If you wear these 10 items to job interviews, you're making a poor first impression

We all know the saying “Dress for the job you want,” but what does that actually mean when you’re standing in front of your closet the morning of a big interview?

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably had that moment of panic where nothing feels quite right and suddenly every piece of clothing looks suspicious.

I used to think the interview itself carried the weight. The résumé. The prep. The handshake.

But after transitioning from finance into writing, I’ve interviewed for more positions than I can count, and I’ve learned this the hard way: what you wear sends a message long before you get the chance to.

And sometimes, we accidentally send the wrong one.

Today, I’m walking you through ten items that can sabotage your first impression before you even say hello.

Some of these might surprise you, and others might already be sitting in your drawer, quietly plotting against your success.

Let’s get into it.

1) Overly casual clothes

Have you ever shown up somewhere and immediately felt underdressed?

Your brain starts buzzing, and suddenly you’re way too aware of your outfit.

Interviews amplify that feeling tenfold.

Casual clothes hint that you didn’t prepare or don’t take the opportunity seriously.

I’m not talking about “clean but comfortable,” I mean jeans, graphic tees, hoodies, or anything that could double as your weekend errand uniform.

Even companies with relaxed dress codes expect interviewees to show they made an effort.

Think of it less as “fancy” and more as “intentional.”

You’re signaling respect for their time and your own goals.

2) Flashy or distracting accessories

I once interviewed a candidate who wore a pair of earrings that jingled every time she moved her head.

They were beautiful, but they were louder than her answers.

Accessories should complement you, not compete with you.

If something jingles, sparkles aggressively, or demands attention, it becomes the focus instead of your qualifications.

A simple rule?

If you find yourself wondering whether an accessory might be “too much,” it probably is.

3) Overpowering fragrance

This might be controversial, but hear me out.

Fragrance is incredibly personal.

What smells elegant to you might give someone else a headache instantly.

I’ve been in interviews where someone’s cologne lingered in the room long after they left, and trust me, that wasn’t a good sign.

Strong scents can come off as inconsiderate because they take up space—literally and figuratively.

Freshly showered and neutral is always safest.

4) Uncomfortable shoes you can’t walk in

Years ago, during a panel interview, I watched a candidate walk toward the meeting room like she was crossing a field of lava.

Those heels were working against her.

When your shoes hurt, your brain goes into self-preservation mode.

You fidget. You shift. You look distracted. You feel distracted.

And you absolutely don’t want the interviewer wondering whether you’re okay instead of listening to your ideas.

Choose shoes you can walk, stand, and breathe in.

Confidence starts from the ground up.

5) Anything wrinkled or ill-fitted

A fitted blazer can make you feel like you’re stepping into your future.

A blazer that hangs like a borrowed costume? Not so much.

Wrinkles and poor fit give the impression of rushing, neglecting details, or not having it together.

Interviews are where small cues get magnified in the minds of strangers who have only minutes to form impressions.

Your clothes don’t have to be expensive, but they should show care.

A quick press or proper tailoring can do more for your presence than any brand label.

6) Hats, beanies, or anything head-covering (unless for cultural or medical reasons)

I know hats can feel like part of your personality. I get it.

I love a good sun hat on the trails.

But for an interview, anything that covers your face or head tends to feel too casual or closed-off unless it’s a meaningful part of who you are.

Interviewers want to see your eyes and expressions.

There’s something about a visible face that naturally builds trust and connection.

If you’re unsure whether your headwear is appropriate, that’s already your answer.

7) Loud prints or statement outfits

Clothing is a powerful form of self-expression, but in an interview, you want the focus to be on your strengths, not your shirt pattern.

Imagine walking in wearing neon geometric prints or a suit covered in oversized florals.

Even if it’s fabulous (and I’m sure it is), it can unintentionally overshadow your professionalism.

Think: subtle, polished, quiet confidence.

You’re not dimming your personality.

You’re simply not letting it interfere with your message.

8) Clothing that doesn’t align with the company culture

This is where a little research goes a long way.

When I worked in finance, candidates who showed up in casual cardigans immediately looked out of place.

Now, working with creatives, someone wearing a hyper-formal suit would feel equally mismatched.

If you don’t match the tone of the environment, it can look like you didn’t bother to learn about the company.

A quick scroll through employee photos or the company’s social media can give you a pretty accurate idea of their everyday vibe.

9) Anything revealing or overly fitted

Here’s a question I like to ask myself whenever I’m dressing for something important: “Will this outfit help people focus on what I’m saying, or will it pull attention away from it?”

Revealing clothing or pieces that cling too tightly tend to make both you and the interviewer uncomfortable, and discomfort is the enemy of presence.

You don’t want to be adjusting your neckline or tugging at your hem mid-sentence.

You want to be thinking clearly, breathing normally, and feeling grounded in your answers.

10) Old or worn-out items

You know that favorite shirt that’s starting to pill or the shoes with slightly scuffed toes?

Yeah… interviews aren’t the time for those.

Worn-out clothing subtly communicates that you settle for “good enough,” even when something matters.

It’s not about perfection; it’s about pride in your presentation.

Think of it like showing up with a clean slate: fresh, intentional, and signaling that you’re ready for what’s next.

Final thoughts

Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but what you wear shouldn’t add to the stress.

Your outfit is the opener to your story.

It tells the interviewer you care, you prepared, and you’re capable of stepping into the role.

And here’s the best part: you don’t need a brand-new wardrobe to make a strong first impression.

You just need awareness, intention, and a little self-honesty about what each item communicates.

If you’ve worn some of these items before, you’re not alone.

I’ve made several of these mistakes myself.

Growth happens when we start noticing the small choices that shape bigger outcomes.

Dress in a way that helps you feel grounded, confident, and authentically yourself.

When you feel good in your skin, your energy becomes unmistakable.

And that’s the kind of first impression no outfit can overshadow.