Big puffy & green

[Jess8000]

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So, the weather is starting to get bitter cold in my area and I just had a question about outer-wear, and the effect of an ugly coat on an interview.

My winter coat is not really flattering as its so big, puffy, pine green and pretty heavy, but it really keeps the cold out in any temp.

Is the coat considered part of the interview attire? Obviously I'll be wearing my best suit clothes underneath, and wont wear the coat while I'm interviewed (duh).

I'm just a little concerned, since I don't want to buy a new fashionable winter coat, but at the same time I know I shouldn't risk looking inappropriately dressed.

Is this an issue? I think I'm over stressing it, but....

Suggestions please? Thanks.

 

[Dendrite]

I'm a guy, so I can't help out too much.

I just wanted to say - of all the thread names I've seen so far, this is the funniest. I just had to find out what it was about.
😀

 

[Non-TradTulsa]

Actually, I think it's charming for an aspiring medical student not to have a killer coat. Everybody knows your suit is new but a less-than-fashion-plate coat shows a little humility. If it's really horrible, just pull it off right as you go into the building and roll it into something you can carry under one arm.

I had a big debate when I was going for a Fall interview. (I'm an older non-trad, and a guy.) My best coat is a knee-length thick black cashmere trenchcoat, and it's the best Shetland cashmere imported from the UK. I could never afford such a coat - I inherited it from my dad when he died, and he only wore it to court as a lawyer. While I wanted to look respectable, I knew that there weren't many 20-somethings that would have a drop-dead coat like that. I finally took my battered old canvas trenchcoat and, here in the South, since it was upper-30s/low 40s that morning - I left it in the car and every guy I saw just toughed it out with no coat like I did.

If you have a nice outfit and decent shoes, don't worry about anything else. You're supposed to look like an aspiring student, not a practicing physician. Who knows - not looking rich might get you a better scholarship offer. Just make sure you pick new shoes that hurt your feet - it's a good reminder to stay on your best behavior. Good luck.

 

[custard]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=466283&highlight=winter+interview+wear

(or search "winter interview wear" if that doesn't work)

 

[Jess8000]

Thanks for commenting everyone, really appreciate it. 😀

I'll be sure to check out the link, too!

 

[jochi1543]

If you are self-conscious about it, you could always skip the coat, even in a cold climate. Just layer with smth warm (for example, I wore a turtleneck under my blazer) and bring gloves/scarf. You are not going to be outside for extended periods of time - at the most, 5 minutes while you dash from one building to the other during the tour. If you are going to feel uncomfortable in your coat, then it might be a better option.

That said, everyone at my interview whose coat I saw (both them wearing it and hanging in the closet) had professional-looking black wool coats. I wore the same, but I only wore it on my way to campus and back, not during the actual day, even when we went outside - it was warm enough not to need a coat.

 

[etf]

the thing i learned from going on interviews (last year) is that no one really cares what you are wearing. i've heard on sdn things like "well, as long as it's professional, it's ok - just don't wear anything outlandish." nonsense - there were people at interviews wearing pink shirts and other ridiculous stuff (keeping the label on the jacket cuff) - i've kept in touch with some of these folks, and they were subsequently accepted. when people tell you to be yourself on interview day, i believe it extends to all facets, including clothing. obviously don't show up with a tongue-stud or striped stockings, but for the most part, you don't need to worry too much if your suit is green.

 

[LizzyM]

Don't worry. If it is so cold that you need a coat, wear a coat. What kinds of coats do you think the adcom wear? If you go to school in a cold climate, what kinds of coats do you see the chemistry and physics professors wearing? You are not interviewing for a job in banking or law. While your "indoor clothes" should be neat and professional (a suit is standard these days), don't worry about the coat!

 

[Jess8000]

thanks again to all for sharing.

got the message... don't worry about the big green monster.

 

[Gut Shot]

My winter coat is not really flattering as its so big, puffy, pine green and pretty heavy, but it really keeps the cold out in any temp.

Look, if this isn't about your groin then nobody wants to hear about it.