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So my blouse has a little silver button at the very top where it clasps around my neck (all the other buttons are hidden).

Is it ok to wear gold pearl leverback earrings with this? I love my earrings, but will the two metals close together look tacky?

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Couple questions:

1) I have a black suit and a light grey pant suit. I didn't know that light grey was considered "too casual," and would like to wear it to some of my interviews. Would this be a problem? It fits well and meets all the other guidelines.

2) I have a silver necklace with an elegant-looking, simple treble clef pendant (yes, I am a musician). It's a nice necklace, in my opinion, doesn't call attention to my bust, and represents an aspect of my life that is important to me. I also talked quite a bit about the influence being a musician has had on me in my application, so it would kind of "fit" with the overall image. I do not have access to another necklace to wear, at least not before my first interview on Friday. Would the treble clef necklace be appropriate, or should I go without one?
1. It's not ideal, but probably not a dealbreaker.
2. I do not recommend pendants.
 
So my blouse has a little silver button at the very top where it clasps around my neck (all the other buttons are hidden).

Is it ok to wear gold pearl leverback earrings with this? I love my earrings, but will the two metals close together look tacky?
Dangle earrings can be distracting. Buttons or studs are ok.
The blouse sounds fine.
 
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Are shoes like this okay? Or are wedges of any sort not recommended?
http://m.dsw.com/shop/product/35389...GPS-_-G_Shopping_Pumps-_-New_Pumps&cadevice=m

I'm wearing wedges (black leather, 2inch heel, point toe) . If it means anything to you--I sent a pictures of a few different shoes to one of the surgeons I work with; he and his wife (also a surgeon) chose the wedges.

I think these are the ones I'm wearing.
http://www.6pm.com/nine-west-garcen...05869&ef_id=VSdBDQAAAXsQe0e9:20161013012010:s
 
This question sounds funny...but how "blousey" is a blouse supposed to be tucked in? I think a slim, clean tuck in looks nicer, but are they supposed to blouse out a little?

Sorry...girl fail:oops:
 
This question sounds funny...but how "blousey" is a blouse supposed to be tucked in? I think a slim, clean tuck in looks nicer, but are they supposed to blouse out a little?

Sorry...girl fail:oops:
A tucked-in boatneck shell is perfect.
 
Those choices are all fine. Depending on your body type, the V could be excessively revealing, though.
 
Ayyyyy I have the same green blouse. It looks great but man that thing is a wrinkly b*tch........I folded it one time in my suitcase and it came out looking like I'd done origami with it
which reminds me...I need to ask my student host about iron availability....
 
Is it recommended to only wear one pair of earrings, even if you have multiple piercings? I have triple piercings on my lobes (not higher up in my cartilage for example) and have been debating whether to wear simple, understated studs in all three piercings or just one pair.
 
Is it recommended to only wear one pair of earrings, even if you have multiple piercings? I have triple piercings on my lobes (not higher up in my cartilage for example) and have been debating whether to wear simple, understated studs in all three piercings or just one pair.

From what I've read, it seems that the only piercing jewelry you should have in are one on each earlobe. I would take the other two pairs of earrings out and just wear one pair.


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Hi Guys,

I love this suit, the color, stitching, cut, everything... but I'm a little worried about the slit on the skirt. Is the slit too high? If it is, is this something you can stitch closed at home and it wouldn't be too obvious?

http://www.anntaylor.com/tropical-w...olor=1220&colorExplode=false&catid=cata000013


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I wouldn't recommend the slit, when you sit it has a lot of potential to look inappropriate. I doubt stitching it up would be easy and I doubt it would look good. Slits are often inserted when the fabric does not have stretch, they are to allow that ease and let your legs move, if you sew up a slit, you are going to lose range of motion when walking.
 
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I strongly disagree that color should be avoided. At my interview, I was the only person wearing a color that wasn't black or grey, and I was very happy about that. My outfit was primarily black and white with a touch of salmon. Yes, your personality should stand out, but your appearance can ensure you are memorable. I cringe at the idea of my interviewer not being able to remember which grey suited robot I was.
 
hi everyone, so I have my first interview in a few weeks and I need to buy shoes. Can anyone offer advice on which is the best/most appropriate for an interview?
my 3 choices:
http://www.lordandtaylor.com/webapp...n/lord-and-taylor/cala-lucky-block-heel-pumps
http://www.lordandtaylor.com/webapp...lord-and-taylor/bryana-suede-wedge-heel-pumps
http://www.lordandtaylor.com/webapp...tarah-brae-leather-and-suede-block-heel-pumps

I know I'm probably overthinking this, so any feedback or any other link with similar shoes are appreciated!
 
hi everyone, so I have my first interview in a few weeks and I need to buy shoes. Can anyone offer advice on which is the best/most appropriate for an interview?
my 3 choices:
http://www.lordandtaylor.com/webapp...n/lord-and-taylor/cala-lucky-block-heel-pumps
http://www.lordandtaylor.com/webapp...lord-and-taylor/bryana-suede-wedge-heel-pumps
http://www.lordandtaylor.com/webapp...tarah-brae-leather-and-suede-block-heel-pumps

I know I'm probably overthinking this, so any feedback or any other link with similar shoes are appreciated!
Pumps are more formal than wedges and are thus preferable in this situation.
 
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hi everyone, so I have my first interview in a few weeks and I need to buy shoes. Can anyone offer advice on which is the best/most appropriate for an interview?
my 3 choices:
http://www.lordandtaylor.com/webapp...n/lord-and-taylor/cala-lucky-block-heel-pumps
http://www.lordandtaylor.com/webapp...lord-and-taylor/bryana-suede-wedge-heel-pumps
http://www.lordandtaylor.com/webapp...tarah-brae-leather-and-suede-block-heel-pumps

I know I'm probably overthinking this, so any feedback or any other link with similar shoes are appreciated!

If these are going to be your interview shoe, I would avoid suede just because it doesn't wear as well as regular leather. The cala shoes are ok but the bow makes them look a little juvenile/ballet flat?

Would you consider any of these, I tried to keep with the under 3 inch heel + almond toe + black + block heel + lord and taylor, that your selections followed:

http://www.lordandtaylor.com/webapp.../shoes/pumps/hala-leather-pumps-0100-hala1--1

http://www.lordandtaylor.com/webapp...-taylor/shoes/pumps/shore-thing-leather-pumps

http://www.lordandtaylor.com/webapp...-and-taylor/shoes/pumps/sarissa-leather-pumps

http://www.lordandtaylor.com/webapp...shoes/pumps/tomorrow-leather-block-heel-pumps

If you are willing to try a pointed toe:

http://www.lordandtaylor.com/webapp...taylor/shoes/pumps/pravana-rose-leather-pumps

http://www.lordandtaylor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/en/lord-and-taylor/shoes/pumps/hattie-pumps
 
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If these are going to be your interview shoe, I would avoid suede just because it doesn't wear as well as regular leather. The cala shoes are ok but the bow makes them look a little juvenile/ballet flat?

Would you consider any of these, I tried to keep with the under 3 inch heel + almond toe + black + block heel + lord and taylor, that your selections followed:

http://www.lordandtaylor.com/webapp.../shoes/pumps/hala-leather-pumps-0100-hala1--1

http://www.lordandtaylor.com/webapp...-taylor/shoes/pumps/shore-thing-leather-pumps

http://www.lordandtaylor.com/webapp...-and-taylor/shoes/pumps/sarissa-leather-pumps

http://www.lordandtaylor.com/webapp...shoes/pumps/tomorrow-leather-block-heel-pumps

If you are willing to try a pointed toe:

http://www.lordandtaylor.com/webapp...taylor/shoes/pumps/pravana-rose-leather-pumps

http://www.lordandtaylor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/en/lord-and-taylor/shoes/pumps/hattie-pumps

Wow thank you so much! Yeah I think you're right about the bow-- I will definitely look into the ones you posted. Also, do you think black colored shoes would look fine with a navy pant suit? Or should I pick the shoe color to be taupe or maybe burgundy?
 
Wow thank you so much! Yeah I think you're right about the bow-- I will definitely look into the ones you posted. Also, do you think black colored shoes would look fine with a navy pant suit? Or should I pick the shoe color to be taupe or maybe burgundy?

Black is fine, burgundy would also be fine. I think burgundy would be a harder match, you don't want something so red that you look patriotic but you don't want it to skew purple either. If you have time, might as well check out burgundy or cordovan options, but black is a safe bet and you will likely get more wear out of a black shoe in the future.
 
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Hi folks,

Since we're now approaching winter season, I wanted your advice on what coats were acceptable to wear during campus tours. I was planning to wear something like this (pic shown below) since it's the only coat I have that allows me to survive in <40°F weather.

https://www.nordstromrack.com/shop/product/1593076?color=BLACK

Thoughts? The one I have is a dark navy color with a subtle DKNY logo on the arm. I got it ~3 years ago and it's still in good condition.

(edited bc photo wouldn't load)
I think it's fine, but would remove the faux fur

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Hi folks,

Since we're now approaching winter season, I wanted your advice on what coats were acceptable to wear during campus tours. I was planning to wear something like this (pic shown below) since it's the only coat I have that allows me to survive in <40°F weather.

https://www.nordstromrack.com/shop/product/1593076?color=BLACK

Thoughts? The one I have is a dark navy color with a subtle DKNY logo on the arm. I got it ~3 years ago and it's still in good condition.

(edited bc photo wouldn't load)

I remember this conversation somewhere before and I think one of the adcoms said the coat doesn't matter much because they know you gotta wear it and some people can't afford buying something extra just because it's winter weather. I wore a pretty casual outer jacket to one of my interviews because it rained and no one seemed to care, especially because your tour guides are students, not your interviewers. I would just make sure it doesn't look ridiculous or something.
 
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Also jumping on the outerwear topic, @DokterMom I share your love of Brooks Brothers, I have this coat http://www.brooksbrothers.com/Wool-...var_SW00021_Color=DKGR&contentpos=2&cgid=1905 from their younger, Red Fleece line. Thoughts?

If I were buying a winter coat to wear for interviews (dress coat) and money was a consideration I'd buy something like this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Banana-Repu...786582?hash=item41b2272ed6:g:UNUAAOSwi0RXzESP

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ANNE-KLEIN-...813051?hash=item1c737022bb:g:k8cAAOSwiLdV~aac

http://www.ebay.com/itm/JG-Hook-Cha...864305?hash=item3d1d606f71:g:h9AAAOSwmtJXU34O
But since you own the one you posted, I'd wear it. As has been noted, not every college student or recent grad can afford a new winter dress coat to wear for those infrequent cold-climate interviews. If I were evaluating professional appearance I'd also show way more coat-lenience for a Florida resident than a New Jersey or Wisconsin resident. If you live in a cold climate, you should have a nice cold weather coat.
 
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Thoughts on a bag like this one? The dimensions are 12.6 length by 9.4 height, which seems like it would be a good size. There is a slight texture to the material, which looks alright to me but I'm not sure.
https://amzn.com/B01LCHCXE0
An alternate option that's a bit larger:
https://amzn.com/B01M61T2ED
 
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For anyone still suit shopping, Ann Taylor is doing 40% off suiting for two days only (until Thursday 11/3 at 3am EST).
This is the moment I've been waiting for


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http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=487186272&vid=1&locale=en_US&kwid=1&sem=false&sdkw=relaxed-mid-rise-harper-trousers-for-women-P487186&brandCvoSid=J84VD66GBYSP&sdReferer=http://www.oldnavy.com/products/womens-pants.jsp

https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai...hUKEwjP3tTVnfzPAhVBHD4KHVBfAj0QwjwIuQI&adurl=


are these pants okay? I am 5'3" so bootcut pants look rather big on me. I will be pairing the pants with similar fabric suit top and white blouse inside. Also, I was planning wearing these simple black flats. Is this okay?

In case it hasn't become clear, no, this is not an appropriate look for your interview. You need a professional business suit -- something where the jacket is in exactly the same fabric as the skirt, pants or dress. Also, those slacks are much too casual in general. You simply will not find appropriate interview wear at Old Navy.

Thoughts on a bag like this one? The dimensions are 12.6 length by 9.4 height, which seems like it would be a good size. There is a slight texture to the material, which looks alright to me but I'm not sure.
https://amzn.com/B01LCHCXE0
An alternate option that's a bit larger:
https://amzn.com/B01M61T2ED

Great bag! Spot on appropriate and nice to see one that is so reasonably priced. It can be done folks!
 
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I was going to be one of those people due to struggles shopping as a borderline plus-size woman, but @DokterMom saved me with some clutch last minute advice and I ended up feeling way more confident in what I found (which was a perfectly matching suit set). :biglove:


Also, I saw someone at an interview wearing a grey plaid dress, grey sweater, black tights, flats, and a gray purse with fringe. o_O

I feel your size struggles. After many fails, I almost gave up and just wore a dress + blazer knowing it was suboptimal but feeling like I couldn't find anything that didn't make me look and feel stupid. But I tried one last time and found an almost perfect (fit) matching suit jacket, skirt, dress, and pants. I went from no suit to having multiple options within the collection.
 
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I feel your size struggles. After many fails, I almost gave up and just wore a dress + blazer knowing it was suboptimal but feeling like I couldn't find anything that didn't make me look and feel stupid. But I tried one last time and found an almost perfect (fit) matching suit jacket, skirt, dress, and pants. I went from no suit to having multiple options within the collection.


So glad to hear it! For future readers, do you mind sharing what you found and where you found it?
 
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So glad to hear it! For future readers, do you mind sharing what you found and where you found it?
Thank you! Sure, it's the Kasper line at Macy's. It was perfect for me especially as someone with the body type to carry more around the waist then hips/thighs. That added to my struggles because the largest "regular sizes" weren't quite big enough for my waist, but "plus sizes" or "women sizes" typically are designed to assume you have more hip/thigh. So the first few suits I tried made me look and feel ridiculous. But this line fit (almost) perfect.

For as long as the link is active, here is the actual collection:

http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/...=Kasper&sp=1&spc=114&ruleId=65|BS|BA&slotId=2
 
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Thank you! Sure, it's the Kasper line at Macy's. It was perfect for me especially as someone with the body type to carry more around the waist then hips/thighs. That added to my struggles because the largest "regular sizes" weren't quite big enough for my waist, but "plus sizes" or "women sizes" typically are designed to assume you have more hip/thigh. So the first few suits I tried made me look and feel ridiculous. But this line fit (almost) perfect.

For as long as the link is active, here is the actual collection:

http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/kasper-plus-size-crepe-one-button-jacket-straight-leg-crepe-pants?ID=2064192&CategoryID=40424&selectedSize=#fn=SIZE=PLUS-SIZE-APPAREL:plus-size-suits-separates&BRAND=Kasper&sp=1&spc=114&ruleId=65|BS|BA&slotId=2

Very attractive and very appropriate -- well done!
 
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Also, I saw someone at an interview wearing a grey plaid dress, grey sweater, black tights, flats, and a gray purse with fringe. o_O

I saw someone who had on a patterned dress with one of those long necklaces and 6-inch nude stilettos...I was so confused if she was an interviewee or not and she was... @_@
 
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hey everyone! need help asap!
I have 2 interviews later this week and feel good about my pant suit outfit (and pretty powerful and yet still feminine. lets go ladies!) BUT i'm still conflicted about shoes. seems that the "safe" shoe option is just a plain black, not-too-high stilletto heel. the problem: I have a large tattoo on my right foot. I asked a friend who attends many APTA conferences and other professional things, who said she doesn't think it would be a huge problem, and that as long as I look classy and professional in the pantsuit that will make the biggest impression. However, I also feel like it's the safest option to cover the tattoo, and with all the walking on these interview/tour days I thought a black pump seemed really impractical. I did find some nice black ankle booties (more like a pump that covers the top of the foot). They look great with the suit, cover my tattoo, and have a bit of a chunkier heel for walking purposes. ( http://www.dsw.com/shoe/adrienne+vittadini+kantrelle+bootie?prodId=363949 in black)

my question: play it safe wtih the uncomfortable black stiletto, but not safe with showing tattoo, OR wear the bootie, cover the tattoo, be more comfortable, but risk looking a little less professional. dilemmas! Please let me know what yall think!
 
Personally, I would play it safe and wear a pair of low-heel black pumps and get some nylon socks to cover the tattoo. You can probably find some that are still close to your skin-tone, but are more opaque.

I am sure others will disagree and say just wear the booties, but after seeing some on the interview travel I just think it looks off (especially when the rest of the outfit is perfect!).
I would also say to play it safe with a pair of pumps and try to find some nylon socks to cover the tattoo. If the nylon socks don't quite cover it, I'd recommend using some cover up as well. But that's just my two cents
 
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Everyone has similar suggestions! I would get some nylon/pantyhose to cover, or some makeup that is made to cover tattoos. I wouldn't wear a boot and I wouldn't want my tattoo showing in my interview either!
 
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hey everyone! need help asap!
I have 2 interviews later this week and feel good about my pant suit outfit (and pretty powerful and yet still feminine. lets go ladies!) BUT i'm still conflicted about shoes. seems that the "safe" shoe option is just a plain black, not-too-high stilletto heel. the problem: I have a large tattoo on my right foot. I asked a friend who attends many APTA conferences and other professional things, who said she doesn't think it would be a huge problem, and that as long as I look classy and professional in the pantsuit that will make the biggest impression. However, I also feel like it's the safest option to cover the tattoo, and with all the walking on these interview/tour days I thought a black pump seemed really impractical. I did find some nice black ankle booties (more like a pump that covers the top of the foot). They look great with the suit, cover my tattoo, and have a bit of a chunkier heel for walking purposes. ( http://www.dsw.com/shoe/adrienne+vittadini+kantrelle+bootie?prodId=363949 in black)

my question: play it safe wtih the uncomfortable black stiletto, but not safe with showing tattoo, OR wear the bootie, cover the tattoo, be more comfortable, but risk looking a little less professional. dilemmas! Please let me know what yall think!

Depending on the length of your pants, you may want to consider tattoo coverup makeup and ankle length nylons
 
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Depending on the length of your pants, you may want to consider tattoo coverup makeup and ankle length nylons
Whoops, I see that other people were thinking the same thing!
 
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hey everyone! need help asap!
I have 2 interviews later this week and feel good about my pant suit outfit (and pretty powerful and yet still feminine. lets go ladies!) BUT i'm still conflicted about shoes. seems that the "safe" shoe option is just a plain black, not-too-high stilletto heel. the problem: I have a large tattoo on my right foot. I asked a friend who attends many APTA conferences and other professional things, who said she doesn't think it would be a huge problem, and that as long as I look classy and professional in the pantsuit that will make the biggest impression. However, I also feel like it's the safest option to cover the tattoo, and with all the walking on these interview/tour days I thought a black pump seemed really impractical. I did find some nice black ankle booties (more like a pump that covers the top of the foot). They look great with the suit, cover my tattoo, and have a bit of a chunkier heel for walking purposes. ( http://www.dsw.com/shoe/adrienne+vittadini+kantrelle+bootie?prodId=363949 in black)

my question: play it safe wtih the uncomfortable black stiletto, but not safe with showing tattoo, OR wear the bootie, cover the tattoo, be more comfortable, but risk looking a little less professional. dilemmas! Please let me know what yall think!
something like these, usually called "trouser socks" - they are knee-high, look like opaque hosiery, and are thin enough to wear with dress shoes. Match them to your shoe color.http://www.target.com/p/women-s-tro...gclid=CM7IqbfsqNACFYKBaQodg2YPqg&gclsrc=aw.ds
 
Hey everyone! I have some questions about my outfit for my upcoming interview. I'm planning to wear a black blazer (simple), a black blouse (see below), a black skirt with black tights underneath, and black pumps. Is this too much black?

I'm planning to bring a bright blue purse so I was hoping wearing all black would make the purse look less crazy/loud...haha

il_570xN.998847602_shqe.jpg
 
Hey everyone! I have some questions about my outfit for my upcoming interview. I'm planning to wear a black blazer (simple), a black blouse (see below), a black skirt with black tights underneath, and black pumps. Is this too much black?

I'm planning to bring a bright blue purse so I was hoping wearing all black would make the purse look less crazy/loud...haha

il_570xN.998847602_shqe.jpg



I'd recommend wearing a bright blouse and carrying a black purse instead. Bright purses are probably too casual for this occasion, and a bright blouse would help to liven up the outfit.
 
Hey everyone! I have some questions about my outfit for my upcoming interview. I'm planning to wear a black blazer (simple), a black blouse (see below), a black skirt with black tights underneath, and black pumps. Is this too much black?

I'm planning to bring a bright blue purse so I was hoping wearing all black would make the purse look less crazy/loud...haha

I believe black tights/pantyhose are frowned upon in this thread. I'd suggest looking for some nude ones :)
 
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Hey everyone! I have some questions about my outfit for my upcoming interview. I'm planning to wear a black blazer (simple), a black blouse (see below), a black skirt with black tights underneath, and black pumps. Is this too much black?

I'm planning to bring a bright blue purse so I was hoping wearing all black would make the purse look less crazy/loud...haha

il_570xN.998847602_shqe.jpg

Tbh that sounds a little dark. I would stick with the black suit (skirt and jacket should match) and go for bright color in the blouse instead. Black pumps and purse with nude hose would be appropriate with a black suit. The-powers-that-be have said that black tights are too casual for an interview.
 
Another vote for black suit, bright blouse, black purse, nude hose.
 
Hey everyone! I have some questions about my outfit for my upcoming interview. I'm planning to wear a black blazer (simple), a black blouse (see below), a black skirt with black tights underneath, and black pumps. Is this too much black?

You need a SUIT -- not a black blazer and black skirt. Two pieces in the exact same fabric -- so jacket and either skirt, slacks or dress. Then shoes and bag in a matching/coordinating dark neutral color. And hose, not tights.
 
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