First impressions matter, and nowhere is this truer than in a job interview. The way you present yourself sends a powerful message about your professionalism, attention to detail, and respect for the opportunity.
Dressing appropriately for an interview is nothing new or novel, but in this post-COVID landscape, the return to in-person interviews after two years of interviewing in your pyjamas from the waist down and business professional from the waist up, the general understanding of fashionable, appropriate clothing for interviews has shifted somewhat.
Choosing the right attire is a balancing act, particularly in Ireland, where the culture of strictly dressing in businesswear is outside of the norm for most. With the range of opportunities available, crossing multiple industries, from traditional corporate environments to more casual and creative industries, there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to dressing for an interview.
Instead of turning to the same drab, boring suit and stuffy, formal blouse for every interview, learning how to dress for success can dramatically increase your chances of securing the job.
Understanding the workplace culture
The first step in selecting interview attire is researching the company. In Ireland, corporate roles in finance, law, or government typically require formal attire. On the other hand, tech startups, creative agencies, and hospitality roles may lean towards business casual or smart casual dress codes.
Before an interview, getting a feel for the company culture is a must for any prospective employee, especially when it comes to clothing. The best way to do this is to visit the company's social media pages.
Each company is a patchwork quilt that combines many different personalities in one shared environment, and dressing is a key part of this. Researching the current team ahead of an interview is a good way of determining the general vibe of a potential employer. For example, do staff dress in a way that shows personality and individuality while also remaining appropriate? If so, potential employees can use this information to influence their outfit choices for the interview with the company's hiring team.
If you’re unsure about the company’s culture, it’s better to err on the side of formality. Overdressing is generally more acceptable than underdressing, as it demonstrates that you take the opportunity seriously.
The corporate look
For interviews in traditional sectors, a suit remains the gold standard. Men should opt for a well-fitted suit in neutral colours like navy, black, or grey, paired with a crisp shirt and tie. Polished leather shoes complete the look. Depending on the cut and colour of the suit, a three-piece matching suit may be overboard, veering into wedding or ceremonial wear; err on the side of caution by leaving the waistcoat at home. For those opting for a black suit, avoid looking like a chief mourner at a funeral by pairing it with softer tones for the shirt and tie.
Dressing for a corporate situation as a woman is a different situation, one made easier and yet infinitely more difficult by the sheer volume of choice. Similar to male interview styles, a tailored trouser suit for women is a classic choice for a reason. Nevertheless, when it comes to women's suits in 2026, cut is key. With business casual as daywear projected to be a fashion trend in 2026/2027, corporate-inspired chic is expected to flood the high street in the coming months, but without the cut and fit of actual appropriate corporate wear. Whether you opt for a trouser suit, a skirt suit or a dress/blouse with a skirt and a blazer, finish the look with modest heels or a pair of nice flats and minimal, classic jewellery.
Business casual explained
Business casual is a popular dress code in many Irish workplaces, but it can be tricky to interpret. For men, chinos or dress trousers paired with a button-down shirt (tucked in ) and a well-fitting jumper or blazer strikes the right balance. Ties are optional but can add a touch of formality. Avoid trainers or runners, opting instead for polished loafers or brogues.
When it comes to business casual clothing for women, a pair of well-fitting trousers or a skirt coupled with a blouse, or a jumper with a cardigan or blazer is a classic choice for a reason. Shopping for business casual attire is a far easier process when you know where to go. Clothing company Zara has become well known recently for its range of 'basic' clothing, which is available all year round and is consistently stocked. These 'basic' items include flattering and comfortable high-waisted trousers that are available in a range of colours. Zara's 'Basic' line also includes a range of business casual appropriate jumpers, blouses and vests, all of which can be combined to create a fashion-forward, business casual outfit that is workplace appropriate.
Navigating creative and casual workplaces
In more casual or creative industries, such as media, fashion, or tech startups, candidates have more freedom to show personality while maintaining professionalism. For men, dark jeans or chinos with a blazer and a smart shirt can work well. Women might opt for a stylish dress or trousers with a statement blouse.
While casual workplaces offer flexibility, avoid overly relaxed items like hoodies, trainers, or ripped jeans. You’re still aiming to show respect for the interview process.
General tips for all interviews
Grooming matters: Ensure your hair is neat, facial hair is trimmed, and nails are clean.
Fit is key: Ill-fitting clothes, whether too tight or too loose, can distract from your qualifications.
Neutral palette: Stick to muted or neutral tones to keep the focus on you, not your outfit.
Comfort is crucial: Confidence is undermined by discomfort, so wear something that allows you to move and sit comfortably.
Final thoughts
Your interview attire is more than just clothing—it’s a statement about your professionalism and readiness for the role. In Galway's diverse workplace landscape, tailoring your outfit to the company culture while maintaining a polished and respectful appearance is the key to success. Dressing well might not guarantee the job, but it certainly sets the tone for a winning first impression.
