet, and a notepad to your interview. Your notepad can also include notes such as the main qualifications or accomplishments you want to highlight and questions you want to ask the interviewer.

References

1. Purdue Global – How to Dress for Every Type of Job Interview

2. University of North Texas – HR Reveals What You Should (And Shouldn’t) Wear to a Job Interview

Author

Sky Ariella

Sky Ariella is a professional freelance writer, originally from New York. She has been featured on websites and online magazines covering topics in career, travel, and lifestyle. She received her BA in psychology from Hunter College.