Is it acceptable to refuse to wear skirts, dresses or make up to a job interview?

Question

It is just not me and I do not feel comfortable. I wear pants and a jacket or long sleeve button up shirt. I comb my hair nicely and wear no jewellery or make up. I still look nice though. Skirts and dresses just do not suit me. I also refuse to shave my legs, so it does not look good if I wear skirts or dresses.

Answer 1

It is acceptable, it is also acceptable for the employer to decline your application based on the way you look. You should not make yourself into something you aren't for the interview as they will expect that when you start to work.

Answer 2

Of course it is acceptable if that is the way that you feel! Just be aware of what job you are going for. If you are trying to apply for a position that will have you in front of customers, maybe a "behind the scenes" position would be better for you.
I also don't shave my legs (I haven't for years - so at this point you can barely see any hair there) so it isn't noticeable when I wear a skirt. Do what makes you comfortable. I have never had anyone say anything negative to me when I wear a skirt or don't wear make up. As long as you can perform well - that is what people will notice and care about.
Good luck with the job hunt!

Answer 3

No way, you want to look professional even if the uniform for the job is not necessarily professional. It is always better to be overdressed for something like this. You don't need a suit, but a skirt or dress pants with a dress shirt or polo shirt (3/4 or long sleeved, no sleeveless or short sleeves). This applies even though it is summer. I am working in Bangkok right now, and just because it is warm does not mean that we can wear more casual clothes. Also because it is Bath and Body Works, make sure your make-up is well done and tasteful.

Answer 4

Obviously the previous respondents have never worked in any way in recruitment, if the job you are applying for is in an office or a environment where staff dress in business attire and you don't dress the part for the interview don't hold your breath waiting for a call back. I am not saying this is right or wrong but whether you are a man or woman interviewing, the first 5 seconds of you interview makes it or breaks it and that is based on your presentation.

Answer 5

It's not about skirts and dresses - unless there is a specific dress code requiring them. But that would be discriminatory - unless they made the same demand of men and I seriously doubt they would. However, you have a product to sell and there are others trying to sell a similar product. A job interview does more than one thing. The interviewer is going to be looking at your whole package: grooming, body language and appearance - what the customer will see. The interviewer wants to know that the person he hires:
* Takes care of her/himself
* Is easy on the eyes
* Knows how to make a good first impression
* Uses correct grammar free of slang and/or cursing.

Having said that, it is not usually necessary to wear skirt or dress to an interview, but a pantsuit would work. Proper interview pantsuits do not involve denim nor leather.

A few pointers:
* Do not wear cologne nor perfume. What you think is a nice fragrance may not be liked by your interviewer.
* Be clean, wear clean clothes in good repair and as wrinkle-free as possible
*Keep your hair pulled back or trim so your hair is not in your face
* You and your pants have a waistline - they need to be together.

Answer 6

Well, if that's your personality and how you feel comfortable, then go for it..... to each their own. As long as you're clean the clothes or the make up should not be an issue. Of course you look more feminine, but when going to a job interview it's not adviced to wear heavy make up or big accesories anyway, it's best to keep it simple.

I'm also very lazy to shave my legs so sometimes - especially now that it's winter - I wear a skirt with thick leggings and it looks nice and hides the hairy legs LOL. Also, you don't feel as if you're wearing a skirt. But as I said, if you just don't like skirts or dresses then don't wear them...

Answer 7

You need to be yourself, just a step up for an interview. If you're not a dress-wearer, dont' wear a dress. You'll just be uncomfortable.

As long as you are neat and clean, slacks and a jacket are perfectly acceptable. As for make-up and jewelry, that's just a personal choice. I like just a little bit of both, but not much. Then there are folks who wear way too much of everything.

You're a minimalist... that's OKAY!

Good luck at your interview!

Answer 8

Your outfit in a job interview must fit the job that you are applying for. Job interview is not just a matter of exchanging questions and answers. It also involves your ability to package your whole self and that includes your looks. If you are applying for an office position where employees are required to wear business cloths, you have to look the same in the interview, if you want to fit in the workplace.

Remember this, "the work will not adjust to you, it's you who have to adjust to the work."

Take care.

Answer 9

Even in most professional settings it is acceptable for women to wear pant suits so I should imagine that it's acceptable to wear the same at an interview.

I don't think its ever necessary to wear makeup to an interview. If you don't wear it normally then you shouldn't wear it just to interview.

As long as you look well-groomed and confident I should think that's all you need.

Answer 10

Yes it is acceptable. You should go in to any interview presenting yourself as you are. If you put on a skirt and makeup and that is not something you usually do then you would just be uncomfortable. As long as it is appropriate clothing for the environment you would potentially be working in and you are clean and well groomed that is all you have to worry about.