Work outfits that will get you dress-coded, from marmite colour to no-no blouses

PREPARING for a job interview can feel stressful enough without worrying that your outfit could affect your chances of bagging the role.

But your chosen clothes do play a crucial role in making a positive first impression.

so what colours should you be considering to hep make your job interview successful?

The men’s fashion experts at Blake Mill have teamed up with fashion psychologist and stylist, Joanna Karamanis, to reveal the eight popular colours that can make or break your job interview. 

And once you’ve bagged the position, you may still want to keep these tips in mind to avoid being dress-coded in the office.

White

“The myth that white looks smart and suits everyone is exactly that – a myth”, says Joanna.

“If you don’t have a cool undertone, it can look like you are wearing a uniform, so my advice is to aim for off-white or even cream, allowing you to come across as more approachable.”

Pink

Joanna reveals: “Pink can work for formal interviews, but wear with caution.

“Pink can make some skin tones appear as if it is blotchy and under stress.

“People with warm skin tones should consider a peachy shade instead.”

Black

“While a black shirt or blouse isn’t ideal for an interview and should be avoided”, argues the fashion psychologist.

“A black suit or dress is stylish and professional”.

Blue

Joanna says: “Blue is a typical and reliable colour for work and acceptable in lots of industries; it suits an array of different skin tones and represents a smart and put-together look.

“However, it is seen as slightly more casual in some industries, so just ensure it suits the industry you are applying for”.

Green

“From army green to bright emerald, there is a wide array of greens to choose from”, Joanna admits.

“If you are keen to wear green to an interview, make sure you know about the dress code of the company you are going to meet.

“For example, pale green is more formal, whereas a bright one
is more ‘fun’ or flamboyant, and army green looks more casual.

“So it’s key to pick the right one that suits you.”

Red

Joanna advises: “Red represents power, passion, and impact; it’s a bold statement and standout colour, but is generally less suitable for a job interview and can come across as informal.”

Purple

“Although it’s not seen as a formal colour, purple can be great for a lot of skin tones, especially if you are hoping to work for a design agency or in fashion”, she continues.

“Purple represents royalty, luxury, and, in some cases, extravagance.

“However, it tends to be a ‘marmite’ colour; people seem to love it or hate it, and if you wear it to an interview, it could therefore be a hit or miss, depending on the company you’re interviewing for.”

Teal

“Teal is a casual colour, so although you could own a fabulous jacket or suit in teal wool, I wouldn’t advise wearing a teal shirt or blouse to a job interview unless once again you know it’s a great colour on your skin tone and you know the company you are talking to is more
relaxed with their dress code”, urges Joanna.

It’s not just colours that can make an impact in the office, Joanna has also warned against certain types of shirts to avoid too.

She revealed that loud prints, casual fabrics such as denim or flannel and wrinkled shirts should all be avoided.

Likewise, graphic tees can be “distracting and unprofessional” while overly bright colours are considered distracting.

Joanna concludes: “The clothes we wear not only influence our self-perception but also shape how others perceive us.

“Selecting outfits that align with your identity and values enhances confidence and can significantly impact professional interactions.”