From Shoreditch to Mayfair: Dressing for PA and EA job interviews in London

Here, authenticity and cultural fit matter just as much as polish. Think elevated smart-casual: relaxed blazers, crisp shirts or blouses, stylish (but not scruffy) shoes. Trainers can work - but they must be clean, minimal, and intentional. Try to avoid looking too corporate, but don’t slip into weekend dress mode either.

Whether it’s a folio, crossbody, or slim rucksack, your bag should reflect organisation without overkill. A bulky tech backpack in a Knightsbridge interview? Bad fit. A designer clutch at a Shoreditch media agency? Probably overkill.

EA/PA Practicality Check: Can your bag hold a notebook, your phone and a backup pen without bursting open? Good answer.

It’s not what you wear, but how it fits. An off-the-peg outfit that fits beautifully will always beat an expensive designer piece that pulls, gapes, or droops. Your clothes should skim the body, flatter your frame, and allow you to move with ease and confidence.

The perfect fit:

• Trousers hit just above the shoe, not puddle around your ankles
• Jacket fits neatly at the shoulders and button without strain
• Shirt / blouse sits smoothly across the chest and arms
• Dress / skirt finishes at an appropriate length - sitting just above or below the knee

Whether you're in heels or flats, trainers or loafers, you must be able to walk comfortably and confidently from the interview room to the rest of the day.

When you’re interviewing to be someone’s trusted PA or EA, attention to detail isn’t optional - it’s expected. That starts with you. From the moment you walk in, your interviewer will be subconsciously noting how well you’ve presented yourself. It’s a reflection of how well you’ll represent them.

Make sure:

• Hair is clean, tidy, and styled in a way that stays off your face
• Nails are clean and manicured - avoid chipped polish or overly bold colours
• Makeup (if worn) is natural and flattering - less is more
• Facial hair is neatly groomed or clean-shaven
• Fragrance is minimal or non-existent
• Clothing is crease-free, lint-free, and in good repair
• These small touches are part of the larger message: “I care about doing things properly.”

Whether your interview is at a glass-and-steel corporate HQ at Bank, a townhouse in Knightsbridge, or a co-working space in East London, your look should echo the atmosphere.

• City offices: lean classic, tailored, and formal
• Private homes or family offices: soft, elegant, and discreet
• Creative studios or startups: smart, interesting, but pulled-together

Remember: the setting offers clues. A chic, traditional office? Explore something more structured. A contemporary space with art on the walls and plants everywhere? Perhaps include a personal touch, like a textured jacket or stylish trainers - but keep it elevated.

Ultimately, the most important part of your interview outfit isn’t the jacket or the shoes - it’s how you feel in them. Confidence isn’t brash; it’s quiet, steady, and magnetic. And when you’re dressed in a way that feels authentic, comfortable, and appropriate, that confidence naturally follows.

If you’re fidgeting, adjusting your hem, or regretting your shoe choice - you won’t be focused on the interview. Why not choose an outfit you’ve worn before or test it out the day before to ensure you feel entirely at ease.

Whether you're applying for a PA or EA role in a private household, a global hedge fund, or a dynamic start-up, one thing is constant: as a PA or EA, you’re not just applying for a job - you’re positioning yourself as the right hand to a senior leader, a trusted gatekeeper, and a discreet, capable organiser in their professional (and sometimes personal) life.

Your appearance should say:

"I’m capable. I’m composed. I understand what’s needed - and I’m already halfway there."

Professional doesn’t mean boring, and comfortable doesn’t mean casual. Aim for the sweet spot in between: poised, practical, and perfectly prepared.