Quick Answer
While jeans are acceptable attire for working at Starbucks, it’s best to avoid wearing jeans to a Starbucks interview. Instead, opt for business casual clothing that is tidy and professional. Slacks with a button-down shirt or a modest dress are safer interview outfit choices for Starbucks. Ultimately, you want to make a good first impression by looking tidy, polished, and professional. Jeans could come across as too casual for an interview setting.
Can You Wear Jeans to a Starbucks Interview?
Technically, you can wear jeans to a Starbucks interview. However, most career experts do not recommend wearing jeans to an interview, especially for customer-facing roles like those at Starbucks. Here are some factors to consider:
Starbucks Dress Code
The Starbucks employee dress code allows jeans to be worn by employees when working shifts. However, there is more flexibility in the dress code for employees compared to interview candidates. What you wear when you come in for an interview makes a key first impression. You want to err on the more professional side when dressing for a Starbucks interview.
Interview Attire Expectations
In general, it’s best to opt for business casual attire for interviews across most industries. Jeans are considered too casual for making the best first impression at a job interview. As a customer-facing role, Starbucks likely expects candidates to dress professionally for the interview.
Making a Good First Impression
You want to make a polished, put together first impression at a job interview. Wearing tidy business casual attire demonstrates you are taking the interview seriously. Jeans could potentially come across as too relaxed or informal for the situation. Opting for slacks or a modest dress shows professionalism.
Types of Jeans
All jeans are not equal when it comes to formality. Dark-wash denim in a trouser or straight leg style can potentially look dressier. However, most denim is still too casual for an interview. Save the jeans for your first day on the job rather than the interview.
What to Wear to a Starbucks Interview
Here are some recommended outfit options to select over jeans for a Starbucks interview:
Slacks with Nice Blouse or Button-Down
A tailored pair of slacks with a pressed button-down shirt or blouse is a foolproof interview option. Tuck the shirt in and add modest accessories like small earrings and a watch. Loafers or flats are appropriate shoe options.
Professional Dress
A tasteful sheath dress or sculpted fit-and-flare style hits the right note of professionalism for an interview. Make sure the length is knee-level or below. Pair with closed-toe heels.
Skirt with Professional Top
A knee-length pencil skirt with a tucked-in blouse or sweater is another safe option. Make sure skirts aren’t too tight or short. Add some subtle jewelry like stud earrings and a necklace. Pointed-toe flats pair well with skirts.
Slacks with Blazer
For an extra polished touch, wear dress slacks with a coordinated blazer. Look for blazers with structure in material like ponte, tweed, or glen plaid. Make sure the fit isn’t too oversized. Add a silk shell or collared shirt underneath.
Do’s and Don’ts for Starbucks Interview Attire
Here are some interview attire do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when interviewing at Starbucks:
DO:
- Wear professional, business casual attire like slacks, dresses, skirts, blazers, button-downs, and modest blouses
- Choose dark, neutral colors like black, navy, gray, or khaki
- Make sure clothes are neatly pressed with no wrinkles or stains
- Keep jewelry simple like small earrings, a watch, and basic necklace
- Wear professional shoes like loafers, flats, or pumps
- Opt for minimal makeup and neatly groomed hair
- Bring a professional portfolio, notepad, and pen
DON’T:
- Wear jeans, especially distressed denim with embellishments
- Wear leggings, sweatpants, athletic wear, or shorts
- Show off cleavage, shoulders, stomach, or tattoos
- Wear t-shirts, hoodies, or casual tops
- Wear casual shoes like flip flops, sneakers, or sandals
- Go overboard with loud makeup, perfume, or jewelry
- Chew gum or have any food or drink
What to Wear for a Starbucks Barista Interview
As a barista role at Starbucks involves a lot of customer interaction, you’ll want to dress professionally for the interview. Here are some specific tips:
- Opt for business casual pieces like trousers, a skirt, or dress. Avoid denim.
- Make sure clothes are modest and avoid low cut, crop, or tight items.
- Have neat, tidy grooming with simple makeup and no overpowering fragrance.
- Wear closed-toe shoes with a low heel or flat sole for safety.
- Hair should be simply styled back out of your face if long.
- No large jewelry that could impede your movement or add risk.
- Bring a notepad, pen, and copies of your resume.
Dressing professionally demonstrates your customer service skills and work ethic as a potential barista. Jeans or casual clothes don’t make the best impression for customer-facing coffee roles. Show you are taking the interview seriously through your professional presentation.
Outfit Examples to Wear to a Starbucks Interview
To give you an idea of appropriate interview outfits, here are a few examples of what to wear to make a great first impression at your Starbucks interview:
For Women:
- Black dress trousers with a sage green blouse and black flats.
- Navy pencil skirt with a white button-down shirt and nude pumps.
- Gray trousers with a fitted black blazer and black pointy-toe flats.
- Khaki dress with a cardigan and brown loafers.
For Men:
- Navy suit with a white button-down collared shirt and navy tie.
- Gray trousers with a light blue button-down shirt and gray blazer.
- Khaki chinos with a polo shirt, optional navy blazer and brown dress shoes.
- Black trousers with a pressed white shirt and black necktie and dress shoes.
Aim for an overall tidy, tailored, professional look. Jeans, shorts, sneakers, and other casualwear are not the best options for your Starbucks interview. Show you are taking the job opportunity seriously through your interview attire.
Can You Wear Jeans to Work at Starbucks?
The Starbucks dress code does allow employees to wear jeans as part of the approved attire options. However, there are specifications for acceptable jeans to maintain a professional appearance:
- Jeans must be in good condition with no holes, distressing, embellishments, or fading.
- Denim colors should be dark washed classic blues or blacks.
- No overly loose or tight fits. Jeans must have a tailored look.
- Jeggings, leggings, and athletic pants are not permitted.
So feel free to wear your nice dark-wash jeans once you are hired! But opt for more formal business casual attire when coming in for your Starbucks interview. Show you understand the difference between professional interview versus daily work apparel.
Key Takeaways
- Jeans are allowed for working at Starbucks but not the best choice for interviews.
- Opt for business casual attire like slacks, skirts, blazers, and button-down shirts.
- Make sure your interview outfit is neatly pressed and put together.
- Aim for a tidy, polished, professional appearance from head to toe.
- Jeans could come across as too casual and informal for an interview.
- Plan your interview outfit just as carefully as you prepare your resume.
- Show you understand workplace dress codes by dressing professionally.
The Bottom Line
While jeans are permitted in the Starbucks dress code for employees, refrain from wearing denim to your Starbucks interview. Demonstrate you can represent the brand in a professional manner by opting for business casual attire when interviewing. Show up looking tidy, polished, and ready to make a great impression!