business casual attire for interview dinners

[Psychotic]

What exactly is "business casual"? - if you google it for women, the photos include women in tailored suits and dresses, or something that I think would be appropriate for the interview day itself. I assume that what not to wear includes shorts, short skirts, sandals/flipflops and t-shirts, but I also chafe at the idea that I need to pack a second coordinated outfit for these dinners.

Any constructive thoughts? Is a nice pair of jeans or khaki pants with a tasteful blouse considered business casual?

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[Rebs28]

I wore a skirt and blouse with heels to my last interview dinner. I think business casual generally means a nice blouse +/- sweater with trousers or a skirt. I would shy away from jeans or khakis unless the invite says that the dinner is casual, but perhaps others will disagree about the khakis.

 

[Psychotic]

I wore a skirt and blouse with heels to my last interview dinner. I think business casual generally means a nice blouse +/- sweater with trousers or a skirt. I would shy away from jeans or khakis unless the invite says that the dinner is casual, but perhaps others will disagree about the khakis.

Out of curiosity, what did the men wear? Seems like they may get more leeway than women do.

 

[Nasrudin]

Out of curiosity, what did the men wear? Seems like they may get more leeway than women do.

I think the opposite. Female attire for clinical wards seems to be like ...whatever. Whereas it's pretty narrow for men.

I would say it might require less thought for men to be appropriate given the more narrow range.

I haven't been to one yet. But I know what I'm wearing. Linen or cotton pants, dress shirt, sport coat, dress boots. This is a touch overdressed. But that's the idea. Worse would be showing up underdressed.

I haven't given any thought to what the equivalent female attire is other than I know when I see it.

 

[Psychotic]

My plan is to attend every dinner I can reasonably get to considering travel, but I already have one travel conflict and have sent "regrets," and I frankly think I will be sending more "regrets" as the season wears on. I just don't like the idea of having to be "on" for the dinners and for the interview.

I bet I end up doing most of them, but it felt kind of good sending in those regrets for an upcoming dinner. I will see how important I think the dinners are after the first couple - if there is no opportunity to ask some of the more delicate questions (workload, call, etc), other than seeing how the residents interact with applicants and other residents, I think I may pass on some of these.

 

[SteinUmStein]

My plan is to attend every dinner I can reasonably get to considering travel, but I already have one travel conflict and have sent "regrets," and I frankly think I will be sending more "regrets" as the season wears on. I just don't like the idea of having to be "on" for the dinners and for the interview.

I bet I end up doing most of them, but it felt kind of good sending in those regrets for an upcoming dinner. I will see how important I think the dinners are after the first couple - if there is no opportunity to ask some of the more delicate questions (workload, call, etc), other than seeing how the residents interact with applicants and other residents, I think I may pass on some of these.

I've only gone to one interview so far, but I think the dinner the night before was the most valuable part of the whole experience. Your mileage may vary. If it doesn't work for your schedule, they understand, it's more for you than for them.

 

[Psychotic]

I've only gone to one interview so far, but I think the dinner the night before was the most valuable part of the whole experience. Your mileage may vary. If it doesn't work for your schedule, they understand, it's more for you than for them.

Most of the dinners are the night before, but I got thrown off by one being after the interviews - I had already made fixed travel plans to depart, otherwise I would have done it.

Personally, I think the evening after the interviews makes a lot more sense than the evening prior, but I haven't done either one yet and may change my mind on all of it.

 

[notdeadyet]

Out of curiosity, what did the men wear? Seems like they may get more leeway than women do.

Men typically wear dress shirts without ties and chino's/slacks to these things.

 

[TheRiddler]

What if the "dinner" is at a bar/pub? I was thinking jeans and a button down?

 

[Psychotic]

What if the "dinner" is at a bar/pub? I was thinking jeans and a button down?

Sounds fine to me, but they should indicate a "dress code" if they want to see you in something else. Did your email indicate such?

I just wish they would drop this dress code stuff. Casual should suffice. Having to wear something that isn't far removed from what is expected at the interview seems kind dumb to me.

 

[heyjack70]

I think men should wear dress shirt with or without tie, slacks, and option for sport coat. If you choose tie and sport coat, you will probably be the best dressed person there. I've heard that cleveland clinic requires people to wear suits on the wards, so maybe their dress code would be more intense.

 

[Cottonwoods]

I was thinking casual/dressy for women. Maybe a sweater dress with tights and boots, or a pair of dress pants with a low boot and sweater. Casual jewelry, so it's a bit more trendy than my usual work clothes. I often go out for dinner in darkwash jeans and nicer shoes, but I don't want to toe the line in this instance.

Another dress code question: I have a few two-day interviews. I should bring along two different suits? This is doable for me, as I've still got my med school interview suit and a newer one. But ... so much coordinating to do in such a small suitcase, you know? I guess I'm answering my own question, but surely this applies to other folks, too.

 

[notdeadyet]

What if the "dinner" is at a bar/pub? I was thinking jeans and a button down?

That's likely fine. If it's dinner, I'd probably opt for slacks, if it's just drinks and snacks, I'd feel okay in nice jeans with a dress shirt.

I think men should wear dress shirt with or without tie, slacks, and option for sport coat.

I only saw one or two sports coat at all the socials the night before (or the rare night after) the interview. You would stand out. Though in fairness, I stuck mostly to the west coast. Might be a regional thing.

 

[Rebs28]

Out of curiosity, what did the men wear? Seems like they may get more leeway than women do.

The men all wore button-down shirts and trousers, from what I remember.

The other women wore dresses or blouses/sweaters and trousers.

This was in the Midwest, fyi.

 

[Nasrudin]

That's likely fine. If it's dinner, I'd probably opt for slacks, if it's just drinks and snacks, I'd feel okay in nice jeans with a dress shirt.

I only saw one or two sports coat at all the socials the night before (or the rare night after) the interview. You would stand out. Though in fairness, I stuck mostly to the west coast. Might be a regional thing.

yeah. It's definitely regional. As someone raised in southwest Florida where a pair of dress sandals and a polo make you slicked up big time I can attest to this.

Also there's this sentiment which after a life of living/working in dirty jeans and scrubs I'm waking up to more sophisticated appreciation of:

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wyz55wN_1JM[/YOUTUBE]

 

[eastcoastdr]

business casual to me means:
-Slacks (real pants, NOT leggings/tights/spandex) or knee-length skirts in a dressy material like lightweight wool, chino, maybe a poly blend as long as it doesn't look to cheap or shiny, with a blouse on top in a similarly nice material like crepe, chiffon, silk, poly blend
-nice knee-length dresses with shoulders covered
-sensible heels, 2-3 inches maybe, dress boots, or a NICE pair of flats
-Outfit should NOT be skin tight or revealing. Practice bending over, sitting down and leaning over in your outfit.

I have a few specific outfits in mind that I'm planning on wearing:
-teal wool pencil skirt with a white silky long-sleeved blouse with sensible heels or my nice dark brown dress boots
- knee length crepe-chiffon dress with sleeves with black tights and sensible black heels
- tailored black dress pants with a plain white top, and a contrasting casual blazer with sensible heels

I agree that for females on the wards, business casual is actually much more casual. I've gotten away with wearing leggings under a longer top/sweater, boat shoes, brightly colored chinos, etc. But I would put a little more effort into the resident dinners beforehand and try to have a more chic, professional yet trendy outfit.

If anyone needs more SPECIFIC help PM and I'd be happy to help you shop. I'm really good at putting together stylish yet conservative/professional outfits. 🙂

 

[eastcoastdr]

What if the "dinner" is at a bar/pub? I was thinking jeans and a button down?

yes. Men - tailored jeans, button down shirt and nice shoes - no sneakers or sandals. for women - dressy dark jeans + nice blouse, or a fun dress, and heels/boots/flats. I would still try to remain more on the classy side even if you are going to a bar. no short skirts, platform heels, excessive cleavage, etc.

 

[Nasrudin]

yes. Men - tailored jeans, button down shirt and nice shoes - no sneakers or sandals. for women - dressy dark jeans + nice blouse, or a fun dress, and heels/boots/flats. I would still try to remain more on the classy side even if you are going to a bar. no short skirts, platform heels, excessive cleavage, etc.

You have a great sensibility for style. I must have been living in the wrong tribe most of my life. Because I'm a closet style freak. And I've read a book and a bunch of blogs on it.

I recently bought a tailored suit and tailored shirts. And now I'm ruined. I can't go back to looking sloppy. This **** just feels too good. I am actually hoping that my program requires business casual or suits so I have an excuse to take some of the money I'm getting for a legal settlement to get a new wardrobe.

It's a actually a goal of mine to look as smooth as Steve Mcqueen on more days than not.

 

[Fenster]

You have a great sensibility for style. I must have been living in the wrong tribe most of my life. Because I'm a closet style freak. And I've read a book and a bunch of blogs on it.

Is the book, Dressing the Man? If so, kudos.

 

[Nasrudin]

Is the book, Dressing the Man? If so, kudos.

That's the one. It was recommended to me by a blogger I follow. M

 

[Jabberwocky2014]

What exactly is "business casual"? - if you google it for women, the photos include women in tailored suits and dresses, or something that I think would be appropriate for the interview day itself. I assume that what not to wear includes shorts, short skirts, sandals/flipflops and t-shirts, but I also chafe at the idea that I need to pack a second coordinated outfit for these dinners.

Any constructive thoughts? Is a nice pair of jeans or khaki pants with a tasteful blouse considered business casual?

Business casual for ladies is like slacks or a knee-length skirt with a nice blouse or button down. A knee-length short-sleeved and/or sheath dress in a conservative color or simple print would also work. For shoes, close-toed pumps or flats would be a safe bet. No suit jackets, cocktail dresses, t-shirts, denim, sandals, or anything flashy or risque. Business casual is basically what you would wear to the office or a typical day in clinic.

As for dinner or drinks in a bar/pub type environment, I can't imagine that they would ask you to wear business casual unless it's a really nice bar...I would probably go with a very nice pair of jeans and a blouse, again with pumps or flats. And still nothing tight, revealing or flashy; no club wear.

 

[Fenster]

That's the one. It was recommended to me by a blogger I follow. M

The blogger knows his stuff!

 

[Nasrudin]

The blogger knows his stuff!

Yeah, his name is Antonio Centeno. He's a self-taught clothier and entrepreneur, former marine, very down to earth, very likable. He speaks on my level and references the iconoclasts of men's style in a frank and humble way.

By the way the del toro character in the usual suspects is awesome. I love how all his characters have effortless cool. Love the handle/avatar.

 

[shan564]

My general rule of thumb was to wear the same kinds of clothes that I'd wear to the hospital. I figured that some of the residents would be coming to the dinner straight from work, so they'd be dressed standard hospital clothes (i.e. shirt/tie), and so I wouldn't look overdressed.

 

[Fenster]

By the way the del toro character in the usual suspects is awesome. I love how all his characters have effortless cool. Love the handle/avatar.

Ha ha thanks. Yeah, he's one of the best actors in the business right now isn't he? Not always the best dressed though! 😉