Investment Banking Interview Dress Code

First impressions do matter for any interview, for they matter even more for investment banking interviews. This is because investment banking is a client-facing business, and clients are often very senior professionals. Quality of work is often associated with how a person looks - therefore investment banks will pay a particular attention on how you dress.

Investment Banking Dress Code for Men

- A navy-blue, medium-to-dark gray, or black business suit is best (discreet pinstripes in these colors are fine too). Avoid green, brown and light colored suits. Don't wear different colored pants and jackets

- Be careful not to wear too much perfume as the interview room can often be very small and it is a common observation that students perfume is overpowering. Limit yourself to “one squirt” in the morning before the interview. We put this item so high up on the list because it’s actually the top complaint by interviewers who have to spend their whole day in a very small room and prefer not to be bathed in your scent.

- Long-sleeve dress shirt. Solid white is always a safe option. If not white, light blue is another good option. You are not trying to make a fashion statement so you should be conservative

- A conservative silk tie. Silk makes a nicer knot and dimple than most other fabrics. If you can't afford 100-percent silk, try a silk blend. Your tie should end in the center of your belt buckle, not above the waist or down to the crotch.

- Wear calf-length dress socks (not crew or tube socks) that match your suit, so that we can't see your naked legs when you are sitting

- Wear low-heeled, conservative dress shoes that are color coordinated with your suit, ideally black

- Make sure your shoes are well polished.

- Don't go without a belt if you're wearing pants with belt loops. The belt should match your shoes (e.g., black with black).

- Get a professional haircut before the interviews. If you have longer hair and really can't stand the thought of cutting your long hair for interviews, at least tie it back in a ponytail.

- Clean-shaven is the best way to go. If you have a beard, goatee or moustache, shave it off for interviews. If you just can't, at least make sure it's well-groomed.

- Carry anti-perspirant with you if you are worried about sweating.

- Do not wear suspenders

- Avoid wearing very expensive watches (i.e. Golden Rolex) if you do have one. It could generate feelings of animosity / jealousy.

- Make sure your nails are clean and cut short

- It if fine to bring a briefcase or portfolio with you to the interviews - much better than a backpack.

Investment Banking Dress Code for Women

- Either a skirt suit or a pantsuit is completely fine for interviews. Traditionally, a skirt suit is considered more conservative but there is absolutely no requirement to wear one. You can't go wrong wearing a solid navy-blue, black or medium-to-dark-gray business suit, with a solid-white or light blue, no-frills dress blouse with a high neck line. Long sleeve blouses are best.

- Be careful not to wear too much perfume as the interview room can often be very small and it is a common observation that students’ perfume is overpowering. Limit yourself to “one squirt” of your perfume in the morning before the interview. We put this item so high up on the list because it is actually the top complaint by interviewers who have to spend their whole day in a very small room and who would prefer not to be bathed in your scent.

- It is highly recommended that you wear hosiery (skin colored is best). Carry a spare pair in your bag, just in case the pair you are wearing tears.

- Wear low-heeled, conservative dress shoes (closed at the front and back) that are color coordinated with your outfit.

- Don't go without a belt if you're wearing a skirt or pants with belt loops. Wear a dress belt that matches your shoes (e.g. black with black).

- Style your hair tastefully or have it professionally done. If it's long, wear it up or back, so you're not constantly flipping it out of the way. Don't wear a hairstyle that covers your face. Stick to discreet hair accessories if any.

- Avoid fingernail designs and bright- or odd-colored polish. Clear or no nail polish is best.

- Take a natural approach to applying makeup and avoid unusual or bright colors. Definitely don't apply sparkles to your hair or face.

- If you wear earrings, wear small, conservative ones. Wear only one per ear in the traditional earlobe position. It is best to opt for pearl earrings and/or necklace since it coordinates best with most conservative business suits. In general, keep jewellery simple, small and discreet. Not wearing any jewellery is also a good choice.

- Carry anti-perspirant with you if you are worried about sweating.

- It looks more professional to carry a briefcase or portfolio into an interview than a purse/handbag.