My Gen Z Interview Outfit Hunt
Got a last-minute interview invite yesterday for this cool startup and panicked – zero clue what to wear. Didn’t wanna show up looking like my dad’s corporate clone or some sloppy TikToker either.
Step 1: Stalked Their Social Media
Grabbed my phone and scrolled their Insta page hardcore. Saw team photos with crewnecks and dark jeans everywhere. Realized nobody wore ties, not even the boss. Screenshotted 3 pics where people looked sharp but comfy.
Step 2: Closet Tornado
Dumped everything on my bed like a hurricane hit. Separated pieces into piles:
- Nope pile: band tees, ripped jeans, anything worn out
- Maybe pile: plain button-downs, neutral sweaters
- Hell yes pile: black straight-fit jeans, clean white sneakers
Step 3: Frankenstein Fitting Session
Tried combos looking like a confused mannequin:
- First attempt: button-down under sweater. Felt like a librarian.
- Swapped to crewneck with collared shirt poking out. Still weird.
- Scratched the collar idea – threw on just the crewneck. Added my single pair of non-ripped dark jeans. Bam. Looked put together without trying too hard.
Step 4: Accessory Triage
Checked my mess of a jewelry box:
- Tiny silver hoop earrings? Kept ’em.
- Chunky necklace? Nixed it.
- Watch with peeling leather? Scrapped it.
Stashed everything in pockets so I wouldn’t fiddle during interviews.
The Final Pick
Wore the maroon crewneck from my “hell yes” pile with those black jeans. White kicks polished with a wet wipe. No backpack – carried my stuff in this leather-ish folio I borrowed from my sister. Walked in feeling like myself just upgraded.
Turns out the interviewer wore almost the exact same thing. We laughed about the “uniform” and actually bonded over thrifting before diving into questions. Proved you can impress without wearing stiff suits!
