ladies: what to wear to interview?

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Clover

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  1. Pre-Dental
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hey, i know this has been discussed somewhere but to get an idea of recent opinions, what to wear to interview?

i was suggested a skirt . . i don't really wear skirts - are you supposed to wear pantyhose? i hate those things. they make me feel like i'm 50.

i was looking at shoes - seems the latest fashion is 5 inch heels on everything from sneakers to sandals. i really really don't want to bust me a**.
i also think those thick heels (the square stumps) look awful. is their a happy medium?

suggestions from other ladies??
 
I've noticed this at every interview: Ladies, you need to wear a suit. Pants suit, skirt suit (yes-with hose), whatever, just make sure you are wearing a jacket. Many females are dressing way too casually. Remember this is your one opportunity to show the schools that you really care about being there, so fork out some dough on a decent suit! You've come way too far you blow it with an unprofessional outfit. And also: wear your hair back and look the part! Research suggests that an interviewer will make the decision within the first 7 seconds of meeting you, so make a good impression. Smile, sit up straight, and look prepared. If the gentlemen are all wearing suits we need to look just as good, if not better. So no whispy hair and open-toed heals, please. This may be your only shot so do it up style! 😉
 
I've noticed this at every interview: Ladies, you need to wear a suit. Pants suit, skirt suit (yes-with hose), whatever, just make sure you are wearing a jacket. Many females are dressing way too casually. Remember this is your one opportunity to show the schools that you really care about being there, so fork out some dough on a decent suit! You've come way too far you blow it with an unprofessional outfit. And also: wear your hair back and look the part! Research suggests that an interviewer will make the decision within the first 7 seconds of meeting you, so make a good impression. Smile, sit up straight, and look prepared. If the gentlemen are all wearing suits we need to look just as good, if not better. So no whispy hair and open-toed heals, please. This may be your only shot so do it up style! 😉

agreed! 😎
 
I'm wearing a dark blue skirt suit and my shoes are black with some heel, about 2 inches. I have to wear a bit of heel since I'm short and I want to look a bit taller 😉 And I will have to wear pantyhose as well.
 
hey-
i just had my first interview down in iowa on friday, and i would say wear a suit, it looks the most professional, and that's the impression you want to make. There were only 4 girls in my group of 18ish, and 2 of them didn't have suits on, and they looked way too casual. i have both pants and a skirt, and just wear whatever you're most comfy in. i've got higher shoes too, but mine are super comfortable...just stay away from the stillettos, those kill feet. you want to look professional (and practical). just enjoy it, its fun getting dressed up every once in awhile (and i'm a HUGE tomboy!)
 
hey-
i just had my first interview down in iowa on friday, and i would say wear a suit, it looks the most professional, and that's the impression you want to make. There were only 4 girls in my group of 18ish, and 2 of them didn't have suits on, and they looked way too casual. i have both pants and a skirt, and just wear whatever you're most comfy in. i've got higher shoes too, but mine are super comfortable...just stay away from the stillettos, those kill feet. you want to look professional (and practical). just enjoy it, its fun getting dressed up every once in awhile (and i'm a HUGE tomboy!)

. . . i'm not a tomboy but i don't do the dress up thing well at all.

bah, if you don't mind telling, can you point me in the direction of where they sell decent suits that doesn't make me look like a bursar lady? 🙄
 
I figured that my suit was going to be the most important suit I would ever buy. So, I forked out a pretty penny at Nordstroms. May I also recommend, Talbots (A+), Macy's, Dillards (half-heartedly), and Banana Republic.
 
I figured that my suit was going to be the most important suit I would ever buy. So, I forked out a pretty penny at Nordstroms. May I also recommend, Talbots (A+), Macy's, Dillards (half-heartedly), and Banana Republic.

thank you IcySpice!
 
You're absolutely welcome!
 
at one of the places where i'm going to interview, i was specifically told beforehand to tie back my hair...but this is not a common rule for every school, is it? thx 🙂
 
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Depending on how much you're willing to spend I would like to add Ann Taylor and J. Crew to the list. They have very nice, professional looking suits in different colors and styles.
 
Hey, you lovely ladies need to add your input to my sexy interview attire thread...i need comments from both sexes!🙂
 
I haven't heard of it as a rule/request before but, it totally makes sense 🙂. As a dentist you are going to be leaning over working in people's mouths and hair needs to be out of your face for sanitary purposes and the obvious ick-factor. So, why not wear your hair back and show the admissions committee you're prepared to act like a professional...
 
Whatever you do ladies, don't let something like this happen.

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hit up Express, they have really nice suits for girls, lots of options
 
they have some very nice garments in vietnam...I personally got mine in Thailand though🙂
 
haha thats sooooo funny...oh ya a suit I hate it...but I dont think that we can go with anything else but a suit :-( I just got 2 new ones ! black a dark blue..how boaring lol
 
any thoughts on a brown pinstripe pantsuit?

what about houndstooth pantsuit with houndstooth jacket . . and matching houndstooth shoes and purse (jk - i'm serious about the pantsuit w/jacket)? a little too i'm-prematurely-old?

this stupid attire issue is bugging the heck out of me 🙁
 
you just need to shop around. and trust me, with this stuff you'll know when the suit is right for you. a lot of people tend to go w/ black or navy blue because it tends to make you look slimmer and has that instant professional appeal.

another place to consider: the limited. they have really great fitting professional clothes without the outdated/granny look.
 
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If I get an interview, I'll look into buying a blazer at Theory to match the black pants I already have. BCBG Maxazria also makes nicely cut (and young-looking) suits, especially if you wear small sizes (I usually have difficulty finding 0s that fit).
 
thanks everyone for replying. this has really helped me out. i hope it's helped others as well. i'm not into clothes shopping at all but now i have a general idea of where to start looking. 😀 you guys are great 👍


clover
 
ladies, bringing a purse might be annoying too. I found it helpful to bring a
portfolio folder (one of those leather folders that zips up) to put all my crap inside (chapstick, mirror etc) and put my cell in my jacket's pocket. that was a lot easier than bringing a purse, my crap, and the packet that's given at the info session. (I think having one of those folders makes you look more professional too, not that it really matters)
 
I heard from a friend to wear your hair back.
 
I think this has been said before, but LADIES wear your hair back, at one of my interviews this girl looked like she is coming to a wedding with all those make up and her hair style which covered half of her face :laugh:
 
I think this has been said before, but LADIES wear your hair back, at one of my interviews this girl looked like she is coming to a wedding with all those make up and her hair style which covered half of her face :laugh:

ick. for time-savings sake,im just going to have my hair blown out the night before since its v.long and then clip it back. i couldnt imagine walking into an interview with my bangs in my eyes and a faceful of makeup😱
 
i'm getting my hightlights redone and hair cut/trimmed this friday. i think i'll ask my stylist for suggestions on how to pull it back. i usually stick to a hair tie. it gets the job done but it's ugly and boring.
 
I can't wait to get my interviews, and start shopping for suits! Everytime I go to the mall (like yesterday and today 😀 ) I always look around for 'possible great suits' ... awrrkdaldja;fdakfjd;ls my interviewsssss!!! :scared: 😀
 
I can't wait to get my interviews, and start shopping for suits! Everytime I go to the mall (like yesterday and today 😀 ) I always look around for 'possible great suits' ... awrrkdaldja;fdakfjd;ls my interviewsssss!!! :scared: 😀


hahaha..this week..cross your fingers and camp out by your mailbox!
 
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hahaha..this week..cross your fingers and camp out by your mailbox!

I have a feeling you'll post a big old thread once you get your first interview.

Girls, wear a black, skirt suit.
 
okay, when you guys say to wear your hair back... does that mean that it has to be up in a ponytail? Or could I wear it half way up?

Ugh... all this stress, and the interview hasn't even started yet. Sheesh!
 
okay, when you guys say to wear your hair back... does that mean that it has to be up in a ponytail? Or could I wear it half way up?

Ugh... all this stress, and the interview hasn't even started yet. Sheesh!


ummm..i think im going to have to do halfway up..ponytails could work if your hair is shorter and one length..unless you do a low one?
 
all of my suits are from Ann Taylor Loft (love them!!!). the store isn't as pricey as Ann Taylor, but some of the suits are made cheaper, so you need to watch out for that. you can find some really good suits there.

also, i would go with low heels or flats and make sure to give yourself enough time to get your suit hemmed if you need the arms or legs taken up, so buy your shoes and take them to the seamstress.

if you wear a skit suit ABSOLUTELY wear hose. i saw one girl in a skirt suit with no hose and it looked really bad!!!!

i don't totally agree with the hair up statement. my hair is fairly short, and i can easily tuck it behind my ears so it isn't in my face. plus, i haven't seen a single female at an interview with her hair pulled totally back. i think one girl had her's half way up, but i haven't seen any pony-tails.

also, i have seen some women with LONG nails. i would say that is a BIG no, no. i have my nails short and manicured. also, i would only wear clear polish if you wear polish, and definitely go light on the make-up and no perfume.

finally, don't wear distracting jewelry (small earings and a tasteful necklace).
 
hey all,

does anyone have any suggestions of what I could wear under a three quarter length jacket? i really like the skirt suit i bought (and as it turns out it was the only one that fit me out of all of stores I went to), but I don't know what to wear underneath. All of the nice blouses with stiff collars that I have have full length sleeves (I am debating whether to pin up the sleeves). I went to the mall yesterday and could not find a place that sold an appropriate shirt. Do you have any suggestions on where I could find on?

thanks!
 
also any suggestions on comfy shoes?
 
i wore a pair of heels by nine west, got them at kohls. they were only $30, and they were a bit higher than I usually would wear, but they are the most comfortable heels that I've ever worn.
 
hey all,

does anyone have any suggestions of what I could wear under a three quarter length jacket? i really like the skirt suit i bought (and as it turns out it was the only one that fit me out of all of stores I went to), but I don't know what to wear underneath. All of the nice blouses with stiff collars that I have have full length sleeves (I am debating whether to pin up the sleeves). I went to the mall yesterday and could not find a place that sold an appropriate shirt. Do you have any suggestions on where I could find on?

thanks!

a short sleeve shirt w/ a collar. you def. want to maintain the professional look hence the collar. there are tons of these shirts out this season, so you're in luck! saw a bunch at bebe today, but it depends on your suit and the look you're going for

shoes? black pumps are always a safe bet. whatever you wear make sure you are comfortable wearing them, it wont help if your feet are aching w/i half hour of putting them on. i have a great pair of kenneth cole mary janes w/ a heel that go really well w/ suits

as for the hair...hmm...i know pulling it back is the way to go...but blah...it doesn't look as good!!! i might pin it back so that most of it is out of my face w/ just my bangs to the side and leave the rest of it out so it falls against my back.. decisions...decisons...

but first..need the damn interviews...

Euphoria, love the shoes in your avatar, and i'm not even a woman

thanks! 😉

there's nothing like a hot pair of shoes! 😍
 
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Okay... I haven't gone to the mall yet, just been doing some online browsing. Something like this would be okay, right? (BTW, that person is obviously not me, haha)

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I've got a black purse and I've got this black ankle high boots I'm thinking of wearing with it. Hair... I want to pull it up half-way, but I've got lots of flyaways and stuff and I'm afraid it'll look messy by the time they start the interviews. Help! 😕
 
I'd say something like that would be what most women would go for. I think it looks great and would be totally appropriate for an interview.
 
how about a charcoal gray suit?

also, would wearing a nice shirt (not a collar-ed shirt) under a suit look too casual?
 
how about a charcoal gray suit?

also, would wearing a nice shirt (not a collar-ed shirt) under a suit look too casual?

I have a dark charcoal suit (from the limited, good place to look for suits) with a few different shells for underneath. I've seen many other ladies wearing shells rather than collared tops at my interviews, I think it is fine 👍
 
i just got the black suit from bebe. however the material is shiny and the pants are slightly tighter. do you guys think this is not formal enough?
 
i just got the black suit from bebe. however the material is shiny and the pants are slightly tighter. do you guys think this is not formal enough?

To me, shiny and tight doesn't sound particularly appropriate but I haven't seen the suit, so just use your judgement.
 
how about a charcoal gray suit?

also, would wearing a nice shirt (not a collar-ed shirt) under a suit look too casual?

Shells are in this season, especially a solid color shell. I think they are appropriate and sometimes look a lot better than wierd stripy collared shirts. At one of my interviews I saw a light gray suit with brown buttons and a stripy purple and yellow collared shirt under - looked like barf ... sorry person. 😳
 
Shells are in this season, especially a solid color shell. I think they are appropriate and sometimes look a lot better than wierd stripy collared shirts. At one of my interviews I saw a light gray suit with brown buttons and a stripy purple and yellow collared shirt under - looked like barf ... sorry person. 😳

haha, not sure about barf but that's a strange combo of colors.

btw, what are shells? 😕
 
I have a dark charcoal suit (from the limited, good place to look for suits) with a few different shells for underneath. I've seen many other ladies wearing shells rather than collared tops at my interviews, I think it is fine 👍

Do you take your jacket off during the day at all? The blouse that looks best with my suit looks way too casual without the jacket on 🙁
 
Shells are in this season, especially a solid color shell. I think they are appropriate and sometimes look a lot better than wierd stripy collared shirts. At one of my interviews I saw a light gray suit with brown buttons and a stripy purple and yellow collared shirt under - looked like barf ... sorry person. 😳

What are "shells"? How do they look like? 😕
 
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