Jeans have become a staple in our everyday wardrobe. Whether you wear skinny jeans, high waisted jeans, or boyfriend jeans, most people have more than a few pairs in their closet.

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Jeans are ideal for running errands, wearing to school (unless you’re in private school), meeting a friend for coffee, even for work at some places.

However, is it okay to wear jeans to a job interview?

I’m going to answer that question as well as provide tips for the best interview outfit to help you land the job you want.

Can I wear jeans to an interview?

As much as jeans are commonplace in our everyday lives, it’s still not appropriate to wear jeans to a job interview.

Don’t wear jeans to an interview if you want to land the job.

Why? For the simple reason, you may miss out on the job you want because you chose to wear jeans.

It’s not possible to know if the interview thinks jeans are appropriate, so don’t take the chance of losing the job because you dressed too casual.

You might be interviewing for a company that sells jeans (such as a department store).

The interviewer may even be wearing jeans.

That still doesn’t make them appropriate for you to wear.

Once you are hired, it may be okay to wear jeans, but don’t wear to the interview.

There are lots of other options you CAN wear instead of jeans.

What to Wear Instead of JEANS to an Interview

Dresses

Dresses are an excellent option for interviews. The benefit of having a career dresses in your wardrobe allows you to have an interview dress ready to go a moment’s notice. You won’t have to think through putting together an outfit; just slip into the dress and you’re ready to go.

Tips for interview dresses:

Select dresses in conservative colors such as navy, black, or taupe.
Avoid overly loud patterns.
Select feminine silhouettes that aren’t too short, sexy, or flowing.

Here are some dress ideas that you can wear for an interview. Click on an image to shop.

Skirts

If you prefer to mix and match your clothes, separates are a good option. If you have multiple interview at the same company, having several skirts in your closet will help.

Tips for interview skirts:

Choose skirts that are knee length or longer
Avoid fabrics that are too formal such as lace, silk, or shiny satin
Go with simple patterns or solid shades such as black, navy, taupe, or red

Here are some skirt ideas that you can wear for an interview. Click on an image to shop.

Pants

Finally, pants are an interview option. Go for dress pants that are not too casual and adding work shoes elevates the formality of the pants.

Tips for Interview Outfit

Clothes don’t need to be expensive to make a good impression. But it is essential to make sure your clothes are clean, pressed, and stain-free. Also, avoid frayed or torn garments.
If you are questioning whether something is too low-cut, short, or casual…it probably is. Don’t risk it and choose something else.
If you’re digging through your closet and can’t find anything suitable to wear, ask a friend if you can borrow an outfit for the interview. Thrift stores are another way to buy clothes for just a few dollars. Many thrift stores now buy clothes that are new or gently worn and only a season or two out of date. Since you will be wearing something conservative for an interview, that style changes much more slowly than trendy clothes, and you should be able to find an outfit effortlessly.

Best of luck landing the job you want!