When Dani McEwen arrived for a job interview at an insurance company, her matching blazer and pants felt like a strategic choice.

Yet, the sight of most employees in T-shirts and jeans quickly sparked self-doubt.

"The first thing that went through my mind was that I probably looked like I was trying way too hard and maybe seemed too uptight," said McEwen, a student at Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio.

This scenario highlights a growing challenge for job candidates navigating today's evolving professional landscape. With virtual interviews and increasingly casual work environments, the traditional advice of donning a polished suit no longer serves as a universal guide.

The disconnect between established conventions and relaxed post-pandemic settings leaves many applicants uncertain how to make a strong impression.

"If the last six years has proven anything, it’s that everyone and everything has become slightly more relaxed," explained Christina Adamo, a personal stylist, attributing this to the shift to hybrid and remote work.

While a well-tailored suit remains standard for executive roles and fields like law and finance, experts now emphasize researching an organization's culture.

"Most of what matters about your interview outfit is that you feel confident about it. It puts you in the mindset that you’re going to succeed," noted McEwen, 20.

To effectively gauge an organization's style, candidates are advised to consult social media or company websites, observing employee attire.

Experts suggest that once you understand the typical dress for your desired role, aim to be slightly more polished for your interview.

"If you were to look at a company’s LinkedIn page and they’re using words like ‘We’re fresh, we’re innovative... then you know that the dress code is going to be more casual than if they’re saying ‘We are a traditional historic brand with traditional values,’" said Samantha Harman, a London-based personal stylist.

For senior positions, Harman recommends updating one's style to avoid appearing dated, emphasizing innovation.

Despite thorough research, some candidates still find themselves overdressed. Molly Tyndale, 22, wore a blouse and suit jacket to an online interview, only to find an interviewer in an athletic T-shirt. "If I, as the candidate, had joined in a T-shirt, that would almost certainly be an automatic no," she remarked. "It’s frustrating."

Beyond mere formality, a well-chosen wardrobe serves as a powerful personal branding tool. Harman highlights that hiring managers for senior roles increasingly assess whether a candidate projects an image suitable for public representation.

"Does this person look like somebody we can send out if there’s a crisis and we need somebody to talk to the media? Or does this person look like they could host our next internal conference? Do they look like we could put them on a stage?" she elaborated.

Dylan Thomas Cotter, a publicist in Los Angeles, exemplifies this strategic approach, opting for a dark blue tailored suit for interviews and client meetings.

He explains, "If something goes south, we need to immediately look like we’re capable to handle that. But also, when we make our first impression on behalf of our clients, we can make or break their business if we’re not good at what we do."

For those aspiring to leadership, Harman suggests staying ahead of fashion trends by observing runway shows for upcoming colors or browsing magazines like Vogue. Budget-conscious individuals can find suitable attire at thrift stores or community organizations.

Regardless of the workplace's formality, certain fundamental guidelines for interview attire remain constant. Jamie Close, a corporate recruiter, stresses ensuring everything is "nice and clean and presentable" to convey seriousness and boost self-confidence.

She also advises against wearing new clothes for the first time to an interview, recommending they be worn beforehand to ensure comfort and prevent fidgeting. For skilled trades, Close suggests a "nice, clean version" of typical work attire, such as clean boots and a collared shirt, signaling readiness without appearing fresh from a worksite.

The same meticulous approach should extend to virtual interviews. Experts recommend dressing as if attending an in-person meeting. Even if only the upper body is visible, Harman suggests wearing shoes, believing it can psychologically prime one for a more professional demeanor. Adamo adds that solid colors are preferable for virtual settings as they translate better on camera than busy patterns.

"You want to show up as the best version of yourself and that includes dressing the part," Adamo affirmed. "While many would suggest ‘waist up’ dressing since your top half is doing most of the work, I recommend treating it as if you were going in person. It helps put you in the right headspace, and feeling confident in what you’re wearing is the most important part."