Career fair outfits: How to make a great first impression

A student’s guide to affordable, professional career fair outfits

Walking into a career fair is exciting; you’re about to meet people who could help shape your future. But let’s be real: figuring out what to wear can feel just as stressful as the interviews themselves. 

Here’s the thing: You don’t need a designer suit or a brand-new wardrobe to stand out. Dressing career-ready is about showing up as the most polished version of yourself.

With a few smart choices, you’ll look professional, feel comfortable, be confident in your outfit and still let your personality shine through.

The University of Cincinnati hosts several career fairs. To find upcoming fairs, log into your Handshake account, go to "Events," and choose "Career Fair."

Pro tip: Once you find a fair, see which employers are coming. You can search for specific employers by name or use the filters to narrow down the list to those that interest you. You can "favorite" employers to find them again quickly later.


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Career fair outfit essentials: Professional yet comfortable pieces

Polished doesn’t have to mean stiff. The best job fair outfit ideas should make you feel like yourself while still looking sharp. Think of it as a “business version” of your personal, everyday style.

Annabelle Anandappa, MD, a Cancer Center physician researcher who just received two major national research awards to fund her work as a young investigator, works in her lab in Cincinnati Children's.

Example of a good career fair outfit

  • For men: Dress slacks or chinos with a collared shirt always works. Want to level up? Add a blazer. Stick to classics like black, navy or gray and let personality show in a subtle tie or patterned socks.
  • For women: A professional dress or a blouse paired with tailored pants or a pencil skirt create a versatile base. A blazer pulls it all together. Accessories like simple jewelry or a favorite watch let your individuality peek through without being overly distracting.
  • Shoes: Closed-toe, professional and walkable. You’ll be on your feet — choose shoes that help you look confident, not uncomfortable.

Read: How to make the most out of any networking event

Khalid Davis, LCOB student and former student body vice president.

Career fair outfit example for men

Keep it budget-friendly without sacrificing style

Looking professional doesn’t mean overspending. You can build affordable career fair outfits without breaking the bank. Here are a few simple tricks to keep in your toolkit:

  • Browse thrift stores and consignment shops for quality blazers and dress shoes

  • Check out budget-friendly retailers for basics

  • Swap with friends or browse campus resale groups for hidden gems

Need help picking your outfit? Visit the Bearcats Pantry Career Closet or the Bearcat Promise Career Studio for free advice and professional attire.

UC Assistant Professor of Classics Florence Gaignerot-Driessen is studying ancient ceremonial figurines she found on Crete dating back more than 2,000 years. She's working with 3-D printing and ceramics at DAAP to build replicas.

You can't go wrong with a suit: Example of what to wear to a career fair

Simple career fair dress code guidelines for college students

Not sure if your outfit fits the vibe? Stick to these easy rules and you’ll always look professional while still feeling like yourself: 

  • Go neutral with your base (black, navy, gray or white) and add personality with subtle patterns or accessories.

  • Keep accessories simple and avoid anything that steals the spotlight that isn’t your personality.

  • Grooming counts — clean shoes, neat hair and fresh (but not overpowering) fragrance make a big difference.

UC's newly elected Student Body President Joshua Copley and Student Body VP Wilaini Alicea

Career fair outfit ideas for men and women

Layer smartly for comfort and style

Career fairs aren’t always climate-controlled — one minute you’re in a warm conference hall, the next in a chilly classroom — which is why layering is your secret weapon. Think: 

  • Lightweight blazers or cardigans you can take off if you get too warm

  • Closed-toe shoes that balance professionalism with comfort

  • A sleek but practical tote or portfolio bag to carry resumes, business cards and notes (Bonus: it pulls your look together)

Engineering student Brooke Boeding co-ops at Kinetic Vision.

Career fair outfit example for women

What not to wear to a career fair: Common style mistakes

Even if your event isn’t labeled a “career fair,” the same dress rules apply. To stay career-ready, avoid these common outfit slip-ups:

  • Too casual: hoodies, ripped jeans or T-shirts

  • Choosing flashy or revealing outfits

  • Showing up in wrinkled, stained or unkempt attire

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Keating Muething Klekamp offices (1 E. 4th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202; Ste #1400)

Example of a career fair outfit for men

Extra tips to feel career-ready

Your outfit is important, but confidence is the real power move. Prep a little ahead of time so you feel comfortable, capable and ready to shine.

  • Try on your outfit a few days in advance; no one needs a last-minute wardrobe malfunction

  • Practice your handshake, elevator pitch and power stance in your chosen look (yes, it makes a difference)

  • When in doubt, go a touch more formal. You can always take off a blazer if the vibe feels more casual

Need a quick gut check? Swing by the Career Studio during walk-in hours. Career coaches can help you fine-tune your self-introduction, practice your elevator pitch or even give feedback on your outfit before the big day.

UC celebrates Decision Day 2025 student surprises at La Salle High School, Nick Kolbinsky and Owen Herzog.

Career fair outfit idea for men

Your career fair outfit checklist: Final takeaways

At the end of the day, knowing what to wear to a career fair isn’t about having the fanciest suit; it’s about finding an outfit that makes you feel professional, confident and still like you. 

With a few smart choices and resources like the Bearcats Pantry Career Closet, you can walk into any career or job fair looking polished and feeling ready.

Remember: Your outfit opens the door, but your confidence keeps it open. Step into that career fair knowing you’ve already nailed the first impression. The rest is just showing them what you bring to the table.