Women's Interview Clothing #3!

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Originally Posted by biophilia

http://honornyc.com/#!/collections/?sub=70&lookid=104

Probably too informal, but more because of the length of the sleeves than the modern, no-lapel jacket. The light grey is pretty.

EDIT: Agreed with the previous post that such a jacket needs to be tried on to make sure you have the figure to pull it off!

Originally Posted by biophilia

https://www.shopviviennetam.com/shop...azer-1044.html (j/k)

Also too informal? (I do like the first one)

This was awesome

What about this one?

http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/store...4&ci_sku=B1GQX


A bargain at only $5,375, and a very interview-appropriate neckline

Biophilia, I'm noticing that you gravitate towards unique suit cuts...how about something like this? It's also lapel-less and grey.

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/ca...747cat19670732

Ooh, km, that is cute!

Originally Posted by km17

Biophilia, I'm noticing that you gravitate towards unique suit cuts...how about something like this? It's also lapel-less and grey.

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/ca...747cat19670732

That is pretty and more my style than a very conventional suit. Thanks for the link, km17!

I just came across a NYT article about interview suits (I have not yet read through the entire old thread so sorry in advance if this has already been posted elsewhere):

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/13/fa...INTERVIEW.html

Originally Posted by biophilia

That is pretty and more my style than a very conventional suit. Thanks for the link, km17!

I just came across a NYT article about interview suits (I have not yet read through the entire old thread so sorry in advance if this has already been posted elsewhere):

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/13/fa...INTERVIEW.html

I think this guide (especially the comments) is very informative:
http://corporette.com/2010/08/09/the...terview-suits/

Granted, it's geared toward law interviews instead of med school interviews, but it's still relevant.

I'm having the hardest time finding modest button up shirts. Any suggestions?

Originally Posted by nysw

I'm having the hardest time finding modest button up shirts. Any suggestions?

http://corporette.com/2008/06/18/10-...n-down-shirts/

I'm thinking that I want to wear a light gray suit...I'm not into black and navy blue isn't really my color (I'm blonde, have olive skin, and green eyes). I'm thinking a light gray suit with a green or purple shirt? Does this sound like it would be too much color?

Originally Posted by biophilia

http://corporette.com/2008/06/18/10-...n-down-shirts/

Thanks! The victoria secret button up body suit idea.. LOL. I want to try it, but at the same time, I'm worried about giving myself a wedgie while walking around on tours or something..

Originally Posted by cowsgomuon

I think this guide (especially the comments) is very informative:
http://corporette.com/2010/08/09/the...terview-suits/

Granted, it's geared toward law interviews instead of med school interviews, but it's still relevant.

I own two of the Banana suit featured there (not in tall).

Originally Posted by nysw

I'm having the hardest time finding modest button up shirts. Any suggestions?

I also wear the Banana non-iron button ups (wearing one right now actually), and leave the top two buttons unbuttoned. For modesty, I pin the gaps immediately above and below the top-buttoned button. I've heard of people basting in snaps or hooks in those locations for a permanent solution.

Under suit jackets, I'm not the biggest fan of leaving a button-down buttoned half way and showing a lot cami, but if you need to, a lace edged one looks more like an accessory than another layer.

Something like this:
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/produc...3D1%26spc%3D45

Originally Posted by nysw

Thanks! The victoria secret button up body suit idea.. LOL. I want to try it, but at the same time, I'm worried about giving myself a wedgie while walking around on tours or something..

You can accomplish the same effect by tucking your shirt into pantyhose...I wear pantyhose with slacks sometimes for this exact reason!

Originally Posted by TheMightySmiter

Something like this:
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/produc...3D1%26spc%3D45

This is very nice.

EDIT: A purple or green shirt would be pretty under this suit. Grey is neutral, so that won't be too colorful!

Originally Posted by TheMightySmiter

I'm thinking that I want to wear a light gray suit...I'm not into black and navy blue isn't really my color (I'm blonde, have olive skin, and green eyes). I'm thinking a light gray suit with a green or purple shirt? Does this sound like it would be too much color?

Mine is gray too!! well, more of a charcoal color but I love it. don't like black suits, not digging the b/w penguin look

maybe purple? depends on the shades though..for some reason whenever i picture green i think of bright neon green.

I kinda want to wear pantsuits just so I can wear super high heels (to hide them haha)...and that's only because I'm a firm believer that tall people are hired more often. http://www.victoriassecret.com/ss/Sa...ame=vsdWrapper

but then I want the advantage of showing of a pair of sexy legs

Originally Posted by biophilia

That is pretty and more my style than a very conventional suit. Thanks for the link, km17!

I just came across a NYT article about interview suits (I have not yet read through the entire old thread so sorry in advance if this has already been posted elsewhere):

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/13/fa...INTERVIEW.html

Very interesting article...I haven't seen it yet. My perspective on formalness of interviews would be...

Less Formal: Newer industry jobs, some non-advanced degree jobs
Formal: Corporate/Business/Medical/Law/Professional degree jobs
Highly Formal: Banking and more prestigious firms

Originally Posted by SexyDoctor

I kinda want to wear pantsuits just so I can wear super high heels (to hide them haha)...and that's only because I'm a firm believer that tall people are hired more often. http://www.victoriassecret.com/ss/Sa...ame=vsdWrapper

but then I want the advantage of showing of a pair of sexy legs

I think if the cut of your shoe is conservative enough and you keep it under 4", you won't raise too many eyebrows. I also like feeling tall

With regards to the suit...extra wide flare legs are somewhat trendy and not everyone can pull them off. If you can and aren't looking to invest in a suit for the future, then ignore my comment.

Originally Posted by km17

This is very nice.

EDIT: A purple or green shirt would be pretty under this suit. Grey is neutral, so that won't be too colorful!

I like it a lot, too! I think those colors would look nice, but think about a bright pink, too.

Originally Posted by Geekchick921

I like it a lot, too! I think those colors would look nice, but think about a bright pink, too.

Or maybe bright blue? I like the idea of a deeper color shirt with a lighter suit.

Originally Posted by tiktok22

Mine is gray too!! well, more of a charcoal color but I love it. don't like black suits, not digging the b/w penguin look

maybe purple? depends on the shades though..for some reason whenever i picture green i think of bright neon green.

Haha, I think I'll skip the neon green...this is more what I was thinking.

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse...scid=715604212

Originally Posted by Geekchick921

I like it a lot, too! I think those colors would look nice, but think about a bright pink, too.

Okay, thanks for your and km's advice! I really like the look of purple or green. Bright pink would be really pretty too! With my coloring, I can wear pretty much any color save for red and navy blue--both of which are apparently power colors, lol. Too bad for me. So I want to wear something bright that stands out.

Originally Posted by km17

Or maybe bright blue? I like the idea of a deeper color shirt with a lighter suit.

I like that too! Now I'm excited for suit shopping.

Originally Posted by TheMightySmiter

Haha, I think I'll skip the neon green...this is more what I was thinking.

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse...scid=715604212

I've tried that shirt and color combo on, and own it in 4 other colors. It's really pretty! The Delicious Berry is slightly pinker than it looks in the picture, and it's one of my faves.

Originally Posted by km17

Or maybe bright blue? I like the idea of a deeper color shirt with a lighter suit.

Definitely!

Originally Posted by TheMightySmiter

I'm thinking that I want to wear a light gray suit...I'm not into black and navy blue isn't really my color (I'm blonde, have olive skin, and green eyes). I'm thinking a light gray suit with a green or purple shirt? Does this sound like it would be too much color?

My only reservation with light gray would be that it might seem out of place in the cold weather locations (Rochester, Philly, Chicago, etc) in the dead of winter.

Originally Posted by TheMightySmiter

I'm thinking that I want to wear a light gray suit...I'm not into black and navy blue isn't really my color (I'm blonde, have olive skin, and green eyes). I'm thinking a light gray suit with a green or purple shirt? Does this sound like it would be too much color?

That's exactly what I wore to my interviews: gray pantsuit with a purple top. The gray wasn't too light, but not dark enough to be charcoal (I can't find a pic of my suit, but here's what the color was basically). However, instead of a button-up/collared shirt, I just wore a shell top with short sleeves. I only went to interviews in CA, so it was either hot or warm weather. And for some reason, the suit jacket + button-up shirt look just looks weird on me, and I was always afraid the shirt would bunch up when taking my jacket off and on .

Cold weather interviews: When I was planning on going to an interview in DC, I bought a gray wool coat that almost matched my suit (it looked like it was made for the suit!) and a pair of leggings to wear underneath my pants if it was too cold (as I said in an earlier post, I bought a suit with lighter material). But I ended up canceling this interview when I got into my top choice CA school .

Short-sleeve jackets: I think only women can pull them off (there was an sdn thread on this topic), and maybe if you're going to interviews in hot weather, it would be okay. But I still personally like long-sleeved suits better, I just think they look more professional.

Matching suits: In my opinion, I think matching suits (top and bottom same color/material) look a lot better. And every single person in the interviews I went had on a matching suit .

Skirts vs Pants: As others have said, I really think it doesn't matter. Most women I saw wore pants, but there were still plenty of women wearing skirts. Honestly, pick what looks best on you.

Shoes: I highly recommend you not wear high heels of any sort unless you've been wearing them all your life. For my first interview, I mistakenly wore heels (not even that high of heels). I wore them for a few hours at a time on a few occasions to break them in and they felt fine. But my first interview day lasted almost 9 hours! And we had quite a bit of walking all around campus (lots of stairs, gravel, and uneven terrain). I wanted to chop off my feet one hour into the interview day. I noticed a majority of the women at my interviews wearing flats of some kind. I bought a pair of comfort non-high heels from Naturalizer for my second interview, which were comfortable all day. Trust me, the last thing you want to be focusing on during your interview day is your feet!

[QUOTE=TheMightySmiter;11341810]Haha, I think I'll skip the neon green...this is more what I was thinking.

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse...scid=715604212

oooohhhh I love this! such a pretty color. I think I should investing in banana republic/gap..I've bought so much of their clothing recently

What do you guys think about jackets with shoulder pads? (I dislike both the way shoulder pads feel and the way they look, but I've noticed that many jackets have them.)

Originally Posted by biophilia

What do you guys think about jackets with shoulder pads? (I dislike both the way shoulder pads feel and the way they look, but I've noticed that many jackets have them.)

Most of my jackets have them. They've gotten thinner in more recent years, so I don't mind them as much. I think they do help the suit lay better across the lapels by providing more structure for the draping. If you're wearing a suit without lapels or of stiffer material, you probably won't need them.

Originally Posted by LizzyM

My only reservation with light gray would be that it might seem out of place in the cold weather locations (Rochester, Philly, Chicago, etc) in the dead of winter.

That's a good point...I wonder if it would be okay if I paired it with a less summery color?

Originally Posted by tiktok22

oooohhhh I love this! such a pretty color. I think I should investing in banana republic/gap..I've bought so much of their clothing recently

I love BR for work clothing!

Originally Posted by biophilia

What do you guys think about jackets with shoulder pads? (I dislike both the way shoulder pads feel and the way they look, but I've noticed that many jackets have them.)

I don't like shoulder pads, especially because I don't have small shoulders to begin with and I don't want to emphasize them. I think most modern, fitted jackets don't have them? I'm not sure, it's been a long time since I needed to wear a suit for anything.

And this should hopefully go without saying, but don't underestimate the importance of tailoring!! It might cost you an additional $20-$50 depending on what you need tailored, but very few women fit perfectly into clothes off the rack and it makes an enormous difference in how the clothes look, especially with professional clothing.

If you feel like a member of the Dallas Cowboys in one jacket, try something else or check with a dressmaker/tailor. I had a thrift shop boucle jacket with 1980s shoulder pads and I split the seams in the lining at the shoulder, excised the shoulder pads and closed the splits in the lining. Voila! A more contemporary sillouette.

Originally Posted by TheMightySmiter

That's a good point...I wonder if it would be okay if I paired it with a less summery color?

Suit material, such as a wool blend, will go a long way towards making something less summery, especially for a daytime interview. A darker blouse, such as an eggplant purple, will also probably help. It's hard to judge without seeing the color in person.

Originally Posted by TheMightySmiter

I love BR for work clothing!

Me too. It's a problem.

Originally Posted by TheMightySmiter

I don't like shoulder pads, especially because I don't have small shoulders to begin with and I don't want to emphasize them. I think most modern, fitted jackets don't have them? I'm not sure, it's been a long time since I needed to wear a suit for anything.

I think this varies by clothing retailer.

Originally Posted by TheMightySmiter

And this should hopefully go without saying, but don't underestimate the importance of tailoring!! It might cost you an additional $20-$50 depending on what you need tailored, but very few women fit perfectly into clothes off the rack and it makes an enormous difference in how the clothes look, especially with professional clothing.

Cannot emphasize this enough. Note that you should always buy jackets to fit in the shoulders because this is the one dimension than cannot easily be altered.

TheMightySmighter,

Since you like Banana, check out this collection in the dark charcoal...the color is actually somewhere between the lighter color shown and a true charcoal.

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse...y.do?cid=41699

BR has frequent online sales, so you can probably snag this for about 30-40% off if you keep an eye out.

Originally Posted by LizzyM

If you feel like a member of the Dallas Cowboys in one jacket, try something else or check with a dressmaker/tailor. I had a thrift shop boucle jacket with 1980s shoulder pads and I split the seams in the lining at the shoulder, excised the shoulder pads and closed the splits in the lining. Voila! A more contemporary sillouette.

This is a great idea, though I would probably be too scared to do this with an expensive brand new suit.

For the bold DIY types:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HfKW...eature=related

Here is a wool pinstripe pant suit:
http://www.nanettelepore.com/new-arrivals.html

Originally Posted by km17

TheMightySmighter,

Since you like Banana, check out this collection in the dark charcoal...the color is actually somewhere between the lighter color shown and a true charcoal.

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse...y.do?cid=41699

BR has frequent online sales, so you can probably snag this for about 30-40% off if you keep an eye out.

This! They're having a 30% off everything sale online right now, but it ends today. They'll have another 30% off sale (the invite-only Give and Get Sale) pretty soon, which is online and in stores. I got my suit from Banana during one of the sales and it was great. The best thing was that I got a petite jacket and regular skirt to fit me perfectly, and I didn't have to get a single part tailored. Their suit pants looked pretty awful on me, but if you're not too hippy, then they should work.

I also recommend the Cole Haan shoe collection. They have rubber treads on the bottom so they're not clicky when you walk, and they've got padding so they're comfy enough to get you through an interview day.

Originally Posted by biophilia

Here is a wool pinstripe pant suit:
http://www.nanettelepore.com/new-arrivals.html

I like, but you have expensive taste friend

So...purse or briefcase?

Originally Posted by NoNotYouLionel

So...purse or briefcase?

You're going to hear a lot of differing opinions here, but your main options are a purse, tote/briefcase, or a zippered padfolio. Honestly, I think you'll be fine with any of them, but I'd recommend a tote over a briefcase.

If you go with a purse or tote (I define a tote as a bag that holds letter-sized notebooks or a laptop, and would not be carried as an everyday bag otherwise), make sure you've cleaned out the non-essentials so you don't have to dig through junk in your bag in your interview.

I prefer a tote and then carry a thin folio in it, but to each her own.

EDIT: To expound upon this opinion: in your interview day, they will most likely give you a packet of information. You should also have a packet of important documents such as your personal statement, AMCAS activities, etc. If you are holding a purse in one hand and a folio in the other, it is more difficult to shake hands with your interviewers as you enter/leave. If you can get away without a purse by just carrying a zippered folio, or if you're like me and have to have a bag, then if you carry a tote in which to put the packet, then it saves you the awkward hand switch / stuff adjustment phase. It's also one less thing to carry on tours. Silly reason? Maybe. But that's my thought process

(FYI, this is my tote -- in black, not red, and they did a horrible photoshop job re-coloring the picture on the front page...the "more photos" link is better) http://www.levenger.com/PAGETEMPLATE...-4|pageid=6578

Regardless, the bag should match your shoes in color, and be leather, faux leather, or quality microfiber.

Originally Posted by km17

TheMightySmighter,

Since you like Banana, check out this collection in the dark charcoal...the color is actually somewhere between the lighter color shown and a true charcoal.

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse...y.do?cid=41699

BR has frequent online sales, so you can probably snag this for about 30-40% off if you keep an eye out.

I like that! Those are very classy.

Originally Posted by km17

I like, but you have expensive taste friend

LOL, I actually only know of nanette lepore because I have several very tall (female) family members (e.g., 6'1'') who swear that they can only wear nanette lepore suits because other brands do not fit properly.

Originally Posted by km17

EDIT: To expound upon this opinion: in your interview day, they will most likely give you a packet of information. You should also have a packet of important documents such as your personal statement, AMCAS activities, etc. If you are holding a purse in one hand and a folio in the other, it is more difficult to shake hands with your interviewers as you enter/leave. If you can get away without a purse by just carrying a zippered folio, or if you're like me and have to have a bag, then if you carry a tote in which to put the packet, then it saves you the awkward hand switch / stuff adjustment phase. It's also one less thing to carry on tours. Silly reason? Maybe. But that's my thought process

This is very good to know; thanks.

Originally Posted by biophilia

LOL, I actually only know of nanette lepore because I have several very tall (female) family members (e.g., 6'1'') who swear that they can only wear nanette lepore suits because other brands do not fit properly.

Ack, finding the right brand to fit my body type is probably going to be a concern for me. I look best in pencil skirts, but because of my proportions stuff that fits across the bum is gaping at the waist.

Originally Posted by km17

(FYI, this is my tote -- in black, not red, and they did a horrible photoshop job re-coloring the picture on the front page...the "more photos" link is better) http://www.levenger.com/PAGETEMPLATE...-4|pageid=6578

I like that tote. Did you order from this website?

Originally Posted by NoNotYouLionel

Ack, finding the right brand to fit my body type is probably going to be a concern for me. I look best in pencil skirts, but because of my proportions stuff that fits across the bum is gaping at the waist.

Any tailor can take out some fabric and move the location of a zipper if this is your problem, no worries.

Originally Posted by biophilia

I like that tote. Did you order from this website?

I did. They periodically have sales, maybe once a month or so?

It's hard to see in the photo, but the bag has white stitching around the edges. I love the way it looks (makes it more interesting than just black leather wall), but just FYI

Originally Posted by km17

I did. They periodically have sales, maybe once a month or so?

Great! I will keep an eye on it to see if it goes on sale soon. Thanks for sharing, km17!

Are heels a must? I would hate to take a long tour around campus in heels for a few hours!!

Ya what are you guys' opinions on the shoes? No peep-toe pumps?? Would you guys recommend bringing a pair of black flats for the more walking around campus portion of the day?

Finally, what do you guys wear for shoes in the winter? I love my uggs and I can't imagine running in the snow/ice in dress shoes.

I talked about this a little bit earlier in the thread:

Originally Posted by km17

I'd say don't learn to walk in heels for an interview. I love heels, but if you hate them, don't make yourself miserable.

If you want an easy heel to wear, look for shoes with a chunky heel, cushioning in the sole at the heel and ball of your foot, and without a platform. There seems to be a general agreement here that you can change into flats for the tour.

If you want advice on flats, avoid the ballet slipper look (large bows and flowers too). Flats can look professional with a nice buckle or metal accent.

In general, black leather (or fake leather) shoes are your best bet (unless you're wearing a shade of brown). I'd keep a pair of shoes just for interviews so they look nice and don't wear out. If you're buying new shoes, avoid patent because it's technically only to be worn between Easter and Labor Day, and it's never business formal. If you already have patent shoes, don't sweat it.

Originally Posted by flyinkstar89

Are heels a must? I would hate to take a long tour around campus in heels for a few hours!!

I think the above answers your questions flyinkstar. In general, heels can be dressier, but if you get the right flats, you should be just fine.

Originally Posted by medschool2016

Ya what are you guys' opinions on the shoes? No peep-toe pumps?? Would you guys recommend bringing a pair of black flats for the more walking around campus portion of the day?

Finally, what do you guys wear for shoes in the winter? I love my uggs and I can't imagine running in the snow/ice in dress shoes.

Medschool2016, no peep toes or slingbacks. If you want to change into flats for the tour, go for it!

I was travelling for work this winter, and we got hit by a snow storm, and I had to trudge around the northeast on icy and snowy roads in 3.5" stilettos = not fun. Avoid this at all costs.

I doubt you'll be running in the snow or ice for an interview, but you could probably manage a chunky heel dress shoe with a rubber sole (I doubt they'll be taking you out in super treacherous conditions). I think dressier boots would be a good answer too, but I wouldn't consider your typical Uggs to meet the bill.

What about jewelry? Earrings? Necklace?

Also, what about makeup and eye makeup (mascara? eye shadow?)