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A psychologist with an eye for style shares which colors to avoid or add to your wardrobe when going to a job interview.
If you think you can look stylish in a white shirt, you are wrong. Not all shirts create the same atmosphere in the workplace.
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Fashion psychologist and stylist Joanna Karamanis collaborated with the menswear department of Blake Mill to share eight shades that can help or hurt you during a job interview.
“The clothes we wear not only affect our self-image, but also how others see us,” Karamanis said.
“Choosing outfits that align with your identity and values increases your confidence and can have a significant impact on professional interactions.”
GENERAL COLORS
WHITE
Karamanis said the statement that “white looks smart and everyone stands up” is not true. In fact, she called it a “myth.”
“If you don’t have a cool undertone, it can look like you’re wearing a uniform, so my advice is to go for an off-white or even cream to make yourself look more approachable,” she explains.
PINK
Another color to be careful with is pink. This color may be appropriate for some people during formal interviews, but not for everyone.
She said that pink can make the skin look blotchy, as if under stress.
“People with warm skin tones may want to consider a peachy shade,” she advised.
BLACK
Black is often seen as “classy and professional,” but it depends on how you wear it.
Karamanis added that “a black shirt or blouse is not ideal for a job interview and should be avoided,” but that a black suit or dress works well.
BLUE
Blue is a color that is often worn during a job interview.
She called it a “typical and reliable color for work and acceptable in many sectors.”
It also suits different skin tones and “provides a well-groomed and groomed look.”
“However, in some sectors it is seen as a little more informal, so make sure it fits the sector you are applying for,” she added.
VEGETABLE
“From army green to bright emerald green, there is a wide range of green shades to choose from,” says Karamanis.
Light green looks more formal, while a bright shade looks more ‘fun’ or flamboyant, and army green looks more casual.
Make sure you choose the right one that suits your undertone.
RED
According to the expert, red stands for ‘power, passion and impact’.
If you want to make a bold statement and stand out, this is the color to wear.
But we do warn that it is ‘generally less appropriate for a job interview and can come across as informal.’
PURPLE
This shade is a bit more controversial because, depending on the work environment, it can be a matter of happiness or disappointment.
“Purple represents royalty, luxury and in some cases extravagance,” she added.
Karamanis said purple isn’t often thought of as a “formal color,” but it can look good on many skin tones.
It is also a good option for people who would like to work in a design agency or in the fashion industry.
BLUE GREEN
Karamanis called teal a “casual color” and wouldn’t recommend wearing it as a shirt or blouse to a job interview.
She said the only two exceptions are if you know the color will complement your skin tone and if you know the company has a more relaxed dress code.
