How to Dress for a Job Fair

Co-authored by James Pak

Last Updated: June 27, 2023 References

Dressing for job fairs can be tricky: you want to be comfortable enough to spend hours on your feet, but also professional enough to impress recruiters. The reality is that recruiters often judge quickly based on your appearance and are more likely to remember you favorably if you are dressed formally and professionally.^{[1]
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Research source} To make the best impression, aim for business casual, even if you’ll be able to dress more casually on the job itself.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Choosing Slacks or a Pantsuit

1
Start with tailored dress pants in a neutral color. Conservative colors like navy, gray, or black are best for job fairs and can be paired with nearly any shirt-and-tie combination. Taupe or tan pants are also a good bet, although khakis may be considered too casual by some recruiters.^{[2]
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- Dress pants should hit right above or right on top of your shoes, but no longer. Have your pants hemmed to the proper length to ensure a sharp, put-together appearance.^{[3]
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2
Choose a button-up, collared shirt for a classic masculine look. Light-colored and white shirts look the most formal, but you may also opt for a subtle pattern to help camouflage lint, pet hair, or minor spills during the fair. Even if it’s warm, most recruiters recommend long-sleeved options.^{[4]
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- Don’t forget to tuck in your shirt. Loose shirttails can make you look disheveled and unprofessional.^{[5]
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3
Opt for a blouse for a more feminine option. A dressy top can be an easy way to make a classic pantsuit more interesting with a pop of color, texture, or pattern. Longer sleeves and turtlenecks work well in colder weather, while short or cap sleeves will keep you cool for job fairs in warmer months. Sleeveless shell tops can also be a good option as long as any bra straps are well covered.^{[6]
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- Avoid cleavage-baring shirts or anything else that exposes a lot of skin, such as strapless tops or cutouts. Play it safe by opting for necklines no lower than your collarbone.^{[7]
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4
Add a matching suit jacket for a more professional appearance. While a full suit may not be expected at your job fair, it certainly won’t hurt and could help impress more formal employers. Look for a well-cut jacket that matches the color and style of your pants. Many stores will sell both suit pieces (pants and jacket) as a set.^{[8]
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- If you don’t want to wear a full suit, but still like the more professional look of a blazer, opt for a jacket in a color that’s different from your pants. Just make sure it still pairs well: a navy jacket with tan pants can look great, for example, while a black and navy combo may appear unintentionally mismatched.^{[9]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Wearing a Skirt or Dress

1
Wear a well-fitting dress for an easy professional look. A nice dress can be a great feminine option for job fairs since you don’t have to worry about coordinating multiple pieces. Look for something that is well-fitting, but not too tight. A-line, shift, sheath and wrap dresses are all classic business-appropriate choices.^{[10]
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- As with blouses, the neckline of your dress should be modest. Save the deep v-necks and low-cut scoops for another time. To play it safe, aim for necklines no lower than your collarbone.^{[11]
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- The hemline of your dress should also be conservative so you don’t have to worry about it riding up. Aim for something that hits just below or just above the knee.^{[12]
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- Basic colors like black, blue, gray, or tan can exude a more professional look, but some color or pattern is fine. Just try to avoid bright hues and complex patterns to keep the focus on you rather than your dress.
2
Pair a skirt with a nice blouse if you prefer separates. Try a pencil, A-line, or pleated skirt in a solid color like black, navy, grey, or tan for a classic professional look. A pinstripe or herringbone pattern can also work well for job fairs.^{[13]
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- A collared, white button-down shirt is a business casual stand-by, but you can also select a dressy blouse or wrap top that complements your skirt. A simple pattern can help conceal any small stains or crumbs if you’re concerned about spilling during the fair.^{[14]
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- Avoid tops that show a lot of skin, such as deep v-necks or strapless tops. Boat neck or collared necklines are always a safe bet.^{[15]
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- The hemline of your skirt should hit just below or just above the knee. Skirts should fully cover your thighs when you sit and should be no shorter than 2 inches above the knee.^{[16]
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Especially if you’re wearing a sleeveless or short-sleeved shirt, consider bringing an extra layer to the job fair to keep warm. A well-cut blazer in a solid color can create a more formal, professional look and dress up a more casual outfit. A basic cardigan is also a great choice, but stay away from anything too baggy or bulky, which can look sloppy or overly casual.^{[17]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Selecting the Right Accessories

1
Pair classic leather dress shoes and dark socks with pants. Select well-polished wing tipped shoes or loafers that are free of scuffs and not run down at the heels. Wear dark socks rather than white and look for styles that come to mid-calf in case your pants ride up as you walk.^{[18]
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- Try black shoes with grey or black pants but opt for brown shoes with navy or tan suits.
2
Wear flats or low pumps with skirts and dresses. Since you’ll be on your feet for a while, make sure your shoes are comfortable as well as professional and be sure to avoid any shoes that make it difficult to walk. Look for well-fitting flats or pumps with heels less than 3 inches.^{[19]
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- Do not wear flimsy sandals like flip-flops, especially if they make a noise when you walk.
3
Bring a small bag, briefcase, or portfolio to carry your resumes. A bulky bag or large briefcase can make it difficult to shake hands or navigate through a crowded room. Instead, opt for a small purse, slim briefcase, or simple leather portfolio to carry resumes, business cards (if you have them), a notepad, and any materials you pick up during the fair.^{[20]
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- Don’t have a professional-looking portfolio? A plain, dark folder works just as well.^{[21]
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- If you’re planning on carrying an over-the-shoulder bag, be sure to test it with your outfit before the day of the job fair. If it bunches up the lapels of your jacket or catches on your jewelry, look for another option to avoid looking disheveled while talking to recruiters.^{[22]
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4
Add a tie for a more formal look. While not necessarily required, a basic tie can make your button-up, collared shirt appear more professional while subtly communicating your personality. Conservative colors like blue and red are reliable standards for ties, but a bit of color or classy pattern can help make a basic outfit stand out. However, be careful to avoid anything too flashy, distracting, or controversial to keep the recruiter’s eyes on your face instead of your tie.^{[23]
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- Save your black tie for formal events or special occasions.^{[24]
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- If you’re new to ties, practice tying your tie before the day of the job fair to make sure you can create a clean, professional knot.
5
Choose basic, non-flashy jewelry. A clean, classic look is often best for job fairs. If you wear jewelry, try not to overdo it with multiple rings, bracelets, and necklaces. Instead, consider wearing a simple watch and one small pair of earrings for a feminine look. Many recruiters recommend removing any facial piercings before job fairs.^{[25]
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- Wearing one larger piece of jewelry can be okay, especially in more creative or less formal industries. A statement necklace or pair of striking earrings can spice up your outfit and help recruiters remember you. Just be sure to balance by minimizing your other accessories.^{[26]
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- A good watch can be a nice addition to your job fair outfit. Try to avoid anything flashy, digital, or overly complicated. A simple leather or metal band is best.
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Styling Your Overall Look

1
Select formal and conservative styles. Even if you’re applying for jobs in fields that are known for more casual dress codes, it’s always better to be a little over-dressed than under-dressed when seeking a position. You can always take advantage of less formal office standards once you’ve won the job.
- Jeans are generally not recommended for job fairs and sweatpants should definitely be left at home.^{[27]
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- Avoid any clothes that are revealing, provocative, or overly tight. If your top is slightly transparent, be sure to wear a neutral-colored undershirt.^{[28]
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2
Check that all your clothes and accessories are in good shape. Iron or steam out out any wrinkles and sew up any minor tears. If a piece is stained or ripped, skip it for the job fair.
- Shoes in particular can show a lot of wear. Resole heels that are significantly worn down and be sure to polish leather shoes to cover scuff marks.^{[29]
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3
Put your best face forward with proper grooming. Make sure your body is as clean and well put-together as your outfit by showering and brushing your teeth before the job fair. Your hair should also look freshly washed and styled. Those with longer locks may want to pull their hair back in a neat bun, ponytail, or half-up style to avoid distractions, but it’s also fine to wear hair down as long as it looks tidy.
- If you have facial hair, make sure it is neatly trimmed and well-groomed.^{[30]
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- Go easy on the cologne and perfume or consider skipping it entirely. You don’t want to distract the recruiters with a strong scent.^{[31]
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4
Apply simple makeup if you choose to wear it. Your job fair makeup should make you look professional and feel confident. For a basic look, try using some simple concealer and a coat of mascara. If you usually wear heavy eyeshadow or thick foundation, consider toning it down. Your goal should be a neutral but put-together effect that shows the recruiter you take pride in your appearance.^{[32]
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- Skip glitter and other shimmery products for eyes and lips: you want the focus to be on you, not your makeup.^{[33]
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- Similarly, try to avoid bright lipstick or dark eyeshadows in favor of more neutral, natural colors.
Select and try on your job fair outfit in advance of the big day. If your clothes are stained or don’t fit properly, you’ll need time to wash, alter, borrow, or purchase items. Try on any accessories, including shoes and bags, to be sure they’re comfortable and well-matched with the rest of your outfit.^{[34]
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Tips

If you’re a college student, your career services department may be able to help you find professional clothing on a budget. They may even have some free pieces supplied by alumni. Reach out to see if they have a professional wardrobe program or connections with community resources that can help find you the right items.^{[35]
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