Published · Updated

For an interview or an assessment centre day, business formal is the safe default: a plain suit in a dark neutral colour, a plain shirt, and clean shoes. Where the invitation says business casual, or the employer is visibly informal, drop the suit but keep everything smart, pressed and understated. If you have been given no steer at all, dress one step smarter than you think the office is.

What should you wear to an assessment centre?

The dress code for an assessment centre is the same as for an interview, business formal unless you are told otherwise. What changes is the length of the day. You may sit aptitude tests, work through a group exercise, give a short presentation and be interviewed, moving between rooms and floors in between, so the outfit has to still work late in the afternoon.

  • Choose something you can sit and write in. A timed test is harder in a collar that is a size too tight.
  • Take a layer you can remove. Test rooms run hot or cold and you will not get a say.
  • Wear shoes you can walk in, not only stand in.
  • Carry a small bag for ID, a pen, water and anything the invitation asks you to bring.
  • Decide the whole outfit the night before, so the morning is only about getting there.

Group exercises and situational judgement tests are marked on what you say and do. Dressing to the expected standard simply takes one distraction off the table.

What to wear to an assessment centre as a woman

The expected standard is the same as it is for men, so the useful questions are the practical ones. A trouser or skirt suit, a smart dress that is not flowing, or a blouse with tailored trousers all read as business formal in traditional colours.

  • Heels are optional. If you wear them, keep them low enough to stand, walk and take stairs in all day.
  • Keep jewellery simple, so nothing rattles through a timed test or a presentation.
  • Choose a fabric that does not crease through a long morning of sitting exercises.
  • If you are travelling far, pack a spare top in case of spills.

What does business formal mean?

Most job interviews are considered formal, where you will be expected to wear professional or business attire. Here is what that means for men and women:

Men

For men, a suit is a must. You want to choose something simple and traditional, so opt for a black, grey, or navy suit. The shirt should be plain (ideally a traditional white or light blue colour).

It’s the same story for the tie: avoid wearing any bright or flashy colours. Wear black leather shoes with black socks and a matching belt.

Women

Women should also keep their suit inconspicuous by sticking to traditional colours. They can also opt for a smart dress (not flowy) or a smart blouse and tailored trousers.

Heels should be low enough to stand and walk in comfortably, and should coordinate with the clothing. Avoid jewellery that is too chunky or dangly.

What does business casual mean?

The interviewer may state that there is a business casual dress code, which is somewhere in the middle of casual and business formal. If you aren’t sure if the dress code is business casual, check with the hiring manager or interviewer.

Men

Business casual means no suits. Instead go for a collared shirt with long sleeves, possibly with a tie, knitted sweater or jacket as well.

You should not wear jeans; instead choose chinos, khakis or dark trousers. Opt for leather shoes, which can be either brown or black, and should match the belt.

Women

Women can opt for a dress (can be more flowy than for a formal interview) or a simple, professional blouse or button-down shirt with cardigan. This can be paired with smart trousers/skirt (opt for neutral colours and simple patterns).

Wear black or brown closed-toe flats, pumps or low heels. Choose simple jewellery accessories (nothing too chunky).

Interview and assessment centre dress checklist

Run through this the night before, whether it is a single interview or a full assessment centre day:

Check the invite

First, make sure that you look for a dress code in the invitation to the interview. There may not be one specified, but if there is you’ll fall at the first hurdle if you failed to follow instructions.

Do your research

You can get a strong sense of how formal a company is from the website, recruitment materials and social media channels. If everyone is in jeans, you might not want to turn up in your smartest suit.

Err on the smart side

Your interview is your opportunity to present your best self, so even if it’s a creative office where everyone is very dressed-down, steer clear of ripped jeans, messy hair or muddy shoes.

Comfort is key

You need to be feeling confident and positive in your interview, so stick to an outfit you feel good in rather than trying to be something you’re not. That being said, without knowing the environment really well yet, avoid your most fashion-forward trends. You need to be able to demonstrate you can fit into this new environment, so don’t take big risks with visible tattoos and jewellery unless you’re really sure that’s what they’re after.

The same goes for being physically comfortable: you won’t feel as confident if you’re fiddling with an awkward hem or hobbling in painful heels.

Be prepared

Take the stress out of the morning and have your outfit ready the night before. Arrive feeling calm and collected, and confident.

Tied up

It’s better to look slightly overdressed than underdressed. You may notice from pictures on the website that many staff don’t wear ties, but if you’re interviewing for a major professional firm it’s advisable to wear one.

White shirt or black shirt?

If in doubt, a white shirt is a sensible thing to wear. It’s clean, crisp and neutral. If you think you need to wear a tie avoid a gaudy one; a red or blue tie with a simple pattern on it would be an ideal professional look.

Shoes shined

This might sound obvious, but turn up with clean, polished shoes. Scuffed shoes undercut an otherwise smart outfit, and they are the easiest thing on this list to put right.

One last thing: the outfit only buys you a neutral first impression, and the exercises decide the rest. Keep working through practice aptitude tests and your interview answers in the days before, so the clothes are the only thing left to decide on the morning.