What to Wear for a Job Interview in the Creative Field

Last Wednesday’s Dress for Success post talked about what to consider when dressing for a successful job interview in a conservative field. This post covers the creative work field.

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Dress for Success – Interview for a Job in a Creative Work Environment

All the points about neatness (makeup, grooming, wrinkle-free clothes, polished shoes, clean clothes, etc.) discussed for a job interview in a conservative field, apply also when you go to a job interview in a creative field.

You want to convey the message that you are professional, can fit in, but also stand out. Thus, you pick an outfit under the same considerations as for a job in a conservative field, but style it a bit less formal to send the message that you are creative.

What to Wear when the Interview Is Online

If the job might involve hybrid work, there might be also a zoom, skype or other online meeting involved as a first step to create a short list. Dress in all solid colors. Busy pattern like hounds tooth, glen-check, herringbone, polka dots create dizzying screens on the other side. It would come across as not only unprofessional, but also as you being unable to work from home. Also make sure that the background shows your at home office.

Tip: Prepare for questions like how do you stay sane when you work hybrid how do you stay sane when you work hybrid.

What to Wear: Fit in, but Show Your Creativity

The goal is to combine classic pieces with one item that shows your creativity. Here is how you can play this card out.

1. Black slim pants, tapered trousers, 3/4 pants, wide slack pants are great options. Pair them with a colorful or bright-colored solid shirt, may be with a camisole underneath. In contrast to the conservative work field, you can sport open-toe pumps when it is appropriate for the weather. Wedge or heel ankle boots are great options too. Go for a statement belt or accessory. Leopard, zebra, giraffe or snake print are great options for the belt, shoes or bag (but only one animal print at a time).
2. Another option is a black pencil skirt with a colorful printed blouse worn over the skirt and hold in shape by a statement belt. Add a large structured bag and black pumps.
3. In warm climate or summer, what about a solid color knee-length dress with pumps and bag in another color or with a printed structured bag or pumps?

Stylist’s tip: Never wear a hat or sunglasses inside at a job interview.

If it is a sunny day and you needed sunglasses for driving to the interview, take them off before going in. Do not shift them in your hair like you often do at the beach or for style on weekends. It’s too casual and gives the wrong impression that you can’t wait to get out to explore the town.

If your interview is in the middle of the winter, you will need a hat. Go for a hat that does ruin your blowout by giving you a hat head. Berets are great for curly hair and bobs. Always take the hat off immediately when you get inside. It is part of being respectful!

Also, take your gloves off. More on glove etiquette and style in this guide.

Remember,

Being overdressed is seen as respect, while being under-dressed conveys the message “I don’t care.” More on why it’s better to be over- than underdressed.

Wrapping Up Job Interview Outfits for the Creative Field

To dress for success for a job interview in a creative field dress like for a job interview outfit in the conservative field, but add one item that expresses your creativity. A work bag in a statement color or a designer bag in an unusual form from a barely known brand is a great way to convey the message that you see trends before others do.

You can more tips for professional outfits and various other dressing situations in midlife, in my style recipe book “How to Dress for Success in Midlife”. Buy your copy now.

Photos of me: G. Kramm

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