Women's Interview Clothing #3!

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Freesia88 said:
How long is your natural hair? The last time you went to an official function what did you do with it?

If it is in the teeny weeny afro stage, then a neat afro should be good. Or you could just braid it with extensions and do a pony tail or a bun.

If it is long enough for you to hold together in one grasp, you could braid your hair itself and make a pony tail out of it, or hold it back with a head band or something.

If weaves are your thing, you could never go wrong with that. You can get a weave in pretty much any hair style you want. Flowing locks, pixie cut, springy coils, and then you would just have to follow the advice that has already been given with regards to girls whose natural hair type is what the weave approximates.
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My hair is past my shoulders. I think i may straighten it and do a french braid or some kind of chignon. Thank you!
 
For bags, Zappos is great! I'm also digging the Lo and Sons bags lately (www.loandsons.com).

I think brown shoes with black is too trendy for an interview. If you are going to do it for more casual wear, then that warm tan is the best color. I like all those shoes if they come in black.
 
I think overstock.com is great for simple, affordable bags. Got a great simple black leather tote bag there - holds my interview portfolio/folders perfectly- for $40, which is the lowest price I saw anywhere for a bag nice enough for an interview.
 
Thanks for the advice! 😀 I'm kind of clueless about these things.
 
Macy's! I got a $60 NineWest bag on sale for $20.
 
I'm in an unexpected situation. I'm meeting an alum for an interview at a coffee shop and have no idea how to dress. Do I show up in full suit or do I go for something slightly less formal, ie. button down shirt with black slacks?
 
Member 987653 said:
I'm in an unexpected situation. I'm meeting an alum for an interview at a coffee shop and have no idea how to dress. Do I show up in full suit or do I go for something slightly less formal, ie. button down shirt with black slacks?
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Is it an "official" interview? If so, I would go for business clothes. Maybe not a suit, but a suit dress. My mom and sister have always told me it's better to be over-dressed than underdressed.
 
Member 987653 said:
I'm in an unexpected situation. I'm meeting an alum for an interview at a coffee shop and have no idea how to dress. Do I show up in full suit or do I go for something slightly less formal, ie. button down shirt with black slacks?
Click to expand...

I would dress business casual and not professional. Or, just ask the alum what their expectations are. I interview prospective students for my alma mater at coffee shops and I specifically tell them how to dress (in my case, casual). I doubt they would be offended or anything if you wanted to clarify.
 
Personally I think you should wear something that stands out (without being an eyesore). I wore a short gray jacket, crisp white button up, and a high waist-knee length purple pencil skirt to all 7 of my interviews. Not only did I get compliments on my interview outfit from fellow applicants and medical students, but multiple interviewers personally thanked me for not wearing a black suit. I don't blame them either. Every interview felt like a funeral service!

Also, in case I get some kind of follow up along the lines of "Do you think what you wore hurt your chances of getting in?" No. I have 5 prematch offers so far, so I think it may have helped me. Who knows.
 
Threads like these make me worried and self-conscious about my looks, appearance, and clothing for interviews! 😳
 
phiva said:
Threads like these make me worried and self-conscious about my looks, appearance, and clothing for interviews! 😳
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I think knowing what clothing is expected makes me more confident, because that's one more thing I can control and not be worried about on interview day. 🙂
 
Sorry if this has been mentioned already, this thread is intimidatingly long and I didn't find anything when I searched -- do any of you have the problem of your foot sliding forward in a pump while wearing pantyhose? This ALWAYS happens to me and it hurts my toes! I've started carrying a pair of flats with me to interviews and I just throw them on during the tour. Not ideal. Anyone have any tips?
 
Gel insoles in front part of the shoe, under your toes/where your ball is, can help your foot from sliding forward. The gel works for me because it kind of grips the hose a little.

Wear them without using the adhesive first, to make sure you've got it in a good spot...I've made the mistake before and crush my toes even more if it's in the wrong place.
 
Ohnoes! I wore a dress shirt and black pants, with no suit. I had no idea we had to wear suits. I was the only one in my group without one. Really awful rookie mistake.

I was told to look professional and thought I did.

I feel my interview went well though. Interviewer was nice and laid-back, quite informal.

How screwed am I?
 
physiologist said:
Ohnoes! I wore a dress shirt and black pants, with no suit. I had no idea we had to wear suits. I was the only one in my group without one. Really awful rookie mistake.

I was told to look professional and thought I did.

I feel my interview went well though. Interviewer was nice and laid-back, quite informal.

How screwed am I?
Click to expand...

Physiologist--at this point, I think what's done is done. Maybe your interviewers were impressed enough by you that they'll overlook the lack of a suit. You're already planning on getting one for your next interview and I think that's about as much as you can do. Good luck and I hope you things work out well for you. :luck::xf:
 
I was planning on wearing this to my interview
Im overweight and prefer a longer jacket..Are these pants fine with it?!
Which shoes?
Thanx

outfit1.JPG

outfit2.JPG
 
I think the longer jacket looks more casual...have you tried a jacket and matching dress combo?
 
So I have an interview in NY next week, and am from CA. I've lived in the East Coast before but I know I get cold REALLY easily. Especially my fingers, they turn to ice. So I'm wondering if it's appropriate to wear a thick coat, gloves, scarf and then take them off when inside? Would it look weird to carry my coat around (scarf and gloves can go in my purse)?

This is what my coat looks like (same color, pattern) except it stops at my hips.
ufpod2xz3l.jpg
 
Camy99 said:
So I have an interview in NY next week, and am from CA. I've lived in the East Coast before but I know I get cold REALLY easily. Especially my fingers, they turn to ice. So I'm wondering if it's appropriate to wear a thick coat, gloves, scarf and then take them off when inside? Would it look weird to carry my coat around (scarf and gloves can go in my purse)?

This is what my coat looks like (same color, pattern) except it stops at my hips.
ufpod2xz3l.jpg
Click to expand...

I meant to reply to your Hofstra post, but it's probably more appropriate here. Wearing all those layers is fine over your suit. They have a coat rack where you check in so you don't have to carry it. Everybody had coats and some grabbed it before the bus ride to visit the sim lab. I even left my scarf with my jacket on the coat rack to make room in purse for my gloves and shoes. Oh, I do not recommend heels in the snow. It was a bad combo for me 🙁.

PS: Coat looks super cute.
 
Rw87 said:
I was planning on wearing this to my interview
Im overweight and prefer a longer jacket..Are these pants fine with it?!
Which shoes?
Thanx

View attachment 22395

View attachment 22396
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If you are worried about weight, your best bet is to wear a structured jacket which buttons under the bust with two buttons, and less narrow pants... they should basically fall away from your hip and go straight down from there. This outfit looks too casual, especially with lighter boots as shown.
 
Is it appropriate to wear a dress with a blazer over it? The dress is gray and pleated with a belt - super formal dress. Also, this thread is super long and I didn't go through it, but it's ok to bring a purse, right?
 
Zabobinator said:
Is it appropriate to wear a dress with a blazer over it? The dress is gray and pleated with a belt - super formal dress. Also, this thread is super long and I didn't go through it, but it's ok to bring a purse, right?
Click to expand...

At one of my interviews, a girl from Stanford wore a dark crimson dress with a grey blazer on top. She looked incredibly sharp. Just make sure that it is professional looking, has appropriate length even when sitting down, and the blazer fits well.

In retrospect, I wish that I had gone with this look. I recently got an amazing black work dress from Banana republic and would have loved to pair it with a grey blazer and a belt.

It's funny, but before interviewing, I never really thought too much about how people are judged by their attire in a professional setting. However, when you are at an interview and everyone else is dressed sharply, you really do yourself a disservice if you stick out in a bad way. At one of my interviews a girl had an ill-fitting wrinkled brown suit, tights that had runs and didn't match her skin tone, and flats and were worn and more meant for hanging out at a friends house than a professional interview. It was painful to watch.

Positive from this whole interview process: I've got a ton of cute business/business casual clothes in my wardrobe now!:laugh:
 
I know this was already mentioned a couple months ago, but I want more opinions..is a 3/4 sleeve suit jacket okay? Or is it better to wear a long sleeve jacket?

Also, I have black patent leather pumps. Is the patent leather non-professional? Other than that, the rest of the shoe is interview appropriate.
 
staing said:
I know this was already mentioned a couple months ago, but I want more opinions..is a 3/4 sleeve suit jacket okay? Or is it better to wear a long sleeve jacket?

Also, I have black patent leather pumps. Is the patent leather non-professional? Other than that, the rest of the shoe is interview appropriate.
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IMO, a 3/4 sleeve suit jacket is a bit too "fashionable" and casual. It may also look odd if you're going to cold weather places.

I think black patent leather pumps are fine. That's what I wore.
 
anguisette said:
IMO, a 3/4 sleeve suit jacket is a bit too "fashionable" and casual. It may also look odd if you're going to cold weather places.

I think black patent leather pumps are fine. That's what I wore.
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Thanks for your response anguisette 🙂 Looks like long sleeves are the way to go
 
okay, this may be random, but manicures: good or bad? i have pretty crappy nails and i know as my interview gets closer i'm going to mess them up worse. should i just paint my nails a light/neutral color or get a short manicure done? maybe it doesn't matter, but i'm worried. lol. opinions?
 
alittlesenough said:
okay, this may be random, but manicures: good or bad? i have pretty crappy nails and i know as my interview gets closer i'm going to mess them up worse. should i just paint my nails a light/neutral color or get a short manicure done? maybe it doesn't matter, but i'm worried. lol. opinions?
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i think it's important... get one done! just make sure the color you pick is either clear or super super light like a light beige or a barely there pink. I am the same with my nails getting messed up so I totally know what you mean!
 
With interview season coming up, I wanted to resurrect this thread! I have a few questions:

1) What is the current consensus on quarter length sleeves for a suit jacket? I was leaning towards this style because I am a bit short and everything I try on, the pants and sleeves are too long, so I figured if I went for quarter sleeves, that would be one less thing I'd have to get tailored.

2) I'm pretty sure nice flats are okay, but what about women's oxfords (no heels)? I think they're very professional-looking, but would that be frowned on because it's not feminine enough?
 
I think the 3/4 sleeve is viewed as being a bit too casual, but then again in my (fairly conservative) work place they are fine. Maybe if you do go with 3/4, combine it with a skirt instead of pants (which are also considered more casual)?

I really love oxfords, so I want to say yes go for it! I guess my main concern with them would be that they might stand out amongst all the low heels and flats. My game plan on interview day is to not draw attention to my clothes in any way!
 
thisandthat said:
I am curious to know what suits everyone is considering.

I am thinking of this in heather grey:

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/suiting/bistretchwool/PRDOVR~95905/95905.jsp

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/suiting/bistretchwool/PRDOVR~95961/95961.jsp

Maybe with this shirt in mint:

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/suiting/suitingshirts/PRDOVR~29866/29866.jsp

I would love to see what other people are wearing to maybe get a little inspiration!
Click to expand...

Those look really nice, but does the jacket match the pencil skirt? I'm really concerned about getting pieces that were made to go together, because I'm paranoid that someone would be able to tell if they didn't. I like the shirt, too. I stopped into Anne Taylor today and tried this on:
http://www.anntaylor.com/all-season...tPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=6600

with this shirt:
http://www.anntaylor.com/summer-dot...tPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=5743

I love the pop of color and the polka dot pattern, but do you think that's too trendy or immature?

And I'm thinking these type of shoes:
http://charlotte.olx.com/women-s-oxfords-shoes-iid-441198125
But like you said, they may stand out. It's just I can't walk in heels, and I'm not crazy about dressy flats. Maybe oxfords in black?

I'm really excited because my mom said she would take me shopping for my outfit if I get my interview, and I just want to go into it knowing what I'm going to need.
 
StephanieZ said:
With interview season coming up, I wanted to resurrect this thread! I have a few questions:

1) What is the current consensus on quarter length sleeves for a suit jacket? I was leaning towards this style because I am a bit short and everything I try on, the pants and sleeves are too long, so I figured if I went for quarter sleeves, that would be one less thing I'd have to get tailored.
Click to expand...

I'd say quarter-length sleeves is too casual for an interview. I have the same problem since I'm also short (I'm only 5'1") and I ended up getting this blazer and matching pencil skirt in petite size last year:

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/suiting/super120spinstripe/PRDOVR~28135/28135.jsp

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/suiting/super120spinstripe/PRDOVR~90795/90795.jsp

The sleeves and pencil skirt were the perfect length for me, which almost never happens. They're pricey, but it was totally worth it to me and I waited until they had a 25% off sale to buy them. I paired it with a blouse from Banana Republic (http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=715604), which was dressy enough that I could take off my blazer during tours when it was getting hot, which it definitely does in Texas during the summer when most of my interviews were.
 
Quarter might be a little too casual. Have you tried on any petite sizes? I'm the shortest adult I know (but I'm not stick-like) and can never ever find things that fit me correctly. I pretty much scoured all the stores in my area (mostly the lower end department stores 😉 ) before settling on an ill-fitting size 00 suit from Express that was way too tight but also too clumsy and long in places. I finally decided to drive out a bit further and found a perfect petite set at Ann Taylor. Not only did it fit much better than the non-petite sizes, but it also looked snappier. AT frequently has 40% off sales too, so it's an affordable option. I paid I think around 250 total for skirt, jacket, and blouse.

tl;dr: If you haven't already, try finding some petite sizes! =]


StephanieZ said:
With interview season coming up, I wanted to resurrect this thread! I have a few questions:

1) What is the current consensus on quarter length sleeves for a suit jacket? I was leaning towards this style because I am a bit short and everything I try on, the pants and sleeves are too long, so I figured if I went for quarter sleeves, that would be one less thing I'd have to get tailored.

2) I'm pretty sure nice flats are okay, but what about women's oxfords (no heels)? I think they're very professional-looking, but would that be frowned on because it's not feminine enough?
Click to expand...



Also, random side note: I looked for help with my feet slipping out of heels when wearing pantyhose during interview season. Found advice in this thread and wanted to +1 the recommendation for using heel grips. I put a grip on the back edges to prevent my heel from coming out, and then I put a larger grippy thing near the front half on the bottoms (near the balls of my feet) to keep my feet from slipping and crushing my toes. I thought the thicker gel strips worked well for the backs since they snug up the area and also provide some friction.
 
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I don't know why, but I tend to prefer the look of suede to a patent "leather"... Do you guys think they look as professional? I was considering the J. Crew patent wedges (I need the height and a professional wedge is easier to handle than heels for me) but actually like this suede look for much less -- http://www.modcloth.com/shop/shoes-heels/just-the-pair-wedge
 
StephanieZ said:
Those look really nice, but does the jacket match the pencil skirt? I'm really concerned about getting pieces that were made to go together, because I'm paranoid that someone would be able to tell if they didn't. I like the shirt, too. I stopped into Anne Taylor today and tried this on:
http://www.anntaylor.com/all-season...tPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=6600

with this shirt:
http://www.anntaylor.com/summer-dot...tPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=5743

I love the pop of color and the polka dot pattern, but do you think that's too trendy or immature?

And I'm thinking these type of shoes:
http://charlotte.olx.com/women-s-oxfords-shoes-iid-441198125
But like you said, they may stand out. It's just I can't walk in heels, and I'm not crazy about dressy flats. Maybe oxfords in black?

I'm really excited because my mom said she would take me shopping for my outfit if I get my interview, and I just want to go into it knowing what I'm going to need.
Click to expand...


Now that you mention it, I'm not sure if the skirt and jacket match! I think I will for sure buy my suit in store so I know the pieces go together.

I like the top and I think a little pop of color would be totally fine. Also, I think short/petite people can pull off print and color more easily without it being overwhelming.

I think the oxfords in black would look great with pants!
 
spleencakes said:
Also, random side note: I looked for help with my feet slipping out of heels when wearing pantyhose during interview season. Found advice in this thread and wanted to +1 the recommendation for using heel grips. I put a grip on the back edges to prevent my heel from coming out, and then I put a larger grippy thing near the front half on the bottoms (near the balls of my feet) to keep my feet from slipping and crushing my toes. I thought the thicker gel strips worked well for the backs since they snug up the area and also provide some friction.
Click to expand...

I'll definitely try this. Where did you buy them?

Also, what is everyone's opinion on pantyhose color?
 
sciencebooks said:
I don't know why, but I tend to prefer the look of suede to a patent "leather"... Do you guys think they look as professional? I was considering the J. Crew patent wedges (I need the height and a professional wedge is easier to handle than heels for me) but actually like this suede look for much less -- http://www.modcloth.com/shop/shoes-heels/just-the-pair-wedge
Click to expand...

The suede wedges look just fine. The bottom line is you need to find something professional (like the suede wedges) that you are comfortable wearing. If you're comfortable, you'll be more confident and more likely to do better in your interviews.
 
those sued wedges don't look cute at all honestly. That pink polkadot top is adorable and the black suit is really cute. I don't know where you plan on interviewing but at most colleges, you do have to have comfortable shoes because you WILL be walking A LOT .. tours, interviews in random obscure places, etc.. with that being said, wedges are comfortable but boy are those ugly. sorry. 🙁
 
I got them from Target and Walmart. I'm not sure if the gel kind is less grippy for the balls of your feet, but it worked ok for me. Would definitely recommend the gel kind for the backs of the shoes though. They kinda look like this: http://i00.i.aliimg.com/wsphoto/v1/...-liner-b-font-soft-inserts-foot-care-font.jpg! I think it was like 2-4 bucks a pack. I didn't go with Dr. Scholls, but I probably wouldn't go with a really cheap looking option either, since you need the adhesive to be strong enough. I wish I could remember what brand I got!


I would probably go with something natural that matches your skin tone for pantyhose color. I went with sheer nude.

thisandthat said:
I'll definitely try this. Where did you buy them?

Also, what is everyone's opinion on pantyhose color?
Click to expand...
 
1) I have ridiculously curly and frizzy hair. Even with a vat of gel, I get flyaways. Should I get it straightened for interview season?

2) Cream colored suits for summer (I can hope, right?) interviews are appropriate or not?

3) How bright can shells and jewelry be? I have a lovely almost-turquoise shell with a larger blue glass necklace that my mom used to wear for work as a teacher. It got re-gifted to me by her friends. :laugh:

4) I hate heels, but they make my suits look better. I'm considering character shoes. http://www.amazon.com/Capezio-Womens-Jr-Footlight-Character/dp/B002CO3LM6 - Very comfy.
 
PinknGreenMD said:
those sued wedges don't look cute at all honestly. That pink polkadot top is adorable and the black suit is really cute. I don't know where you plan on interviewing but at most colleges, you do have to have comfortable shoes because you WILL be walking A LOT .. tours, interviews in random obscure places, etc.. with that being said, wedges are comfortable but boy are those ugly. sorry. 🙁
Click to expand...

Haha, really? I think they're so plain Jane that they're hardly offensive. That said, and this is a weird comment to make considering I'll probably buy wedges of some sort, I think wedges in a solid color are pretty ugly. Somethings about the shape just isn't cute at all to me. Much cuter if they have the cork/wood/whatever hell and material top to me which is obviously too cutesy/not professional. I'm so short that usually pants don't fit well before hemming but sometimes, I'll mean to wear them heels so they fall perfect and hide the part of the wedge I think can be ugly. Does that even make sense? Lol.

Edit: You know, I didn't look at them from the complete side view and I actually *really* don't like how their "seamless" between the heel and top part. Another part down. Lol. My list of criteria is apparently now: Black; NOT "seamless"; ~3 inches max; not ridiculously overpriced but also not cheap grade. OKAY, this can be done.

Have any of you tried J. Crew shoes?
 
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If it's frizzy and curly enough that it looks wild or messy, I would definitely try putting it up or straightening it. If possible, experiment beforehand so you're comfortable with whatever you decide to do.

Tbh, I wouldn't do the cream colored suit. 🙂

BrainOnFire said:
1) I have ridiculously curly and frizzy hair. Even with a vat of gel, I get flyaways. Should I get it straightened for interview season?

2) Cream colored suits for summer (I can hope, right?) interviews are appropriate or not?

3) How bright can shells and jewelry be? I have a lovely almost-turquoise shell with a larger blue glass necklace that my mom used to wear for work as a teacher. It got re-gifted to me by her friends. :laugh:

4) I hate heels, but they make my suits look better. I'm considering character shoes. http://www.amazon.com/Capezio-Womens-Jr-Footlight-Character/dp/B002CO3LM6 - Very comfy.
Click to expand...
 
BrainOnFire said:
1) I have ridiculously curly and frizzy hair. Even with a vat of gel, I get flyaways. Should I get it straightened for interview season?

2) Cream colored suits for summer (I can hope, right?) interviews are appropriate or not?

3) How bright can shells and jewelry be? I have a lovely almost-turquoise shell with a larger blue glass necklace that my mom used to wear for work as a teacher. It got re-gifted to me by her friends. :laugh:

4) I hate heels, but they make my suits look better. I'm considering character shoes. http://www.amazon.com/Capezio-Womens-Jr-Footlight-Character/dp/B002CO3LM6 - Very comfy.
Click to expand...

1) Maybe you could use a headband as mentioned on the last page, I think, to keep the flyaways out of your face -- unless it's just not your style, of course.
 
sciencebooks said:
1) Maybe you could use a headband as mentioned on the last page, I think, to keep the flyaways out of your face -- unless it's just not your style, of course.
Click to expand...

Headbands on someone with a Bride of Frankenstein pattern of greying hair will look super silly. All of my siblings started going grey in our teens. AWESOME.

Time to spend money on the keratin treatment I guess.
 
Okay, so that's a "no" on the 3/4 sleeves, thanks. I'll look around for petite sizes, but honestly my options are limited by budget. I just royally pissed my mom off today (it was an accident!) so I might actually be buying this outfit myself 🙁 She'll come around, just not sure when, lol.

To sciencebooks: I don't like suede personally, but if you go with it just try to keep them unscuffed. I find dirtiness is much more obvious on suede, and they're harder to clean.

I'm kind of worried about the shirt now, though, as everyone else seems to be going for button up blouses with collars. Do you think that's necessary? And everyone is talking about skirts, but is anyone planning on going with pants? I've heard that skirts are better, but honestly I'm a bit "hippy" and pencil skirts don't look right on me.
 
I've heard that Maceys actually has some pretty decent suits for cheap so maybe check them out? Also, you could find a suit you like in store and then try to find it cheaper on amazon/online outlets.

I think both button-ups and shells are totally fine with a suit.

I'm a bit worried about going for the skirt as well since I am also fairly curvy. But women in pant suits really are considered casual, which is such an out-dated and frustrating concept! On the other hand, plenty of women on the interview trail will be wearing pant suits (according to this thread) so maybe it really doesn't matter?
 
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