What to wear to a performance review
Wear your best normal work outfit, one notch neater than usual: clean, ironed, comfortable and recognisably you. The aim is to look prepared and calm, not dressed for a different job.
Two outfits that work
Fine knit, tailored trousers, optional blazer
- light blue fine knit
- charcoal tailored trousers
- navy blazer (optional)
- brown loafers
A fine knit and tailored trousers look neat and calm, and a blazer adds weight if the review touches pay or promotion.
White shirt, chinos, optional blazer
- ironed white shirt
- charcoal chinos
- navy blazer (optional)
- brown leather shoes
An ironed shirt and chinos signal care without being stiff, and a blazer can be added for a salary discussion.
By weather
| Hot22° and up | A light shirt or blouse and trousers, with a blazer if the office is cold. |
|---|---|
| Mild10° to 21° | A shirt or knit with trousers and a light jacket for the commute. |
| ColdBelow 10° | A warm coat for the commute and a fine knit in the office. |
Do and don’t
- Wear something clean, ironed and comfortable
- Dress one notch neater than a normal day
- Choose a colour that makes you feel confident
- Bring a notebook and your notes
- Wear anything you need to fix while sitting
- Dress as if you are going to a different company
- Overdo perfume or aftershave
- Wear a new outfit that you have not tested
Check the night before
- Iron the clothes and clean the shoes
- Prepare notes, examples and questions
- Check the room and the time
- Bring a notebook and a pen
- Sleep well; it shows more than the outfit
Questions people ask
What should I wear to a performance review?
Your best usual work outfit, slightly neater: ironed shirt or knit, tailored trousers, clean shoes and a blazer if it fits your office.
Should I dress up for a salary conversation?
A little. Choose a tidy, confident outfit that fits your workplace; you do not need a suit unless people wear them.
What if my review is on a video call?
Wear a solid mid-tone top with no fine stripes, sit facing a window, and check your camera angle.
Can I wear jeans to a performance review?
Only if jeans are normal in your office, and then dark and smart with a good top.
Pick Performance review in FeinLens and see what you already own
FeinLens builds complete outfits for this occasion from photos of your own clothes, dressed for the forecast where you’ll be.
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