When preparing for an interview, there is much to consider, including what to wear and what questions you might face.
The right color suit worn at an interview will help establish the mood of your first impression and convey your professional savvy in an understated way. Here, we provide tips on selecting sharp suit colors, which will send your potential employer the right message.
The Power of Color Psychology
When selecting an outfit for an interview, it’s essential to consider color psychology.
The colors you choose to be your suit can significantly impact how people perceive you, giving them subtle cues about your personality and work ethic. Here, we explore more about what suit colors could say, psychologically, to your potential employer.
Navy Blue Suit: The Trust Builder
Navy is “a power color,” according to The Business Journals. “It connotes authority.” A navy suit conveys confidence, trustworthiness, and stability - all qualities any employer looks for in a candidate.
Navy is a less extreme choice and, therefore, more versatile across sectors than black. A Navy suit from Suits Unlimited pairs effortlessly with shirt colors ranging from traditional white to understated patterns, so you can express a flair for fashion without sacrificing professionalism. The Navy Blue can also signify loyalty and control psychologically, so it is a good choice for someone who wants to present themselves as reliable from day one.
Charcoal Gray Suit: Exuding Authority
Charcoal gray is one step below navy on the formality scale but just as good at commanding authority and professionalism. This hue works exceptionally well for younger job seekers or anyone new to their industry, as it makes up for in gravitas and intent what it lacks in experience.
Charcoal grey suits can also accentuate your stature and physique, which may make you seem more intimidating during the interview. It’s an advanced option that declares you mean business about your career aspirations.
The Black Suit: The Formal Statement
Due to their robust appearance, black suits command respect and authority and, as such, are a staple for ultra-formal functions and high-stakes meetings.
Of course, there are pros and cons to wearing black to an interview - when done incorrectly, it can seem very controlling and unapproachable.
In fields with more rituals and formalities, such as law firms or corporate executives, you could seek out Suits Unlimited and invest in a well-tailored black suit. It indicates discipline and leadership, but it must be balanced with a laid-back personality so as not to come off too strong.”
Light Gray Suit: Fresh and Flexible
A light gray suit is an excellent compromise for those interviewing in less conservative fields or the creative industries. This color implies adaptability and receptiveness, attributes integral to and highly sought after in fast-paced and creative settings. A light gray suit makes you look more modern and progressive; it may also be preferable for startups and companies with young work cultures. Light gray helps convey approachability, suggesting you are more approachable when interviewing potential team members or diverse groups.
Earth-Toned Suit: Industry Specific
Selecting earth tones like brown, tan, or olive requires a strong sense of the firm’s culture and the industry’s standards. These less traditional interview colors can evoke creativity, reliability, and well-roundedness. Splashes of spontaneity—an unexpectedly earth-toned suit, for example—in sectors like fashion, arts, or creative tech are delicate, even to signal an innovative approach or outside-the-box thinking. However, you must carefully consider context; it’s found that these colors work best in spaces that celebrate creativity and individuality.
Coordinating Your Look
How to Dress for an Interview - Suit, Shirts & Ties Combination
Choosing the correct shirt and tie type to match your suit is essential in creating a sophisticated and professional image. These things not only match the suit's color but also help improve your overall presence and make you stand out in an interview better.
Look at this detailed guide on coordinating your shirt and tie to various suit colors for a polished and sharp outfit.
With Navy or Charcoal Suits
Shirts: Light blue or crisp white shirts are great in soft navy and charcoal suits. These colors provide a clean, professional platform and increase the suit's formality.
Ties: Burgundy, blue, or gray ties complement navy suits. These tones help you keep a professional appearance while providing a little personal flair: silver or black tie for charcoal suits. You can also play with patterns like stripes or dots that incorporate shades of blue or red for something of a contrast that pops without threatening to upstage the suit’s serious tone.
With Black Suits
Shirts: When it comes to black suits, nothing beats the ubiquitous white shirt that provides the sharpest contrast possible, giving you a clean and prominent look. This pairing is classically tasteful, exuding authority and professionalism.
Ties: Use ties with subtle patterns or textures to break up the monochrome and add depth to the outfit. Silk or matte-textured ties can work exceptionally well. More moderate colors such as charcoal, deep red, or muted gold soften the contrast while still providing a proper ambiance that does not offend the formal tone of the black suit.
With Light Gray Suits
Shirts: Light gray suits are more versatile in terms of different shirt color choices. In addition to standard white, try soft pastels like pink, lavender, or even a light aqua. These are soft enough to give off a professional vibe but add warmth and personality to your look.
Ties: You can wear ties in darker shades of the same pastel colors to match light gray suits, for example, a dark blue or purple tie pairs nicely with a lavender shirt. Bold geometric designs or paisleys in other colors, such as navy, burgundy, or black, are also excellent choices for adding a modern and stylish edge.
With Earth Tones
Ties: A tie in either a clashing pattern or complementary colors works great with earthy tones. For example, a light blue or white shirt looks great paired with an olive or brown-colored suit. These colors help maintain a light, professional look.
Ties: To give an earth-toned suit a lift in another color, you might look at ties that stand out: burnt orange, deep green, or bright blue. You can also include patterns that feature earthy tones with splashes of brighter ones, which give your look visual interest and a touch of creativity.
Final Thoughts
When you pick a suit color for an interview, you want to mix professionalism with a little bit of personality.
We’re Suits Unlimited, offering performance men’s suits to look and feel your best at a great first impression. The important thing is to wear something that makes you feel confident and helps you be your most authentic self, not just some magic outfit you must wear.
When you prepare for your interview, ask yourself how your outfit contributes to the professional story you want to share and how your potential new coworkers might perceive you based on your look.
Click here to find the perfect suit at Suits Unlimited for your upcoming interview.
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