What to Wear to On-Campus Interviews
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I was just updating our post rounding up the best on-campus interview tips and resources, and realized I've never really written what I would recommend wearing to an on-campus interview. If you have some coming up, good luck!
Readers, what are your thoughts on what to wear to on-campus interviews? Do you think some of the old debates (skirt suit vs. pants, pantyhose vs. not) are still an issue? What would you tell a niece getting ready to interview?
{Psst: Do check out our Guide to Interview Suits, as well as our (really recently!) updated guide to the best women's suits in 2025!}
What to Wear for an On-Campus Interview
Wear a black, gray, or navy suit.
We've rounded up suits for every budget, but we'd say that a mid-range suit is a good investment for OCI and multiple interviews (see our favorites below!). (You can see this recent post for a roundup of all the best women's suits this year, from budget-friendly options to designer options. We've also done roundups for tall, petite, and plus size suits.)
Yes, you can wear the same suit multiple days — just make sure to hang it up to air out immediately after you get home, make sure it doesn't have any stains or loose threads, and does not smell. (If it does, you can try spraying vodka or Febreeze, or popping it in the freezer for a bit — but note that all may have downsides, including wrinkles and possibly smelling like Febreeze (or vodka). If you purchase a suit that has multiple matching pieces, like Ann Taylor's seasonless suiting where you can often find a dress, a skirt, two pairs of pants, and two blazers, then you can swap between them all depending on what's dirty and what isn't. When interview week is done, you probably will want to dry clean the entire thing.
Yes, you can wear the same suit to multiple interviews with the same company or law firm. If it's a neutral enough suit they probably will not even notice if you do have a repeat interviewer, but I think it's far more common to have completely new interviewers for each round.
As of 2025, some of our favorite mid-range suits for women (which sometimes have such frequent sales that they come down to the same range as our “budget” suits) include Ann Taylor, J.Crew, Talbots, Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers, and Antonio Melani. (Talbots and J.Crew usually have plus sizes, and the others offer petites.)
Wear an Opaque Sweater or Blouse Beneath Your Suit (Preferably With Sleeves).
If you haven't worn a lot of suits you may think that it's acceptable to wear a tank top/camisole with blazer, like you may often see on local news. For interviews, though, you always want to be able to take off your suit jacket (too hot, coffee spill, whatever) — so we recommend an opaque, sleeved blouse.
You have a few easy options here: the short-sleeve sweater, a silky tee, or a button-front blouse. Some of our favorites…
Our Favorite Short-Sleeve Sweaters To Wear Beneath Suits
Some of our favorite short-sleeved sweater tees for 2025 include cashmere ones from Quince ($45!), Ann Taylor, Theory, J.Crew,* and Boden. (* plus sizes too!) For other materials, try Tuckernuck (cashmere/silk), J.Crew Factory (100% cotton), and Amazon (viscose/poly). Nordstrom and Anthropologie both have a huge selection of sweater tees, also! (All of the ones below come in white and black, as well as other colors!)
Our Favorite Silky Tees To Wear Beneath Blazers
As of 2025, some of our favorite silky T-shirts include Halogen, Quince, Cuyana, M.M.LaFleur, Ruti, and Banana Republic. This Banana Republic Factory top is only polyester, but readers have been loving it!
Great Button-Front Blouses for Interviews
Hunting for silk button-front blouses for work? As of 2025, readers love Boden, Everlane, M.M.LaFleur, Club Monaco, and Lilysilk. For more affordable options check Quince ($69!) and Grana; for fancier options check L'Agence, Equipment, and Vince. We've also rounded up other kinds of silk blouses (tanks, popovers, etc.)!
Wear a Watch and Subtle Jewelry – Nothing That Makes Noise.
Hey, some earrings and bracelets do make noise! I always recommend a watch because there's something about watches that conveys responsibility and attentiveness.
The Best Shoes to Wear with Interview Suits
You can wear flats or heels (or boots, honestly!) but if you're looking for the “safest” interview shoes, we'd recommend low-heeled pumps or flats.
Great Low-Heeled Pumps to Wear with Suits
Some of our favorite comfortable low heels for work as of 2025 include Sarah Flint, M.M.LaFleur, Ferragamo, CK Calvin Klein, Trotters, and Sam Edelman!
Great Women's Flats for Interviews
For my $.02, I'd stick with more ballerina, pointy-toe, or square-toe flats and avoid things like oxfords and loafers. Make sure that your hem length is correct if you're wearing pants.
Some of our favorite comfortable flats for work as of 2025 include AGL, M.M.LaFleur, Vivaia, and French Sole. On the more affordable side, check out Rothy's, Sam Edelman, and Rockport. We've also rounded up the best loafers for work, and our favorite sneakers for work outfits!
What are your thoughts on what to wear to on-campus interviews? Do you think some of the old debates (skirt suits, pantyhose) are still an issue?
Stock photo at top: Deposit Photos / Wavebreakmedia.
I think a dark suit (skirt or pants are fine), low/mid pumps, and hose (w/ skirts) is probably still the best way to go. There seems to be a movement to try and reassure people that what they wear doesn’t matter — it does! I understand it’s an aspirational thing, but I think we do students a disservice when we don’t give clear guidance.