6 Australian creatives share their failsafe job interview outfits

“Traditionally professional and personally stylish.”

Job interviews are très stressful – there are so many nerve-wracking factors to wrangle with. One aspect we have control over, however, is what we wear. Fashion has the ability to communicate a helluva lot about a person in mere seconds. Cover letters can only say so much; a pair of Maison Margiela Tabis can (arguably) say more.

The success of a job interview outfit is even more imperative when it comes to creative industries. What you choose to wear will allow your prospective employer a glimpse into your style and personality.

Looking for more ways to procrastinate? We’re with you. Come on over to our Fashion section. 

A trusty blazer and a pair of bold pants is the way I tend to go. For you, it might be a crisp button-up or a printed dress. To bank up more outfit inspiration, I talked to six Australian creatives about their ultimate job interview outfit.

Daniel Hanslow, he/him, photographer and creative director

When going for a job interview or meeting potential clients to pitch my next creative concept, I aim for an elevated-meets-relaxed look. I find this reflects a qualified yet approachable personality. My go-to is always a suit.

My women’s high-waisted tapered trousers from The Frankie Shop are a perfect staple for this kind of look. To avoid looking too corporate, I always add an oversized blazer to bring an edge to the final ’fit. This particular blazer is vintage Ferragamo. There is something so special about finding a beautiful designer piece that was previously loved by someone else.

I always like to add a touch of colour and show a little vibrancy. My Dion Lee Crinkle Sunfade Tank is the perfect reflection of my personality and adds warmth to the overall look. The final touch is to accessorise. I picked a shoe that’s refined yet borders on edgy – my Prada loafers are just that, a fresh take on a classic style.

They’re an item in my wardrobe I couldn’t live without. My first designer purchase was my Prada bag which I take everywhere and it matches perfectly with the shoes. It’s important to remain true to your own style while also having that added layer of elevation that makes you stand out.

@danielhanslow

Aleska Servian, she/her, writer and buyer

My background is in fashion and I’m currently working in the designer beauty industry, so I love elevated pieces that can boost my confidence and showcase a bit about my personal style. My absolute failsafe interview outfit combination is a white shirt, power jacket and tailored pants.

I love this Cue cape blazer I purchased from a secondhand consignment boutique I used to work at, it makes the outfit look sharp and unique. To play a bit with texture, I love to incorporate tailored leather pants. These are Zara, also purchased secondhand.

And finally, I invested in a good classic shirt I can style in several different ways and wear for many and many years. The one I’m wearing in the photo is Cos. Always dress like yourself and be comfortable, and you’ll ace that interview!

@aleska.servian

Ruby Staley, she/they, content producer and writer

Although I’ve only ever endured a handful of job interviews in my life, I would definitely go for some variation of this outfit if I was going for a new job. Working in the creative industry, I feel like it’s important to look both traditionally professional and personally stylish when meeting potential employers.

Here, I’m wearing an almost entirely thrifted ’fit including a pair of tailored pinstripe pants and an Issey Miyake-esque pleated blouse (professional check). I’ve paired it with my favourite pair of platform Docs, a bright oversized trench and a pleated navy bag (creative check). I also never go anywhere without my over-the-head-headphones so they would definitely come along with me for moral support.

@rubystaley_

Vanessa Li, she/her, content creator and Founder of Bloom By Her

One of the key things I took away from my time in law was to wear what makes you feel and project confidence. For me, my goal for an interview outfit is to give a strong first impression of my style and overall vibe.

My go-to outfit combination for a classy, feminine look is always a white top, black skirt, kitten heels and a black leather bag (large enough to fit a small notepad and pen to take notes during the interview). Here, my knit top is from Dior, my black skirt is actually a maxi skirt from Lover, my heels are from Anine Bing and my bag is Prada.

As for jewellery, you can never go wrong with gold earrings and a matching necklace. For more formal, corporate interviews, I’d recommend wearing a clean-cut white shirt with a black midi skirt, leather pumps and (possibly) a matching black blazer.

@vnessali

Crimson Dunstan, she/her, account director at Leaf Comms and co-founder of Flowerbed Nails

Denim plays a big role in my wardrobe, life and personality. For me, it doesn’t feel exclusively casual. A pair of tailored straight-leg jeans with a leather boot, loafer or brogue is my go-to – I leave sneakers for the second interview!

I’m a big fan of masculine tailoring like exaggerated shoulders and structured shirting, but a cool blazer is something I go back to when I want to feel chic. I feel like I’m about to show a ritzy client around a gallery, that’s the level of confidence I’m looking to exude.

Working in fashion, you can never go wrong wearing something from a prospective client or employer. Even if it’s subtle, it warrants brownie points employers most definitely pick up on.

Finally, I leave hair and makeup subtle and, for the most part, natural. It’s not as much a choice, rather just how I style both on an everyday basis which makes me feel more comfortable! An interview is not the time to experiment with your new Airwrap or eyeliner hack you saw on TikTok. The experience is stressful enough!

@crimsondunstan

Harriet Nixon, she/her, content creator

I wore this suit to my interview for The Somewhere Co. and have now treated it as my go-to confidence outfit! I put on some weight last year and a lot of my clothing doesn’t fit anymore. I had to buy some new clothing and I rarely buy new but I sought after a badass suit set to boost my confidence.

I always go through a set of criteria before I buy new. I ask myself if this is a want or a need, an outfit I’d wear once or a long time, whether I own something similar and what I already have in my wardrobe that I can pair it with.

I found this one on Showpo and felt as if it was made for me. I’m curvier on the bottom and find blazers unflattering on my shape as they hug, but the oversized fit was a selling point for me. Last week, I wore it at an eCommerce conference (my first big girl conference!). It will be my go-to interview outfit for a long time. As I was going to interview at a very colourful company, I wanted to look the part. As colourful and fun clothing is my jam, it worked in my favour!

@hattienixon

Some answers have been edited for clarity.

Need more help landing on your job interview outfit? Watch this.