Backpack with a suit?

[Centinel]

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For you fashion experts out there:

Is it unacceptable to wear a backpack with a suit? This is for the case of a one-day (not overnight) trip where I don't think it makes sense to bring a garment bag. Would you bring a backpack and then just check that in with the admissions office when you arrived?

My initial reaction is to just go with the leather portfolio.

 

[pseudoknot]

I think it would be ridiculous to wear a backpack with a suit, but you could certainly drop off a small bag with the admissions office for the day.

 

[SpeedRacer]

For you fashion experts out there:

Is it unacceptable to wear a backpack with a suit? This is for the case of a one-day (not overnight) trip where I don't think it makes sense to bring a garment bag. Would you bring a backpack and then just check that in with the admissions office when you arrived?

My initial reaction is to just go with the leather portfolio.

oh man it looks horrid. i had a friend who was going to a rotc meeting in college, and he looked great in his suit, but then his stupid yellow backpack ruined EVERYTHING. it looks a lot dumber than you think it would look. to top it off, he had like a bright blue windbreaker over his suit because it was cold. oh man oh man.

 

[Dr2010]

yea dude def. no backpack, maybe try finding a nice cheap leather messenger bag to hold your stuff if u need more space, thats def. better than a backpack

 

[ky_at_hopkins]

The friction from the strap on your shoulder rubbing on your suit will damage the fibers of the fabric. If you're taking a backpack at least carry it in your hand.

 

[BaylorGuy]

Usually, most places that you interview at will have a place where you can check things in. Assuming that you really don't need your backpack (aside from a security blanket), i would just leave it at one of the admissions offices and then pick it up after your day.

Most places understand that you have a ride to catch afterward and will help if they can.

 

[DrBowtie]

You would look like this if you were a woman.

 

[AxlxA]

What's the point of a backpack? i'm not bringing ANYTHING to my interview.

 

[Jon Davis]

For you fashion experts out there:

Is it unacceptable to wear a backpack with a suit? This is for the case of a one-day (not overnight) trip where I don't think it makes sense to bring a garment bag. Would you bring a backpack and then just check that in with the admissions office when you arrived?

My initial reaction is to just go with the leather portfolio.

Dude, go with a briefcase or that porfolio. Ditch the backpack. I suggest you bring a dark colored (black?) small dufflebag with your shiz in it and leave it at the office (if you need more room for your stuff inside).

 

[Law2Doc]

Dude, go with a briefcase or that porfolio. Ditch the backpack. I suggest you bring a dark colored (black?) small dufflebag with your shiz in it and leave it at the office (if you need more room for your stuff inside).

For a med school interview a briefcase is probably overkill - bring one of those little leatherbound folio pad things and you will fit in with everyone else. If you have to bring overnight baggage (the OP suggested not), a backpack is fine, but immediately stow it next to the coat rack/closet in the admissions office when you get there --do not carry it around while you interview/tour, or else stow it at your hotel with the bellman for the day.

 

[JustR]

No Backpack in my opinion,
Even though that picture brett has put looks good…
But who am I to tell?

 

[YogiB]

I've seen this type of topic on several forums. What to wear for my interview? Here are basics:

1. Always wear a suit. This is the mandatory uniform. Exceptable colors: Navy (my fav.), Charcoal grey, Beige is fine for warm weather months. Black is good too. This color seems to be the color of choice for docs and pre-docs. Some people are worried they won't stand out. That's what your CV and resume is for. You can show your individuality after you get the position.

2. Ladies if you plan to wear a pantsuit make sure it is tailored. Shoes don't have to be stilettos. But please have a litle bit of a heel. You don't want to look like your little brother.

3. Guys please wear a tie. No clowns, slogans, naked ladies or neon. It doesn't matter what the committee members are wearing or what the person who may be touring you is wearing. You want to look as professional as possible. They already have a position you want to get one.

3. Backpack!!!! Why? You are now moving into a professional setting. Although it is another level of schooling. This interview is like going for your first job. A small portfolio is perfect. You won't be carrying huge amounts of papers.

Last bit of information I can give you is to get off the computer looking for advice and go into a store where there are "real people". Yes, there are people who make a living putting together the "perfect outfit". You are not the first folks to be going out on an important interview. They will be more than happy to assist you. Please don't use the excuse that you don't have time and money or that you dread shopping. First impressions are lasting ones (tired saying, but true).

Hope this helps.

 

[USArmyDoc]

Must you wear a suit? What about like a blue blazer with bage dress pants a tie? Ya no what I am talking about? I figured as long as it is formal its fine.

 

[MoosePilot]

Must you wear a suit? What about like a blue blazer with bage dress pants a tie? Ya no what I am talking about? I figured as long as it is formal its fine.

There was one guy in my San Antonio interview group dressed like that. He looked fine, but he did stand out a bit among 15ish other guys dressed in suits.

 

[Rogue_Leader]

I don't get it, are we talking about wearing a backpack to the actual sit down interview? When I went to interviews, I would pack my change of clothes and such in my backpack and take that with me to the admissions office, but I didn't take it in with me for the actual face to face interview. I always just left it in the admissions office. I think a briefcase is the most professional thing to bring into the interview if you want to present material or stuff.

On the same subject, does anyone else feel like they're going to be climbing Mt. Everest based on how much stuff they lug around from interview to interview? Whenever I had an overnight trip, I always found myself carrying 5 large bulky luggage items: a small suitcase for my clothes and toiletries, garment bag for my interview clothes, backpack for other assorted things (food and studying material, laptop), and a sleeping bag (since I usually stayed with kind students who let me stay for free 🙂 ). It was such a hassle carrying all this material for a 1 or 2 day trip. By the end of interview season, I decided that the garment bag was too much trouble, so I put my suit and stuff in the suitcase and just ironed it before interviews, but 4 luggage items was still a pain, but I couldn't think of anything that I could reasonable cut out.

 

[USArmyDoc]

There was one guy in my San Antonio interview group dressed like that. He looked fine, but he did stand out a bit among 15ish other guys dressed in suits.

Looks like I'll be getting myself a suit. I don't want to stand out. Honestly, I figured suit or no suit as long as it was formal no biggie. However, since you said he stood out I don't want to be "that guy." Thanks for the heads up 🙂

 

[JustR]

I don't get it, are we talking about wearing a backpack to the actual sit down interview? When I went to interviews, I would pack my change of clothes and such in my backpack and take that with me to the admissions office, but I didn't take it in with me for the actual face to face interview. I always just left it in the admissions office. I think a briefcase is the most professional thing to bring into the interview if you want to present material or stuff.

On the same subject, does anyone else feel like they're going to be climbing Mt. Everest based on how much stuff they lug around from interview to interview? Whenever I had an overnight trip, I always found myself carrying 5 large bulky luggage items: a small suitcase for my clothes and toiletries, garment bag for my interview clothes, backpack for other assorted things (food and studying material, laptop), and a sleeping bag (since I usually stayed with kind students who let me stay for free 🙂 ). It was such a hassle carrying all this material for a 1 or 2 day trip. By the end of interview season, I decided that the garment bag was too much trouble, so I put my suit and stuff in the suitcase and just ironed it before interviews, but 4 luggage items was still a pain, but I couldn't think of anything that I could reasonable cut out.

Rogue,
Your inputt is so funny but in reality I can imagine how much headache it could give ya.

 

[tigress]

There was at least one person at my first interview who had a backpack. She was a woman. It was a little strange but I don't know if she left it somewhere for the actual interview. The weirdest thing is that out of 5 women only 2 of us were wearing suits. I couldn't figure out if the other women were planning on changing before their afternoon interviews or what, but at least one of them was wearing tailored dress pants and a nice shirt. A girl I knew who was helping with the student lunch and tour actually asked me why the other women weren't wearing suits. And one of the guys didn't have a suit (black pants, blue shirt, tie) and he looked totally fine. I was the only person carrying a portfolio, but I didn't feel awkard. Mine is a pocket portfolio thing, not a regular one, so I stuck my cell phone in there with some notes, and it worked out great.

 

[JustR]

I got a nice black tailored perfectly fitting for me suit as a gift from my aunt when I had graduation ceremony in last May, so I think I am going to finally use that one if I get an interview.

I somewhat agree with tigress, but overall the confidence matters on the day.

Adequately dressed person who looks professional and decent enough would do okay, I think.

 

[AxlxA]

what papers do you guys bring? like something about your research project? I want to know because i have no clue if i need to bring anything.

 

[Sicilian]

IMO: backpack okay, gym shoes no (I have actually seen ppl doing this). Make sure the color contrast between the backpack and suit isn't "out there." I wouldn't take the backpack to the actual interview though. They might assume you're poor.

 

[jebus]

Get a man purse. Seriously.
You won't look silly, just metrosexual.

 

[PBandJ]

So....the verdict is...definitely full suit for women also?

i only have one suit. it's nice, black, with option of skirt or pants, but not custom-tailored. should i get a second suit?

 

[tigress]

So....the verdict is...definitely full suit for women also?

i only have one suit. it's nice, black, with option of skirt or pants, but not custom-tailored. should i get a second suit?

It doesn't have to be custom-tailored, don't worry! My suit didn't even fit me perfectly, but it was fine. I would definitely recommend a full suit. Not that it wouldn't be okay to wear something else, because I think there are other appropriate things to wear, but for comfort's sake, so you won't worry about whether what you're wearing is okay, I'd go with the suit. I think what you wear doesn't matter at all if you look professional. If you are obviously not dressed for an interview, or if a woman is wearing ten layers of garish makeup or a mini-skirt with heels 🙂laugh🙂, those things could hurt. But a normal suit just won't stand out one way or another. And that's best, because that way YOU can stand out as a good candidate.

 

[JustR]

Get a man purse. Seriously.
You won't look silly, just metrosexual.

 

[JustR]

Does anyone think how much weather could affect on what you wear?
Like do any of you think about snow messing up with your clothes when you have to walk on the side walk before arriving at the interview or just walking around the campus?

 

[JustR]

Are we just talking about accessories only??
Then..
Like backpack and portfolios and purse....

How about having some snacks on the side for just in a case like a Snickers Candy bars, chips or Nachos?
How long does it take for an interview, a whole day?

 

[PBandJ]

It doesn't have to be custom-tailored, don't worry! My suit didn't even fit me perfectly, but it was fine. I would definitely recommend a full suit. Not that it wouldn't be okay to wear something else, because I think there are other appropriate things to wear, but for comfort's sake, so you won't worry about whether what you're wearing is okay, I'd go with the suit. I think what you wear doesn't matter at all if you look professional. If you are obviously not dressed for an interview, or if a woman is wearing ten layers of garish makeup or a mini-skirt with heels 🙂laugh🙂, those things could hurt. But a normal suit just won't stand out one way or another. And that's best, because that way YOU can stand out as a good candidate.

Super, thanks tigress!!
i will probably go ahead and buy another suit (since i'm going to be applying md/phd, i might have 2 days of interviews). i think this time i'll go for one that can work for any number of dress shirts underneath (prob. dk. grey or a black pinstripe).