Women's Interview Clothing

[predoc26]

ok guys, I'd like some opinions please?!
I bought this online, after trying it on in the store of course. However, I am now slightly worried that since the bottom edge of the jacket is significantly shorter than the sleeves it might be unprofessional? Apparently that's how am man's suit is supposed to fit. Seeing that I am not a man not sure if those rules apply to me

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/halogen..._sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_25_D

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[Winged Scapula]

ok guys, I'd like some opinions please?!
I bought this online, after trying it on in the store of course. However, I am now slightly worried that since the bottom edge of the jacket is significantly shorter than the sleeves it might be unprofessional? Apparently that's how am man's suit is supposed to fit. Seeing that I am not a man not sure if those rules apply to me

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/halogen..._sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_25_D

Unless you are a T. Rex, the blazer will be shorter than your sleeves. Same rules.

I'm more concerned about the brown color, what appears to be patch pockets and a design. Frankly those are far more in violation of the "rules" than the length of the jacket. It's a pretty casual suit for all of those reasons.

 

[predoc26]

I guess its back to the drawing board...
luckily I tried this guy on too, I don't love the one button, but I suppose its more professional. Thank god for free return shipping

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/halogen..._sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_19_B

 

[DokterMom]

Am I the only one who finds it terribly annoying how these online stores show suits? Case in point:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/halogen..._sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_19_B or
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/halogen..._sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_25_D

After looking at it, I'm pretty sure the suit is fine. However, if anyone showed up for their interview looking like either of these models, I'd consider them inappropriately dressed. What's with the half-tucked shirt? The messy hair? The no hose? The pushed-up sleeves? Leather shirts? And gladiator sandals with a suit? This is supposed to be a business suit! The models should look plausibly businesslike. Is anyone buying these suits for any reason other than to wear to work? Or interview for grad school/work? No! So don't show the suits worn inappropriately! (Is it any wonder young women have a hard time dressing appropriately for work when this is the crap they see?)
End of rant.

 

[Winged Scapula]

Am I the only one who finds it terribly annoying how these online stores show suits? Case in point:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/halogen..._sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_19_B or
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/halogen..._sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_25_D

After looking at it, I'm pretty sure the suit is fine. However, if anyone showed up for their interview looking like either of these models, I'd consider them inappropriately dressed. What's with the half-tucked shirt? The messy hair? The no hose? The pushed-up sleeves? Leather shirts? And gladiator sandals with a suit? This is supposed to be a business suit! The models should look plausibly businesslike. Is anyone buying these suits for any reason other than to wear to work? Or interview for grad school/work? No! So don't show the suits worn inappropriately! (Is it any wonder young women have a hard time dressing appropriately for work when this is the crap they see?)
End of rant.

LOL...

Yes it's annoying for all of those reasons and in some cases the way theyre styled, it's hard to tell the length or flare of the trouser or whether the sleeves are short or just pushed up.

The problem is, is that many stylists likely have no idea what's appropriate in a conservative white-collar profession. What flies in more creative fields is likely what they're Experienced with.

 

[infinitessimal]

Am I the only one who finds it terribly annoying how these online stores show suits? Case in point:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/halogen..._sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_19_B or
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/halogen..._sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_25_D

After looking at it, I'm pretty sure the suit is fine. However, if anyone showed up for their interview looking like either of these models, I'd consider them inappropriately dressed. What's with the half-tucked shirt? The messy hair? The no hose? The pushed-up sleeves? Leather shirts? And gladiator sandals with a suit? This is supposed to be a business suit! The models should look plausibly businesslike. Is anyone buying these suits for any reason other than to wear to work? Or interview for grad school/work? No! So don't show the suits worn inappropriately! (Is it any wonder young women have a hard time dressing appropriately for work when this is the crap they see?)
End of rant.

I think this perfectly acceptable suit skirt takes the cake: http://g.nordstromimage.com/imagegallery/store/product/Gigantic/12/_9131572.jpg

 

[predoc26]

I personally love the leather breastplate idea.
I'll wait to make a decision about the suit till I try it on at home with other professional stuff. Hopefully it looks ok. When I tried it on in the store I was thinking the brown/gray color was still dark but would stand out among a sea of black, and the pattern kinda makes it look like wool even though its poly blend .
Thanks for the help ladies!!

 

[Leslie_Knope]

Black patent leather shoes and tote: yes or no? That's all I seem to see today as I look around Nordstrom Rack. Maybe I'm at the wrong store.

 

[deeproots]

Thanks for the great perspective and advice, @DokterMom! Now on the hunt for a professional flat that my feet can wear - which I'm sure will serve me well in the future.

Naturalizer brand makes some very professional and insanely comfortable flats.

 

[Minipi]

I'll be honest, I haven't read through every post so I don't know if anyone has mentioned H&M yet. I'm a bargain shopper and I love their clothes. I'm putting together an interview outfit and so far, I've picked out a pair of plain black loafers ($15)
http://tablet.hm.com/us/product/18440?article=18440-A
I'm extremely picky so I haven't picked out anything else though.

 

[Winged Scapula]

I'll be honest, I haven't read through every post so I don't know if anyone has mentioned H&M yet. I'm a bargain shopper and I love their clothes. I'm putting together an interview outfit and so far, I've picked out a pair of plain black loafers ($15)
http://tablet.hm.com/us/product/18440?article=18440-A
I'm extremely picky so I haven't picked out anything else though.

@DokterMom - what do you think? Do these fall into the category of looking like house slippers?

 

[Minipi]

@DokterMom - what do you think? Do these fall into the category of looking like house slippers?

Lol oh no...I think they do look like house slippers since you mentioned it. It took me 3 days to pick those out! Back to the drawing board.

 

[Winged Scapula]

Black patent leather shoes and tote: yes or no? That's all I seem to see today as I look around Nordstrom Rack. Maybe I'm at the wrong store.

Disclaimer: I love patent leather and wear it often in the office

There are two issues with that leather:

1) it can be somewhat "working girl" especially in a boot, open toe shoe, or platform shoe. I suspect you are considering none of those styles for your interview.

2) Patent leather scuffs and nicks more easily and they are more noticeable.

 

[Winged Scapula]

Lol oh no...I think they do look like house slippers since you mentioned it. It took me 3 days to pick those out! Back to the drawing board.

Ha ha ... well they are very cute and at $15 worth keeping for another occasion. They just need a little heel to make them less slipper like.

I am a huge fan of ballet flats and my best friend's husband always loves to give me a hard time about wearing my slippers over to their house LOL

 

[spockprime]

First, this thread has been a great source of help! I got an Ann Taylor suit earlier today, but figured I could see if I was on the right track with what I chose. I apologize if similar styles have been posted already -- sometimes all of the links don't work for me!

I think this is close to the skirt I got, it's not too tight on me and hangs pretty straight, so probably not quite a real pencil skirt:
http://www.anntaylor.com/all-season...tPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=6600

This jacket, which, again, is far less stylish when the sleeves are rolled down properly like in the third picture:
http://www.anntaylor.com/oe-triacet...tPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=6600

Thanks for any help!

Edit: Oh, another quick question! I've seen some really professional, well structured dresses that could be paired with the same fabric/color jacket. Have you seen many dresses during interviews? Are they appropriate? I've been sticking to skirt + jacket to be on the safe side, but was curious in case something really stood out to me while shopping.

 

[turayza]

I found a suit at Express that fit almost perfectly (only trouser length needs to be adjusted):
Jacket: http://www.express.com/clothing/22 inch studio stretch peak lapel jacket/pro/6744268/cat760006
Pants: http://www.express.com/clothing/studio stretch barely boot editor pant/pro/9197809/cat2008

The pants are definitely not as tight on me as they are on the model (not clinging to thighs or bottom at all). My only concern is that the jacket seems a little shorter than traditional and falls right at hip bone instead of a little below.
http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee127/turayza/IMG_20140729_175658.jpg

Should I keep looking?
Thank you!

 

[ketosisevangelist]

Something tight, something blue, something old, something borrowed, and something new.

 

[Winged Scapula]

First, this thread has been a great source of help! I got an Ann Taylor suit earlier today, but figured I could see if I was on the right track with what I chose. I apologize if similar styles have been posted already -- sometimes all of the links don't work for me!

I think this is close to the skirt I got, it's not too tight on me and hangs pretty straight, so probably not quite a real pencil skirt:
http://www.anntaylor.com/all-season...tPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=6600

This jacket, which, again, is far less stylish when the sleeves are rolled down properly like in the third picture:
http://www.anntaylor.com/oe-triacet...tPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=6600

Thanks for any help!

Edit: Oh, another quick question! I've seen some really professional, well structured dresses that could be paired with the same fabric/color jacket. Have you seen many dresses during interviews? Are they appropriate? I've been sticking to skirt + jacket to be on the safe side, but was curious in case something really stood out to me while shopping.

Since you've tried on the suit I'll assume that it works. The links you provided show two pieces from different collections; they're not made of the same material and likely don't match.

I happen to like dresses with jackets and think they're fine for interviews, again as long as they are the same color and same material.

 

[Winged Scapula]

I found a suit at Express that fit almost perfectly (only trouser length needs to be adjusted):
Jacket: http://www.express.com/clothing/22 inch studio stretch peak lapel jacket/pro/6744268/cat760006
Pants: http://www.express.com/clothing/studio stretch barely boot editor pant/pro/9197809/cat2008

The pants are definitely not as tight on me as they are on the model (not clinging to thighs or bottom at all). My only concern is that the jacket seems a little shorter than traditional and falls right at hip bone instead of a little below.
http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee127/turayza/IMG_20140729_175658.jpg

Should I keep looking?
Thank you!

Shorter jackets have been in style for some time and are generally fine as long as the rise of your trousers is high enough to keep the shirt from showing or coming untucked.

 

[dedicated1989]

not sure if this was answered already (the search function wasn't really doing any good)

Is it required to wear a button up shirt under a suite? I have plenty of nice blouses that do not show cleavage but a friend of mine swore that button ups are the only appropriate thing.

 

[Winged Scapula]

not sure if this was answered already (the search function wasn't really doing any good)

Is it required to wear a button up shirt under a suite? I have plenty of nice blouses that do not show cleavage but a friend of mine swore that button ups are the only appropriate thing.

Your friend is wrong.

A nice Jewel or high V neck blouse is absolutely fine and actually looks a little prettier and more feminine than the button up blouse. In addition many larger breasted women look better in blouses without buttons down the front.

 

[gotr0]

Any thoughts on wearing a tie?

 

[spockprime]

Since you've tried on the suit I'll assume that it works. The links you provided show two pieces from different collections; they're not made of the same material and likely don't match.

I happen to like dresses with jackets and think they're fine for interviews, again as long as they are the same color and same material.

Thank you for taking a look! I couldn't find the exact skirt online, but the suit I picked out was definitely of identical material and the same collection.

 

[Cookieee]

Disclaimer: I love patent leather and wear it often in the office

There are two issues with that leather:

1) it can be somewhat "working girl" especially in a boot, open toe shoe, or platform shoe. I suspect you are considering none of those styles for your interview.

2) Patent leather scuffs and nicks more easily and they are more noticeable.

I agree. For anyone looking for a good, professional-looking bag, you can find synthetic saffiano leather ones at aldoshoes.com . It doesn't look cheap and wipes clean I used one of their bags for job interviews that was black with minimal gold accents + it was only $30.

 

[DokterMom]

@DokterMom - what do you think? Do these fall into the category of looking like house slippers?

Wow -- I think they have just enough structure to not hit the 'house slipper' threshold, but also agree that a bit more heel would improve them. So my vote would be 'Fine for the walking tour, but not for an all-day interview shoe.'

 

[DokterMom]

First, this thread has been a great source of help! I got an Ann Taylor suit earlier today, but figured I could see if I was on the right track with what I chose. I apologize if similar styles have been posted already -- sometimes all of the links don't work for me!

I think this is close to the skirt I got, it's not too tight on me and hangs pretty straight, so probably not quite a real pencil skirt:
http://www.anntaylor.com/all-season...tPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=6600

This jacket, which, again, is far less stylish when the sleeves are rolled down properly like in the third picture:
http://www.anntaylor.com/oe-triacet...tPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=6600

Thanks for any help!

Edit: Oh, another quick question! I've seen some really professional, well structured dresses that could be paired with the same fabric/color jacket. Have you seen many dresses during interviews? Are they appropriate? I've been sticking to skirt + jacket to be on the safe side, but was curious in case something really stood out to me while shopping.

OK - I saw on your later post that the skirt and jacket are in the same fabric. If that's the case, then they should be fine.

Since you've tried on the suit I'll assume that it works. The links you provided show two pieces from different collections; they're not made of the same material and likely don't match.

I happen to like dresses with jackets and think they're fine for interviews, again as long as they are the same color and same material.

On the dress with jacket bit -- I personally think that a simple sheath dress with a matching jacket is the very best look going right now. Add either a scarf, pin or necklace for interest and you're set.

I agree. For anyone looking for a good, professional-looking bag, you can find synthetic saffiano leather ones at aldoshoes.com . It doesn't look cheap and wipes clean I used one of their bags for job interviews that was black with minimal gold accents + it was only $30.

Love that first bag you posted @Cookieee. And only $30?! Perfect. (I'm not one for large bags in general, but recognize that you need one sometimes. So a great-looking inexpensive one is a real find.)

 

[predoc26]

@DokterMom and @Winged Scapula I feel like you are our fairy godmothers helping us get ready for the grand interview ball! Bippity Boppity Boo! Thank you!
If only you could turn a pumpkin into an airplane that could take us to our interviews for free....

 

[Winged Scapula]

Thank you for taking a look! I couldn't find the exact skirt online, but the suit I picked out was definitely of identical material and the same collection.

Oh I'll take any excuse to look at Ann Taylor on line (she said while wearing an AT suit).

 

[gyngyn]

Any thoughts on wearing a tie?

Don't do this.

 

[hred224]

Pinstriped okay? I bought the skirt and the jacket today...but looking at the dress, I wish I got that.

http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/...ryID=67595#fn=sp=1&spc=32&ruleId=72&slotId=23

 

[Winged Scapula]

@DokterMom and @Winged Scapula I feel like you are our fairy godmothers helping us get ready for the grand interview ball! Bippity Boppity Boo! Thank you!

How about a slightly older fashion forward sister? Godmother sounds soooo much older! LOL

 

[premedfever]

Hey!

Somewhat unrelated to what you guys are planning out, but I recently got a paid internship at a surgery clinic where I'll be... essentially doing menial tasks and sometimes observing. In one of the other threads, I posted about a pair of slim pants, but they were a bit tight.

For what I'm doing, are these pants okay to wear? I was told to dress business formal..

http://www.brooksbrothers.com/Lucia...var_WU00214_Color=BLCK&contentpos=6&cgid=0374

 

[SPionic]

Thoughts on a double-breasted suit (with a skirt)? I don't have a picture of the one I own, but it is a bit like the one shown, except in charcoal and of a more traditional 'suiting' material.

 

[Winged Scapula]

Thoughts on a double-breasted suit (with a skirt)? I don't have a picture of the one I own, but it is a bit like the one shown, except in charcoal and of a more traditional 'suiting' material.

They've (double breasted) not really been in style for a few years; the above suit jacket is also too long IMHO and looks a big dowdy. Double breasted jackets also tend to make you look broader (if that's a concern for you).

 

[Winged Scapula]

Hey!

Somewhat unrelated to what you guys are planning out, but I recently got a paid internship at a surgery clinic where I'll be... essentially doing menial tasks and sometimes observing. In one of the other threads, I posted about a pair of slim pants, but they were a bit tight.

For what I'm doing, are these pants okay to wear? I was told to dress business formal..

http://www.brooksbrothers.com/Lucia...var_WU00214_Color=BLCK&contentpos=6&cgid=0374

Really? Not business casual?

I run a surgical clinic and I cannot imagine someone wearing formal clothing.

But at any rate, the trousers you linked are lovely although I'd be concerned about washability if you are ever exposed to bodily fluids (not sure what your duties will be ).

 

[premedfever]

Really? Not business casual?

I run a surgical clinic and I cannot imagine someone wearing formal clothing.

But at any rate, the trousers you linked are lovely although I'd be concerned about washability if you are ever exposed to bodily fluids (not sure what your duties will be ).

I was thinking the same thing about the business formal, especially since nobody is "dressed up" in the whole place. My thoughts were that maybe they told me that so I wouldn't wear a hoodie and sweats to work. Ha.

Is the concern of washability because of the wool?

(Also- that style of pant could be dressed down or up, couldn't it?)

 

[Winged Scapula]

I was thinking the same thing about the business formal, especially since nobody is "dressed up" in the whole place. My thoughts were that maybe they told me that so I wouldn't wear a hoodie and sweats to work. Ha.

Good point. There are some young adults who would do exactly that.

Is the concern of washability because of the wool?

Yes.

(Also- that style of pant could be dressed down or up, couldn't it?)

Sure.

 

[Lost Complex]

Hi everyone!

I was wondering what you ladies thought about these shoes?

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/cole-haan-air-tali-wedge-pump/3172319?origin=category

Another SDN member posted them and due to the positive reviews on how comfortable they are, I'm considering getting them.

Also, what are your thoughts on wearing blue topaz stud earrings (sterling silver) and a small blue topaz pendant with a sterling silver chain?

I would be pairing this with a navy blue pant suit and a white button down blouse.

Could I also pair a blue topaz brooch with it? Or would that be too much? (Yes, I do love blue topaz!)

 

[DokterMom]

Wedges are more casual, as is sterling & blue topaz and a button-down shirt (if what you mean is button-down collar as opposed to 'regular' buttons on the front) --

Any one of these 'potentially a bit too casual' items would not derail your look, but three is too many. If your blouse is button-up, not button-down, and you trade the wedges for heels, you can wear your topaz jewelry without looking under-dressed.

 

[DokterMom]

Thoughts on a double-breasted suit (with a skirt)? I don't have a picture of the one I own, but it is a bit like the one shown, except in charcoal and of a more traditional 'suiting' material.

They've (double breasted) not really been in style for a few years; the above suit jacket is also too long IMHO and looks a big dowdy. Double breasted jackets also tend to make you look broader (if that's a concern for you).

Coming to the defense of the double-breasted suit... True, they haven't been in style for a few years, but I'd still consider them interview appropriate in general. They do add a bit of visual weight, so if you're a touch heavier than you'd like to be, they may not be the most flattering choice. Conversely, if you're very slim and youthful-looking, that 'weight' and somewhat older style may help you look more mature and authoritative. It could also help you stand out in a subtle and appropriate way... So points to consider. Since this isn't the actual suit in question, I'll duck the jacket length question, though @wingedscapula is correct that this jacket is on the very long side.
@wingedscapula and any other 'slightly older sister types' remember the coat dress? Now that was a classic look!

http://www.avenue32.com/whats-new/b...re&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=clothing
http://www.fashionshowon.com/?attachment_id=5702#axzz39oNDuM57
http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/pro...ss_Spring_Shirt_Dress/Clothing/Dresses/Formal

 

[Winged Scapula]

The Coat Dress!! Yes!

I had 2 in college (one I stole from my mother); one was a safari style that I wore with a leopard scarf. I thought I was sooooo sophisticated!!

My younger cousin (who is a stylist living in London) even remembers me wearing it.

 

[DokterMom]

The Coat Dress!! Yes!

I had 2 in college (one I stole from my mother); one was a safari style that I wore with a leopard scarf. I thought I was sooooo sophisticated!!

My younger cousin (who is a stylist living in London) even remembers me wearing it.

I think I had that same dress! And scarf! (Banana Republic?)

 

[Winged Scapula]

I think I had that same dress! And scarf! (Banana Republic?)

Ha ha... might have been; I like BR quite a bit.

 

[dasnfial]

Any opinions on this dress: http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1005910&vid=1&pid=554945012? I'm debating between this dress and a blazer of some sort or a pantsuit? I'm pretty short, so I'm really trying to avoid looking like I'm swimming around in my clothes...

 

[sahmoc]

Any thoughts on wearing a jacket but leaving it unbuttoned? All the maternity blazers I have found look horrible buttoned and the squared edges stick out around my belly making me look like some futuristic space ship. At this point a non-maternity jacket is equally unflattering, but I would be able to wear it with a suit later for postnatal interviews.

 

[DokterMom]

Any thoughts on wearing a jacket but leaving it unbuttoned? All the maternity blazers I have found look horrible buttoned and the squared edges stick out around my belly making me look like some futuristic space ship. At this point a non-maternity jacket is equally unflattering, but I would be able to wear it with a suit later for postnatal interviews.

Yeah - You're going to have to be a bit of an exception to the regular rules Maternity jackets are just that bad...

 

[sahmoc]

Yeah - You're going to have to be a bit of an exception to the regular rules Maternity jackets are just that bad...

Okay thanks! I'm hoping my interviewers realize the difficulties of business formal with the extra belly. I'll just have to focus more on the factors of my appearance that are in my control right now.

 

[Lost Complex]

Wedges are more casual, as is sterling & blue topaz and a button-down shirt (if what you mean is button-down collar as opposed to 'regular' buttons on the front) --

Any one of these 'potentially a bit too casual' items would not derail your look, but three is too many. If your blouse is button-up, not button-down, and you trade the wedges for heels, you can wear your topaz jewelry without looking under-dressed.

Thank you! Yes, I meant a button up blouse. Sorry, I'm not too clothes savvy.

What are your thoughts on this tote? http://resources.shopstyle.com/sim/...a37b/vera-wang-simply-vera-catherine-tote.jpg

And what's the criteria for a wristwatch? I've never worn one before. I found this one, but I'm not sure if it's business formal.
http://media.kohls.com.edgesuite.net/is/image/kohls/1233147?wid=350&hei=350&op_sharpen=1

 

[ProbablyAPenguin]

Any thoughts on a skirt/suit jacket that doesn't involve a pencil skirt? I have a circle skirt that looks somewhat like the link below; I have worn it with a shell and suit jacket for interviews in the past.
http://www.loft.com/knit-circle-ski...030032&productPageType=search&defaultColor=66

 

[Winged Scapula]

Any thoughts on a skirt/suit jacket that doesn't involve a pencil skirt? I have a circle skirt that looks somewhat like the link below; I have worn it with a shell and suit jacket for interviews in the past.
http://www.loft.com/knit-circle-ski...030032&productPageType=search&defaultColor=66

An A line skirt is fine if it flatters your figure; my concern with the one you've linked is that it's jersey knit and hence, too casual (not sure if yours is as well).