Shopping·9 min read

16 Pieces That’ll Make Getting Dressed for a Job Interview as Worry-Free as Possible

keyhole top, vest top, shirtdress
Design: theSkimm | Photos: Banana Republic Factory, Ann Taylor, J.Crew
September 5, 2025

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While pre-interview jitters are completely normal, the last thing you want to be overthinking on the big day is what to wear. That’s why we’re firm believers in the one-and-done outfit (aka the single pieces you can throw on that’ll have you feeling put together with little-to-no effort). PS: These are good enough for virtual interviews, too.

Looking for more affordable, stylish clothes? Here’s what to wear when working, traveling, and playing — and picks for your kids, too.

vest top
Ann Taylor

A belted vest for every situation…

You can wear this one with trousers (or wear it with comfy pants for a waist-up virtual interview). It’s printed in a smart-looking plaid with tortoise-like buttons. And its belted waist makes it feel even more professional. Wear it with black jeans on the weekend for an easy going-out look. ($169, Ann Taylor)

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pencil skirt
Ann Taylor

And the matching pencil skirt…

If your line of work requires serious interview outfits, buying the matching skirt to this vest top is definitely worth the investment. You can wear the pieces on their own, or wear them together for a truly thoughtless outfit. Short girls, this also comes in a petite length. ($119, Ann Taylor)

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black shirtdress
J.Crew

A shirtdress with some edge…

Sometimes, shirtdresses feel a little too serious, which in turn makes them harder to style. This classic black one has a draped silhouette, but its silver zipper and white piping make it feel more modern. Pair it with some chunky loafers or sleek heels. ($178, J.Crew)

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linen dress with bubble sleeves
Madewell

A linen dress you can wear all year…

Some linen dresses read too summery, but the cut of this one (between the split neckline and bubble sleeves) is so elevated, you can wear it every season. In the spring, we’d pair it with some flats. In the fall, we’d layer it with tights and boots. ($138, Madewell)

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peasant blouse
Banana Republic

The peasant blouse that’s selling out fast…

There’s always room in your closet for a cute little blouse. This one has exaggerated sleeves with comfortable, roomy shoulders (so no sweat stains). It’s dressed up enough for in-person interviews, but we think it’d shine on a virtual interview. It’ll make you look put together without looking out of place…because we all know how awkward it can feel to wear a blazer in the comfort of your own home. ($109.99, Banana Republic)

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keyhole top
Banana Republic Factory

Another top to save the day…

As you can see, Banana Republic is the place we go for chic tops that work both in the office and on the weekends. This is another option we’re loving, this time made of a scuba material with a soft finish. The keyhole style is cool enough to wear with jeans or peeking out underneath a blazer. ($30, Banana Republic Factory)

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tie-front shirtdress
Eloquii

Another updated take on the shirtdress…

Gone are the days when shirtdresses feel too stuffy and preppy to wear. This one has a chic tie at the front and a modern silhouette. We’d wear it with our go-to kitten heels under $100. Pick from five colors, up to size 32. ($119.95, Eloquii)

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Madewell

A pair of pants I keep hearing about…

While I am an Abercrombie & Fitch Sloane pant loyalist, the internet has been buzzing about these wide-leg trousers from Madewell. I love how the slight pleating adds a bit of structure and the belted waistline juxtaposes their baggy shape. Not to mention, they’re currently 66% off. ($39.99+, Madewell)

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shirrred dress with puff sleeves
Reformation

A shirred dress worth the investment…

If there’s one brand we’ll always turn to for pieces that’ll last for years, it’s Reformation. This puffed-sleeve, shirred dress will take you through events all year. Our editor can attest that she has some dresses from six years ago that are still going strong. Cost per wear? $0. ($248, Reformation)

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black pants
Universal Standard

Ponte pants you don’t have to think about…

The base of every great interview outfit: A pair of stretchy trousers. These Ponte Pants from Universal Standard are the 2025 version of the pixie pant; they’re slightly cropped, stretchy, and feel like leggings (but look like work-friendly trousers). We’re calling it now, you’re going to want multiple pairs to have on backup. ($108, Universal Standard)

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sweater tee
Abercrombie & Fitch

An unexpected essential that always pulls through…

I stand by the fact that sweater tees are deeply underrated. They’re perfect if you’re sensitive to heat (or your office thermostat). They’re more elevated than a basic tee and can be layered underneath a blazer or barn jacket. Don’t knock one until you try it. They’re unexpectedly chic, and I find myself reaching for one every season. ($34.99, Abercrombie & Fitch)

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blazer
Abercrombie & Fitch

A suiting blazer you can wear at home…

As I mentioned earlier, there is something awkward about wearing a blazer at home for a Zoom interview. This one from Abercrombie has that classic suiting cut but with a fit on the relaxed side. So yes, you can wear it with ribbed pants without feeling weird. ($120, Abercrombie & Fitch)

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ruffle collar shirt
Ann Taylor

A ruffle collar shirt…

This is another one of those classic short-sleeve shirts that’ll pull through for you all year. Wear it on sweaty days when all you want to throw on is a T-shirt, or layer it underneath a crewneck sweater when you don’t know what the office will feel like. The collar will peak through and you can drape a sweater around your shoulders when it gets toasty. Pre-interview hot flash, averted. ($79.50, Ann Taylor)

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ruched midi dress
Ann Taylor

A ruched dress you’ll want to wear outside of work…

This Ann Taylor dress (which is giving Reformation a run for its money), is made of a stretchy, soft jersey material that is chic enough to wear on date night, at a wedding, and with a blazer to your next interview. The best part? It also comes in a petite length. ($119, Ann Taylor)

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eyelet flat shoes
Rothy's

A pair of flats you won’t have to swap out…

One of our editors’ favorite brands of the year: Rothy’s. Its flats are soft, don’t rub on your heel, and have a cloud-like footbed — all while looking stylish. This pair of slingbacks has eyelet detailing and is discrete enough to wear with most interview outfits (especially if you hate heels). ($139, Rothy’s)

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heeled ballet flats
Sam Edelman

Some game-changing flats…

I bought a pair of these heeled flats recently, and I can’t stop wearing them. They’re perfect for the moments when you want a little bit of height (but in a way that isn’t crippling). I’ve worn them with everything from jeans to dresses. ($150, Sam Edelman)

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