Buying a suit

[Cju101]

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[nerv12345]

u could buy a semi-crappy one for like 60-80 bucks or you could buy a super nice one for 500 dollars...it really depends how much you want to spend

some of the good ones go on sale for 200-300 every once in a while so keep a look out at macy's or something

 

[IndustryPharmD]

Generally, a halfway decent suit costs about 300-400 dollars. Of course, since you are just a student, no one would expect you to wear a really nice suit (those run upwards of $600... at least, I have never seen a nice women's suit for less than that, men's are usually in about the same range - but infinitely easier to buy, since there are many more good men's suit stores than women's). Just make sure it fits well and workmanship is OK, and the material doesn't wrinkle easily (you have to sit in it and move in it - some cheap suits are made of cheap wool that looks ridiculous once you sit down for even a moment - of course, press it the night before wearing it).

 

[bananaface]

Something to keep in mind - Not buying a suit can be more expensive than buying one.

 

[xcvbvcfgh]

Something to keep in mind - Not buying a suit can be more expensive than buying one.

Hello.

Yes, I want to buy a suit. However, I do not have $600 for a brand new suit. I would like to rent one. Does anyone know where I can rent one in Florida? Any store names, addresses, web sites, etc. I am looking into renting a $600 suit for maybe one week, so where would I go to rent a suit in Florida?

Thanks.

 

[JerryPharmD]

Go to the Men's Wearhouse. I got one suit for $200 and another for $300. (One was for my wedding.) I also bought the most comfortable dress shoes I've ever worn; they were made out of calf leather. They can tailor the suit to match any dimension of yours that doesn't match an off the rack suit. You'll probably take a 44 long-48 long, depending on how big your chest is. The pants have a standard drop-down size. I think that it's 4 inches less than your chest size. But, they can tailor it to just about any size you need.

I recommend that you get a navy or charcol single-breasted suit. Shoes and belt should match color (black/black or brown/brown), and your watch should be the same color as your belt buckle (stainless/silver, gold/brass). Get a bold but conservative tie and you'll kick the plop out of them.

Good luck

 

[binghamkid]

Hello.

Yes, I want to buy a suit. However, I do not have $600 for a brand new suit. I would like to rent one. Does anyone know where I can rent one in Florida? Any store names, addresses, web sites, etc. I am looking into renting a $600 suit for maybe one week, so where would I go to rent a suit in Florida?

Thanks.

If you don't have $600 for a suit, i'm not exactly sure how you'll be paying for your interviews. Interview trips tend to cost quite a bit more than that. As bananaface said, it's an investment. If you need help, ask your parents or go work part-time for a month so you can make the money you need. A good suit goes a long way. Wearing a good suit will make you feel really good about yourself, and that translates to good posture, good attitude, and lots of confidence. If a girl can tell if you look good in a suit in passing, you can bet the admissions committee will notice the same when they're grilling you with questions. Buy a comfortable suit that looks sharp and you can use it for many interviews to come. If you don't want to wear the sports coat, just take it off when you're indoors. You can also substitute shirts to make your outfit look sharp.

As for tips for looking good, I would recommend a red tie if you are wearing a white shirt (makes you stand out more). If you are wearing a dark shirt, wear a tastyfully brighter-colored tie. You want to stand out, but not be overwhelming in tackiness. Make sure your shoes match your belt color. If you don't have an iron/ironing board, get one. Get a dress shirt that fits comfortably around your neck so that when you have the tie on, it actually looks like an accessory, not a noose. I know that baggy pants tend to be the in-thing to do while in college, but for a professional outfit, make sure your pants flow smoothly and fit your body form nicely. It just looks better. Finally, as mentioned above, get a pair of nice comfortable shoes and TAKE CARE OF THEM. Don't show up with dirt on your shoes. Polish them.

(sorry these tips are mainly for guys since I am one, but girls...you know how to dress fashionably usually so I'm not too worried about y'all) You should also carry a GOOD quality pen. Not one of those BIC pens you can find anywhere, but those nice ones that look like you actually care if it gets lost. If you have body piercings, take them out. If you don't have a good watch, it's a nice touch to have and makes a good conversation point.

Might seem like a little much, but it makes a big difference. I've never failed an interview yet. I carry at least 12 different dress shirts (probably more), with enough dress pants and a couple sportscoats to mix and match depending on the occasion. But if you're just looking for a short-term solution, one business suit is probably enough.

I think that's it for now. If I think of something else I'll add.

 

[timbutt2]

If it makes you feel any better--according to THE MILLIONAIRE NEXT DOOR--only 50% of millionaires have ever spent more than $400 for a suit and 10% have spent less than $195. I'm sure the interviewers are more concerned with the content of your character as opposed to the quality of your suit!

Apparently, JC Penneys has a good suit line--they come highly recomended by the Wall Street Journal.

 

[binghamkid]

If it makes you feel any better--according to THE MILLIONAIRE NEXT DOOR--only 50% of millionaires have ever spent more than $400 for a suit and 10% have spent less than $195. I'm sure the interviewers are more concerned with the content of your character as opposed to the quality of your suit!

Lol but those numbers are skewed. More than 50% of the millionaires have never had any reason to wear business suits (making their money through investments/real estate vs. running an actual business or a job which requires professional attire).

 

[timbutt2]

Most millionaires are entrepreneurs--i.e. they got there from running their own business (and not exclusively through investments and real estate). Most millionaires are employers not employees. Many are pharmacists owning their own pharmacy or doctors/lawyers with their own practice.

Suit stats (from the Millionaire Next Door)

25% of millionaires have never spent more than 599 for a suit.
10% have maxed out at 999
5% have maxed out at $1400
1% have maxed out at $1999

So that means that only 25% of millionaires have ever spent more than $599 for a suit. And we're talking millionaires here--not undergrads with a biology degree applying for pharmacy school.

 

[binghamkid]

Well to get a more accurate reading, you would want to know the % of working professionals (i.e. those which have to go to interviews regularly, wear suits to work regularly) who are millionaires who wear suits. After all, we aspiring pharmacists are all going to be working professionals.

 

[confettiflyer]

i keep hearing commercials on the radio for the Hollywood Suit Outlet...3 suits for $300. haha...i dunno their quality, i think they're in the Fashion District if anyone is from around here. Their commercials are really really obnoxious.

 

[sdn1977]

If you don't have $600 for a suit, i'm not exactly sure how you'll be paying for your interviews. Interview trips tend to cost quite a bit more than that. As bananaface said, it's an investment. If you need help, ask your parents or go work part-time for a month so you can make the money you need. A good suit goes a long way. Wearing a good suit will make you feel really good about yourself, and that translates to good posture, good attitude, and lots of confidence. If a girl can tell if you look good in a suit in passing, you can bet the admissions committee will notice the same when they're grilling you with questions. Buy a comfortable suit that looks sharp and you can use it for many interviews to come. If you don't want to wear the sports coat, just take it off when you're indoors. You can also substitute shirts to make your outfit look sharp.

As for tips for looking good, I would recommend a red tie if you are wearing a white shirt (makes you stand out more). If you are wearing a dark shirt, wear a tastyfully brighter-colored tie. You want to stand out, but not be overwhelming in tackiness. Make sure your shoes match your belt color. If you don't have an iron/ironing board, get one. Get a dress shirt that fits comfortably around your neck so that when you have the tie on, it actually looks like an accessory, not a noose. I know that baggy pants tend to be the in-thing to do while in college, but for a professional outfit, make sure your pants flow smoothly and fit your body form nicely. It just looks better. Finally, as mentioned above, get a pair of nice comfortable shoes and TAKE CARE OF THEM. Don't show up with dirt on your shoes. Polish them.

(sorry these tips are mainly for guys since I am one, but girls...you know how to dress fashionably usually so I'm not too worried about y'all) You should also carry a GOOD quality pen. Not one of those BIC pens you can find anywhere, but those nice ones that look like you actually care if it gets lost. If you have body piercings, take them out. If you don't have a good watch, it's a nice touch to have and makes a good conversation point.

Might seem like a little much, but it makes a big difference. I've never failed an interview yet. I carry at least 12 different dress shirts (probably more), with enough dress pants and a couple sportscoats to mix and match depending on the occasion. But if you're just looking for a short-term solution, one business suit is probably enough.

I think that's it for now. If I think of something else I'll add.

Good advice!

Yep - your clothes are the least expensive part of this. My daughter went on 10 interviews for med school (yeah...they do more than pharmacy school) & the clothes were nothing compared to the travel.

You're a tall man & depending on where you carry your 230#, it could make fitting a suit difficult.

Now is the time for going to a good store & explaining the situation - they've heard it before & know how to help you. Talk to your folks. Since dad has a suit - he knows this is a big investment & will probably be glad you're willing to want to get one.

For my daughter, I made her an appointment with Macy's By Appointment. (this is for the girls). The woman had about 15 different outfits & 5 or 6 different shoes for her to try on. We had told her what the occasion was, my daughter's size, measurements, etc.....We were her second appt of the day - the first was a young woman doing law school interviews. It made the process very, very easy.

So, really good suit sales people know what they're doing. I don't know if Macy's would have anything for a man your size, but Men's Wearhouse does - drsdn has gotten some stuff from there & he's taller, heavier than you.

 

[confettiflyer]

Great advice about the ironing board too. If you're traveling to do interviews, do NOT forget to use STARCH! Don't just use steam to iron, it'll unravel itself within an hour or two. If you really want to look sharp, be sure to buy a can of starch to use. If you don't know how to iron, learn.

It's all about the starch....seriously. Oh, and buy a travel iron, even if the hotel has irons. You never want to use an iron for the first time before an important interview...there's a distinct possibility you could burn something. So buy a travel iron and use it, and get used to it.

Starch!!!

 

[sdn1977]

One more tip - don't put your suit in checked luggage - carry it on so you know it comes with you. Put your belt on the hanger, your socks & tie in a pocket & if you don't wear your shoes, be sure to put them with the suit.

Don't wear aftershave/cologne enough to be able to have others smell it. I also think a handkerchief (or a hankie for the women) is a good idea, particularly when going to hot places. It allows you to take care of perspiration in an unobtrusive way. Ask your mom or dad to borrow one if you don't have any. Again, put it in a pocket of your suit.

As binghamkid said, polish your shoes, but not JUST before you pack them. Polish is awful to get out of clothes. If you're not sure the polish could come off & want to pack them, put them in an old pillowcase - just not near your STARCHED shirt.

There are horror stories of showing up in a city you've never been in without what you need. Most interviewers are understanding, but best not to go there if you don't have to. But, if you did forget something - the hotel concierge is your friend! He/she will know where you can go to buy this stuff close by...they are used to these issues with people coming in for interviews, weddings, funerals, business meetings, etc & forgetting something.

I agree with confetti about the hotel iron. But, if you do need to use the hotel iron - try it out on something first (the hotel pillowcase works). This will give you an idea about how hot it is, if it has "goop" on it, etc.

Good luck & have fun!

 

[binghamkid]

And whatever you do, don't think it's ok to show up in jeans and a polo shirt. You will feel very underdressed, I guarantee you.

I would definitely arrive at least a day prior to the interview. That way, you can give your outfit a once over the night before and run out to a store if necessary to buy anything. (i.e, a replacement tie because some ridiculous liquid got on it from you don't know where). There's nothing worse than having no time to take care of Murphy's law right beofre an interview. Give yourself the peace of mind and run through how you will prepare in the morning for your interview. (For example, make a note to EAT BREAKFAST AND BRUSH YOUR TEETH BEFORE PUTTING YOUR SUIT ON)

 

[mike36]

I bought pants, shirt, jacket, belt, tie, and dress shoes at Sears and only spent about $250. I had my sister help pick everything out. It looked pretty decent considering the price.

 

[tashka]

I got myself very nice and stylish suit at Burlington coat factory for 70$. It looked much better than several more expensive ones that I tried. I got my shoes in Wal Mart and my main concern was that they would not hurt my feet, because I had to walk a long way from the car to the school. And my interview went well. Buying a suit for 600$ is an overkill, in my opinion. I definitely didn't have this kind of money, so it was not even an option.
Yes, by all means, your suit should be clean, stylish, right color,and otherwise acceptable. But it is just an accessory. The main part of the interview is what you say, and how you conduct yourself. If you are lacking in this area, the most expensive suit is not going to help.
And yes, it is possible to buy a suit at the discounter and save on everything else as well. Many people limit the number of schools they apply to or apply in state only, many choose to drive to their interviews even when they are far away-all for financial reasons.

 

[tashka]

I got myself very nice and stylish suit at Burlington coat factory for 70$. It looked much better than several more expensive ones that I tried. I got my shoes in Wal Mart and my main concern was that they would not hurt my feet, because I had to walk a long way from the car to the school. And my interview went well. Buying a suit for 600$ is an overkill, in my opinion. I definitely didn't have this kind of money, so it was not even an option.
Yes, by all means, your suit should be clean, stylish, right color,and otherwise acceptable. But it is just an accessory. The main part of the interview is what you say, and how you conduct yourself. If you are lacking in this area, the most expensive suit is not going to help.
And yes, it is possible to buy a suit at the discounter and save on everything else as well. Many people limit the number of schools they apply to or apply in state only, many choose to drive to their interviews even when they are far away-all for financial reasons.

 

[IndustryPharmD]

Most millionaires are entrepreneurs--i.e. they got there from running their own business (and not exclusively through investments and real estate). Most millionaires are employers not employees. Many are pharmacists owning their own pharmacy or doctors/lawyers with their own practice.

Suit stats (from the Millionaire Next Door)

25% of millionaires have never spent more than 599 for a suit.
10% have maxed out at 999
5% have maxed out at $1400
1% have maxed out at $1999

So that means that only 25% of millionaires have ever spent more than $599 for a suit. And we're talking millionaires here--not undergrads with a biology degree applying for pharmacy school.

I have seen plenty of lawyers, for example (who you would expect to look sharp) wearing perfectly cringe-worthy suits... Having money doesn't mean having good dress sense, especially if the money wasn't made in the traditional corporate environment (where even in the 21st century business casual means that men may show up without a tie if there are no meetings (though the suit is still a must) and women may wear somewhat more casual suits). Money is just money... it does not determine class. The Great Gatsby is a good book to read regardless of what you want to achieve in life.

A good suit does not need to cost a fortune, though, if you find something on sale... unfortunately, the material and the workmanship suffer proportionately to the price. The sleeve isn't attached quite as flawlessly, the material looses its look quickly regardless of amount of starch/ironing... problems start creeping up. A good suit lasts a long time, too, so it is a good investment. Some of mine are by now 5-6 years old, and while I would not wear them to an interview anymore, they are still OK to go to work.

 

[confettiflyer]

yeah at some point no one will be able to tell the difference between a $2000 suit and a $500 suit. If the person interviewing you can tell the difference, chances are you showed up to the wrong interview!

Anyone out there support the tie clip still? I do.

 

[sdn1977]

yeah at some point no one will be able to tell the difference between a $2000 suit and a $500 suit. If the person interviewing you can tell the difference, chances are you showed up to the wrong interview!

Anyone out there support the tie clip still? I do.

I do! But, only for selfish reasons: its hard to find "little" gifts for men that will fit in a Christmas stocking. I tried with the X-Box & it wouldn't fit...so it had to go under the tree.

 

[no-see-um]

A suit is probably one of the best investments in your future that you could make. Perhaps even more so than being able to do the part, you have to look the part at an intervew and communicate that you could play the part.

 

[chakavak]

What aabout girls? Is it better to wear pants or skirts? I have heard that you should not wear very high heals?! Any ideas? I am very short! I need some heels!!

 

[Utterdevotion]

I would suggest wearing pants, closed toes heels.
But really, skirts/pants is a personal preference. I felt that I would be nervous and uncomfortable as it is during my interviews, I didn't want to also have to worry about skirt issues (like sitting properly,etc).

I shopped very early for my suit. Got it for $250 at Macy's on sale. And it's a VERY good suit, original price at $550 I think it was.

Find a suit that you are comfortable with and shows a bit of your personal style.

PS. Girls, please don't over do your makeup....

 

[googleit]

What aabout girls? Is it better to wear pants or skirts? I have heard that you should not wear very high heals?! Any ideas? I am very short! I need some heels!!

SAME HERE!!! And being really petite, suits are especially hard to find!!!

 

[Utterdevotion]

SAME HERE!!! And being really petite, suits are especially hard to find!!!

Hehe I'm small too. I'll admit I'm 5ft
I had to get my pants altered to my height (yay for moms!). Remember to pick out the heels you are going to wear, before you get your pants altered...or else that would REALLY suck... lol

 

[Farmercyst]

If you are on an extreme budget don't underestimate your ability to get a good deal at 2nd/3rd hand stores. Sure some of the suits will be corduroy or light gray with pinstripes, but you could also end up with a decent suit for <$100.00 I got a nice blue suit from Deseret Industries for $80.00. Some missionary probably came home and vowed never to where the thing again. Nice find for me.

 

[Hels2007]

What aabout girls? Is it better to wear pants or skirts? I have heard that you should not wear very high heals?! Any ideas? I am very short! I need some heels!!

I suggest a well-fitting suit (modern fad of short jackets may or may not be appropriate depending on your body type), a blouse that works well with it, of quality material. And things like skirt vs. pants or heels vs. no heels should be decided based on what you feel more comfortable in. If you cannot walk well in heels - I suggest not wearing them, because someone hobbling along on stiff legs makes for a rather sad sight, it is better to be confident and radiant in flats. If you feel more comfortable in heels - by all means go for them. No one is going to notice what you have on your feet unless it is wrong - such as unpolished, clashes horribly with the suit (or something like wearing white shoes with black stockings - I have seen it, believe it or not, or wincing visibly and being barely able to walk). I wear heels, but that's because I wear heels every day, and have for the last 15 years (even though I have been 5'10" for the last 8 at least ). Same thing with the skirt vs. pants - choose what you feel most comfortable in and what compliments your body better - I prefer skirts because I look better in them, that's all. They create an illusion that I have a perfect body - while pants make my butt look big.

Also, keep makeup to more natural style, and keep you hair nice. Interviews are often in the winter, when the weather can destroy your best efforts - so putting it up may be a good idea. Hair that is limp and just hangs down is not appealing. That's what mine does, so for important winter events I always put it up.

 

[k0ni]

I would suggest wearing pants, closed toes heels.
But really, skirts/pants is a personal preference. I felt that I would be nervous and uncomfortable as it is during my interviews, I didn't want to also have to worry about skirt issues (like sitting properly,etc).

I shopped very early for my suit. Got it for $250 at Macy's on sale. And it's a VERY good suit, original price at $550 I think it was.

Find a suit that you are comfortable with and shows a bit of your personal style.

PS. Girls, please don't over do your makeup....

I'm definitely going for pants for the same reason! I don't want to worry about sitting nicely when I'll be worrying about enough as it is. Lol..

Finding a nice suit wasn't too hard for me.. Although I did have a little trouble fitting a jacket that fit well since I'm pretty petite for my height (5'7"). The arm length was never long enough. I finally settled for a jacket one size larger and it shouldn't be too noticeable if I keep my jacket unbuttoned.

That reminds me.. Do I absolutely have to tuck in my dress shirt?? It feels so weird! Would it look sloppy if I had my shirt untucked while wearing a suit? Haha, this is so not my dressing style..

 

[fenixtnlfan]

Any tips on putting long hair up and making it look good? I have pretty long hair so I'll probably get it cut before I start doing interviews so its not so heavy. I really haven't tried to do anything professional with my hair ever.

 

[sdn1977]

What aabout girls? Is it better to wear pants or skirts? I have heard that you should not wear very high heals?! Any ideas? I am very short! I need some heels!!

There is no "better" to pants or skirts. Both should be suits. I agree with much of what Hels said. The important thing is to find what suits laugh your body type. That said - if you're very short, tall, thin, heavy....you'll need some extra attention. I think its better from a third party, but that's just me! That's why I used Macy's by appointment - no charge....you just buy the suit. You have to be willing to buy it from them or they'll get "ticked off", but they honor all the coupons & discounts you might have. Its just like getting all the drug info from you, but having the pt take the rx to a mail or facility. Give them (whomever you choose to advise you) your business because that is why they're there.

As for heels - I wear heels too - nearly everyday (read other posts). I also wear skirts a lot. I have nice legs & there's no reason not to show them. However - don't look "skanky" (thats a term from my kids - do people still use that??). The idea is - wear the heels which fit the skirt. Don't wear 3 inch patent leather peep toe shoes with a blue pin strip suit & a pin-tucked blouse.

If you're going to be in very "winter" weather - snow & slush - I'd advise a pant suit with appropriate shoes. My daughter had interviews from the hot, humid months of Sept to the cold, snowy, slush of Dec & Jan. She had 2 suits - a skirt suit & a pant suit. She wore "ratty" shoes in the winter from the taxi to the place to meet (usually the office of admissions) & she found the folks in the office very, very willing to let her change her shoes, leave her coat & go to the interview just as if she were doing it in the best weather possible. (aaaaah - she forgot her coat in one place....didn't realize until after she got home. They were nice enough to UPS it to her. Really - these are nice people if you give them a chance!). But - she had expensive shoes & she was from San Diego....they don't have shoe covers there. These folks are used to people from all over the country.

Anyway - do what fits your body type. If you're short, yes, you can wear heels - no one cares. Just don't look like a tramp & be sure you can walk in them, as Hels said.

btw....I never wear pants to any business or corporate meetings, only professional dresses or skirts. I wear pants to work often though. Just my own personal "thing".

I have no advice for long hair except you need to have it under control & not "flick" it. I'd advise you again to go to someone who will know - a good hairdresser (not a discounter) can give you advice on how to put it up.

This also is where a mentor comes in, although many of you are too new in the profession to have mentors. If you know someone in a pharmacy who has long hair - see what he/she does or better yet - ask!

But - no matter what you do...even if you leave it down...do not "mess" with it, "flick" it or hide your face with it.

To whomever asked - yes! You absolutely must tuck in your blouse if the suit is designed to have the blouse tucked in. If you're not comfortable with that - are you sure you have the suit which flatters you the best or is the right size? This is just like men - yes...you must wear a tie. These may not be the most comfortable pieces of clothing you wear, but this is real life & we do what is expected.

Good luck!

 

[babietuan323]

banana republic has really nice suits. i bought my single breasted suit from there when it was on sale

 

[Hels2007]

That reminds me.. Do I absolutely have to tuck in my dress shirt?? It feels so weird! Would it look sloppy if I had my shirt untucked while wearing a suit? Haha, this is so not my dressing style..

Yes, if it is a classic suit, especially if the shirt is longer than the suit jacket. It wouldn't look sloppy, it would look simply ridiculous - no less so than if you wore yellow rubber boots with that suit. With certain types of blouses and certain types of suits it may be possible, but they are very few and far between, and you need to be able to pull off the look. If you aren't 110% sure you can do it - don't.

And I also support sdn1977 about changing shoes. Going to work, I always carry my nice shoes in the bag, and wear really old ones on the way from the parking lot, to save them from scratched heels... Same goes for the weather, too. You can leave the other pair with your coat in whatever room they would have for such things.

Actually, I would advise against wearing pants in the rain/snow/slush, because regardless of how carefully you walk, you will still get the pants covered in dirty droplets from the knees down in the back. If you wear nylons and a skirt, it's solved by stopping by a bathroom and wiping the droplets off with a wet paper towel. Much harder to fix with pants.