captainnerd, I think we all understand how important fashion/style is to those people. There's no doubt they know what the latest fashion is, and most pre-meds don't. Fortunately, fashion is not a factor that is considered at interviews.
But to insult people by suggesting that they are disrespecting people by not following the latest fashion trends is insane. The life of your patient does not rely on your bespoke shirt.
I'm sure we all appreciate your help. A simple "I wouldn't wear that tie with that shirt" is good advice. Telling us what brands we need to avoid because people are obsessed with labels isn't very productive. Not everyone can drop $1500 on a suit that they're going to wear once in the next 4 years. Some people have very limited budgets, and the extent that they can be helped ends with color coordination.
So thanks for the help, and I hope you continue to lend your advice. Please avoid making inflammatory remarks about peoples' aptitude based on their willingness to accept critique on an almost moot issue.
Oh, I absolutely agree with you. My suggestion never required a particular brand. I would get something On the Rack (OTR) and tailor it as suggested above about fit.
As for fashion trends, I am not speaking of fashion trends. A 2 or 3 button charcoal, notch lapel suit with white shirt and conservative tie will never be a trend. It has been the norm for the last 60 years. I am suggesting we stick to the norms.
I am not requesting people buy the latest bespoke clothing with the coolest labels. I don't think I've mentioned a single label or brand. I in no way suggested that a patient will be disrespected if his doctor is not in bespoke clothing.
In the end, it is truly a matter of fit. The most boring colors and fabrics, fitted properly, will be better than any of the pinstripes and bright ties previously suggested before SF caught whiff of this thread.
As to another post about iBanking or law interviews being so much different, I would disagree. There was a recent thread on SF about a law school interview (or may have been law firm), and the suggestions were about the same. Dark charcoal, notched lapel, white or blue shirt, blue or gray tie, no french cuffs, no pocket square, black socks, black shoes, all boring. Not even law firms and i-banks want a rabble rouser. If they're a respected i-bank and have been around for a few generations, they want conformity.
Nobody is asking that we all become FABUUUULOUS (insert jazz hands), just stay conservative. Like I said before, your clothes wont seal the deal, it'll just get you in the door. And playing it safe is way better than going pinstriped and collar-pinned (remember the boss from Office Space with his contrast collars and suspenders? You don't want to be that guy. You also don't want to go in as Gordon Gecko while interviewing for an entry position at an i-bank where you'll be making cold calls for the next two years).
Get a suit for $300 or $400. Get it altered (or tailored as some people say). Go to Macy's and ask for your neck and sleeve measurements. Get a shirt that fits for $50. Get a tie for $40 at Macy's while you're at it. Then get a pair of black shoes with a cap toe (conservative) for $80, nothing fancy. Tops, it shouldn't cost you more than $600.
Like I said, it has nothing to do with brand, it's all about fit and conforming to the norm. And the norm is NOT black suits. I can't explain to you why black suits are shunned. They just are. But if you have one, I don't see why not. But if you need to get one, why not buy something you might wear for other occasions as well. Also, to a poster above, charcoal gray will work at a funeral. There's no point in buying a black suit for the sole purpose of funerals. It'd be a huge waste of money to buy a suit for the sole purpose of funerals.
Also, I suggest someone start a thread on SF specific to Med school. I'm sure you'll get some good advice.
