Female Interview Attire

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I hope someone is able to help me...

Help! I am about to be 6 months pregnant (showing a lot already of course) and I have my first interview next week. I have NOT been able to find a maternity suit- pantsuit or dress suit- anywhere and I am starting to freak out because I feel like I am going to be under-dressed (not by choice though)! So here is the exact breakdown of what I bought to wear today... PLEASE GIVE ME YOUR HONEST OPINION!

A black knee length skirt, black nylons, a short sleeved-white collar shirt w/ very small black polka dots, a black, fitted cardigan that emphasizes the belly when buttoned all the way (and is really cute in my opinion), and black round-toe shoes with a 1" heel.

This is by far NOT a suit at all, but I would say is appropriate for work in an office, however, I know I am interviewing for professional school, so I hope it's OK... EEEEK! I'm so worried! 😕 Any advice or suggestions would help me out a lot! Thank you!
 
That sounds to me like it is appropriate! I feel like the cardigan is a lot more understandable in your situation because it is the kind of thing that will fit you correctly right now. That is just my opinion though. Good luck 🙂
 
After just attending multiple interviews, you WILL be under-dressed and out-of-place without a suit whether you are pregnant or not. This is the interview of your life, go get a suit. Also, slacks for formal interviews are not appropriate and neither are colored hose. Keep to solid colors for your blouse and no dots/prints. You want to look professional, not cute. Check out the business dress columns in the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. A quick Google will find you more materity suits than you will ever need.
 
If not a cardigan could you find a black blazer that would fit? I don't know exactly what you skirt looks like but maybe you could find a blazer/suit jacket that might be more professional looking. i did a quick google search and they do make them. I don't know how quickly you could find them though http://www.motherhood.com/maternity/work-clothes-blazers.asp

About pantyhose, I've seen other women use natural colored. I personally think it looks better than black but that's your choice.
 
desmoulins45179 said:
If not a cardigan could you find a black blazer that would fit? I don't know exactly what you skirt looks like but maybe you could find a blazer/suit jacket that might be more professional looking. i did a quick google search and they do make them. I don't know how quickly you could find them though http://www.motherhood.com/maternity/work-clothes-blazers.asp

About pantyhose, I've seen other women use natural colored. I personally think it looks better than black but that's your choice.
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Dear desmoulins,

Thanks for the link! Too funny, those blazers are EXACTLY what I went in to Motherhood today to buy! When I asked for them though, they basically said, "Oh we haven't had those for a while now... It's spring and we barely have any jackets!" Which is why I was reduced to the cardigan... The skirt I bought is a suit-like type of skirt, however, there weren't any jackets to match! Weird right? I've searched JCP.com and also target.com. Nothing! I actually have a suit-like type of jacket, but it is not maternity and so it does not button and looks too small, so I wasn't sure how that would fly either. =( Do you think I'm doomed?

Also, to the others who have replied... THANK YOU! I'm still confused though! I did google maternity suits and found some pricey ones... My interview is next Wednesday morning, which means I probably wouldn't even get a delivery by then. And I'm also reserved about spending the money on a maternity suit since this is probably the only time I will be wearing it... Any more suggestions will still help a lot! Thanks ladies! 🙂
 
tesahelena said:
Dear desmoulins,

Thanks for the link! Too funny, those blazers are EXACTLY what I went in to Motherhood today to buy! When I asked for them though, they basically said, "Oh we haven't had those for a while now... It's spring and we barely have any jackets!" Which is why I was reduced to the cardigan... The skirt I bought is a suit-like type of skirt, however, there weren't any jackets to match! Weird right? I've searched JCP.com and also target.com. Nothing! I actually have a suit-like type of jacket, but it is not maternity and so it does not button and looks too small, so I wasn't sure how that would fly either. =( Do you think I'm doomed?

Also, to the others who have replied... THANK YOU! I'm still confused though! I did google maternity suits and found some pricey ones... My interview is next Wednesday morning, which means I probably wouldn't even get a delivery by then. And I'm also reserved about spending the money on a maternity suit since this is probably the only time I will be wearing it... Any more suggestions will still help a lot! Thanks ladies! 🙂
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Okay, I've actually seen some girls who were not pregnant interviewing in a cardigan and slacks, but I'm not sure how the school would view that so I think your safest best is to wear the black skirt since that is probably going to be your biggest issue as far as fit, and then get a black suit jacket to go over it... I think you can find a non-maternity one that will look fine if you get it maybe one size larger than you normally wear. 😕 I'm sorry that's not much help... I haven't really interviewed much either, but I do know that nearly everyone (around 95%?) wears a suit at the school I attend now for business (they have a medical school, pharmacy, dental, etc) and also at the school I interviewed at for pharmacy.
 
Endospore said:
After just attending multiple interviews, you WILL be under-dressed and out-of-place without a suit whether you are pregnant or not. This is the interview of your life, go get a suit. Also, slacks for formal interviews are not appropriate and neither are colored hose. Keep to solid colors for your blouse and no dots/prints. You want to look professional, not cute. Check out the business dress columns in the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. A quick Google will find you more materity suits than you will ever need.
Click to expand...

If I may ask, why are skirts preferred over slacks for girls?
 
Sparda29 said:
If I may ask, why are skirts preferred over slacks for girls?
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I don't know! Yet I have associates in corporate business and for some reason -formal the key word here- the expectation is still skirts, just like hose are still required no matter how old-fashioned and hot they are to wear. Slacks are considered dress-down and every interview letter I received said formal interview, not business casual. It is hard to find a suit in a monent's notice. I shopped for mine months ago which really paid off as one interview I had less than a week to prep.
 
My suggestion:

Take your entire outfit (skirt, shoes, hose, jewelry, etc) into Nordstrom. They have a maternity section. The associates will do the shopping for you and pick something professional for you to wear. If they do not have your size in the store, they will call around to other Nordstroms and find it for you. They will even call to the one in the city you are going to travel to and have it delivered to the hotel all ready to go LOL (I have done this)

Since you are only wearing it one time, you can return it after you are done. They take anything back as long as you have the receipt 🙂 Just don't spill anything on it.
 
Sparda29 said:
If I may ask, why are skirts preferred over slacks for girls?
Click to expand...

Me personally, this is a total stereotype, but I feel more comfortable in a skirt. I'm just very traditional and I feel more comfortable in "girly" clothing. A lot of girls wear pant suits though and they look great.

Endospore said:
I don't know! Yet I have associates in corporate business and for some reason -formal the key word here- the expectation is still skirts, just like hose are still required no matter how old-fashioned and hot they are to wear. Slacks are considered dress-down and every interview letter I received said formal interview, not business casual. It is hard to find a suit in a monent's notice. I shopped for mine months ago which really paid off as one interview I had less than a week to prep.
Click to expand...

It took me forever to find a suit too. If you are a girl you MUST start looking early. lol
 
Endospore said:
After just attending multiple interviews, you WILL be under-dressed and out-of-place without a suit whether you are pregnant or not. This is the interview of your life, go get a suit. Also, slacks for formal interviews are not appropriate and neither are colored hose. Keep to solid colors for your blouse and no dots/prints. You want to look professional, not cute. Check out the business dress columns in the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. A quick Google will find you more materity suits than you will ever need.
Click to expand...

Actually in my five interviews I saw a handful of women in suits. Most had slacks and a nice shirt.
 
Sure, you can be one in a crowd. I saw girls in pink sweaters (go figure)

Or you can be the one that stands out.

When representatives from pharmacy come to campus, they all state how unimpressed they are with those who cannot even dress nice for one day...one of a crowd.
 
Tinkerbell22 said:
Me personally, this is a total stereotype, but I feel more comfortable in a skirt. I'm just very traditional and I feel more comfortable in "girly" clothing. A lot of girls wear pant suits though and they look great.



It took me forever to find a suit too. If you are a girl you MUST start looking early. lol
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I'm the opposite. I would feel uncomfortable in a skirt. I wear soft cotton skirts in the summer but then those are more comfortable and I don't have to wear pantyhose. I've always HATED hose/tights. I remember having loud fights with my mother when I was as young as 6. Even then my favorite things to wear were my sweatpants:laugh: Then again I am not that girly (but I don't care)

About looking for a suit - I find it helps to look online first. Find out what stores are in your local mall and look online and browse the selection. It helps to have an idea of what you are looking for ahead of time. They may also have exactly what you picked from online so you can just go and try it on. I pretty much found mine in a day (the only problem was that they didn't have my size so I had to go to a different mall)
 
Thanks again to EVERYONE who has offered advice about my current situation! 🙂 I actually did get creative and called every single Motherhood store about a maternity blazer (which I could replace my cardigan with) and found one in a mall which is over an hour's drive away... Oh well. I am relieved and will feel more confident wearing it. I also opted to wear nude pantyhose instead of black and I am rethinking the polka dotted shirt as well. I'm keeping the black pencil skirt though, as it does fit well and look nice. Overall, I appreciate everyone's feedback and I think that my "new and improved" outfit will look more professional and put-together considering my situation. Good luck to those who are still going through their interviews and congratulations to those who were successful in them already! Take care!
 
I wouldn't worry too much about your attire, as long as it looks professional. I wore black pants and a white button up long sleeve shirt w boots to two interviews and got accepted to both of them =) The weather in AZ is just too warm to be wearing suits, in my opinion 😎
 
tesahelena said:
Thanks again to EVERYONE who has offered advice about my current situation! 🙂 I actually did get creative and called every single Motherhood store about a maternity blazer (which I could replace my cardigan with) and found one in a mall which is over an hour's drive away... Oh well. I am relieved and will feel more confident wearing it. I also opted to wear nude pantyhose instead of black and I am rethinking the polka dotted shirt as well. I'm keeping the black pencil skirt though, as it does fit well and look nice. Overall, I appreciate everyone's feedback and I think that my "new and improved" outfit will look more professional and put-together considering my situation. Good luck to those who are still going through their interviews and congratulations to those who were successful in them already! Take care!
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I think the polka dot shirt should be fine if it iS worn with a blazer. And it's great that you'll feel more confident
 
hey guys,

I bought a paige suite, pants, jacket, and a black shirt underneath, its REALLY nice but i dont know if the color is proffesional enough for an interview!!since everyone here is saying black or grey is better what do you guys think?? should i return it and get a different color??? 🙁
 
Professional looking shoes..what if the area where I'm interviewing practically snows every day? Is there anyway I can pair a suit skirt with a pair of all-weather boots?😕
 
treeshadow said:
Professional looking shoes..what if the area where I'm interviewing practically snows every day? Is there anyway I can pair a suit skirt with a pair of all-weather boots?😕
Click to expand...
Maybe you could wear your boots to the interview and bring your good shows in a plastic/tote bag and then change after you get there. Maybe you could leave your boots in one of their offices. I've been to a couple interviews where they had a place to put your coat or I asked if I could leave my bag somewhere. It shouldn't be a problem if it's just shoes.
 
I've been shopping around for suits and am a little confused...
Does the top and bottom of the suit have to be the same color? Are 2 different colors less professional?
 
I have an interview coming up and I was wondering if it's okay to leave my hair down by making a bump with my bangs or if I just tuck my hair behind my ears. I usually like to leave my hair down because I feel that it makes me look more feminine. Any thoughts?
 
angelberry85 said:
I have an interview coming up and I was wondering if it's okay to leave my hair down by making a bump with my bangs or if I just tuck my hair behind my ears. I usually like to leave my hair down because I feel that it makes me look more feminine. Any thoughts?
Click to expand...

People will tell you different things. As long as it looks professional, up or down is fine. Just make sure your bangs don't cover your eyes 🙂
 
Any suggestions for purse/bag? I just bought this (in grey) and wanted to know if it's too casual. I want a place to store my junk: kindle/phone/wallet/padfolio/pens etc. although my mom claims i should just hold my padfolio (which is this in case you are wondering).

oh yeah my suit and shoes are black and i just bought a light blue shirt if that matters. i'm not good at matching
 
would it be alright to wear boots under a pants suit?
also, i'm not sure what to do with my hair...i have pretty curly hair so i was debating whether i should straighten it or not. do you guys think curly hair would look messy/unprofessional?
 
I have super curly hair and plan on straightening for my interviews. Agree with it or not, most prefer straight hair in business settings. There was a segment on a news show where curlies were considered friendly and happy and straight haired women considered more serious and business oriented.

Take it with a grain of salt, really. But I do tend to go with straight hair for serious occasions.
 
Monkieez, personally I think that bag borders on casual but nothing you would be looked at weirdly for. If it works with your outfit, it's perfectly fine.

If anyone is looking for a cheap bag though, I went with http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/womens/handbagswallets/satchelstotes/PRD~398433/Nine+and+Co+Janis+Tote.jsp

On sale for like 30 bucks, black, simple and possibly the most conservative thing you can get these days 🙂

I'd only wear boots if the pants cover all of it and the front part looks professional. ie: Don't wear like a pair of UGGs or something 😕 & I think it's more appropriate to go with boots if the weather is cold.

I don't think curly hair matters too much... as long as it's neat and taken care of and not frizzy or something. Rather, I think you should do what feels more comfortable for you 'cause honestly, as long as the hair is out of your face and doesn't look like a bird's nest, I doubt they'll even make a note of it.
 
sunnyeyedme said:
Thanks for you input! I am reconsidering my choice not to wear nylons. I heard from various older people that they weren't important anymore and they rarely see women wearing them... but I'm from Southern California so maybe that is just here.. So I think I will get some. I want to be as professional as possible, even if they aren't necessary I'm sure my interviewers will appreciate the effort.. Thanks!
Click to expand...

I'm glad your interniew went well.

I lived in the northeast for a long time, and there are very strict unspoken rules. A lot of it has to do with the seasons. No white b/t Labor Day and Memorial Day (unless it's "winter" white), always wear panty hose w/suits... When I was a hotel mgr, the suit rule was no skirts above the knees and no jackets above the hips. When I moved to So Cal, I was so confused b/c there are no seasons. Ugg boots w/shorts??? It grew on me after a while.
 
JJVmom said:
I'm glad your interniew went well.

I lived in the northeast for a long time, and there are very strict unspoken rules. A lot of it has to do with the seasons. No white b/t Labor Day and Memorial Day (unless it's "winter" white), always wear panty hose w/suits... When I was a hotel mgr, the suit rule was no skirts above the knees and no jackets above the hips. When I moved to So Cal, I was so confused b/c there are no seasons. Ugg boots w/shorts??? It grew on me after a while.
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I don't know what I would do between Labor Day and Memorial Day : ( All I wear are white shirts lol
 
pinksparkly said:
I am so going to get that bag! I was looking for *exactly* that, but haven't been able to find it in faux leather anywhere. Thanks for posting that.🙂
Click to expand...

Oh not a problem! I was ecstatic when I found it too. We can be purse buddies in Minnesota Haha 🙂
 
So, from this thread I've learned:

1. I will be wearing a suit with a pop of color for my top.
2. I will be straightening my hair.
3. I will be putting on very natural looking makeup and leaving off the perfume
4. I will be trying to find a pair of 1-2 inch heels that I can actually walk in
4b. ...and stashing some nice black dress flats in my bag just in case.


But here's something: Jewelry...some? none? I usually don't wear any, but for special occasions I might put on a necklace or a bracelet. I don't have any piercings or anything, so no earrings.

Also, I'm...incredibly large chested. As in 36DDD. What should I do to make sure that my boobs aren't the focus of the interview? (besides wear a good-fitting jacket and a top with a decent neckline!)
 
dazzled said:
But here's something: Jewelry...some? none? I usually don't wear any, but for special occasions I might put on a necklace or a bracelet. I don't have any piercings or anything, so no earrings.
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I say none or very understated.

I am wearing faux pearl studs and single strand necklace.

I just bought a black ann taylor skirt suit, still looking for a shirt...thinking I'll go with light/pale blue shell-type shirt.
Pretty basic.
 
LOL...I had to check out the hype and found out that it's on sale right now for $24.20. Can't beat that!

Referring to the bag from Kohls.
 
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The Limited has some really nice suits for women and they normally run deals that will allow you to get the pants or skirt free with the purchase of a jacket along with various other coupons that you can print off the internet. I know most of us are struggling students and probably don't have money to go out and buy an expensive suit but wanted to put this deal out there. I think a nice suit is really worth the investment. If you have the money you should put it towards one that will last for awhile.
 
Sparda29 said:
Heels = very bad for feet
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lies! :meanie:

HmoobRX said:
The Limited has some really nice suits for women and they normally run deals that will allow you to get the pants or skirt free with the purchase of a jacket along with various other coupons that you can print off the internet. I know most of us are struggling students and probably don't have money to go out and buy an expensive suit but wanted to put this deal out there. I think a nice suit is really worth the investment. If you have the money you should put it towards one that will last for awhile.
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I got my pant suit and skirt suit both from The Limited. I think they have the best sizes too (different pant lengths, etc).
 
As a female, I am quite tall, is it too much to wear a 1 inch heel or should I find a very flat shoes? I don't want to be the spotlight. I've been trying to find a decent flat, but it seems like mission impossible. 😕
 
SlowPepper said:
As a female, I am quite tall, is it too much to wear a 1 inch heel or should I find a very flat shoes? I don't want to be the spotlight. I've been trying to find a decent flat, but it seems like mission impossible. 😕
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I don't think 1 inch would make a huge difference in your height. Anything more than 2 I feel like is going into I'm-trying-to-look like a model territory. You should wear whatever you would feel confident in, and there is nothing wrong with being tall.
 
monkieez said:
I don't think 1 inch would make a huge difference in your height. Anything more than 2 I feel like is going into I'm-trying-to-look like a model territory. You should wear whatever you would feel confident in, and there is nothing wrong with being tall.
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I completely agree that if you feel comfortable in heels, you should just go with it! I'm pretty much in the same boat though, except I don't need shoes to be in that model territory. Sucksss. But anyways, Have you checked Aldo? I bought a pair of flats there for my suit.

This one? or this?

I dunno your style but they do have quite a bit 🙂 Also try checking like DWS or if anything, I'm sure payless or something would have a pair of decent shoes that you wouldn't feel badly about never using again 🙄
 
SparkLy09 said:
I completely agree that if you feel comfortable in heels, you should just go with it! I'm pretty much in the same boat though, except I don't need shoes to be in that model territory. Sucksss. But anyways, Have you checked Aldo? I bought a pair of flats there for my suit.

This one? or this?

I dunno your style but they do have quite a bit 🙂 Also try checking like DWS or if anything, I'm sure payless or something would have a pair of decent shoes that you wouldn't feel badly about never using again 🙄
Click to expand...
Personally, I think it's best not to scrounge on shoes and buy ones that are good quality and comfortable, that you could use again and again. Simple black heels/flats will always be useful.

I like zappos.com and shoes.com. They both have free shipping and free return shipping if you don't like it/it doesn't fit, but zappos.com has more variety and faster shipping (whenever i pick the free shipping they always "surprise me" and upgrade it to two-day). you can usually find coupon codes for shoes.com but not zappos
 
SparkLy09 said:
I completely agree that if you feel comfortable in heels, you should just go with it! I'm pretty much in the same boat though, except I don't need shoes to be in that model territory. Sucksss. But anyways, Have you checked Aldo? I bought a pair of flats there for my suit.

This one? or this?

I dunno your style but they do have quite a bit 🙂 Also try checking like DWS or if anything, I'm sure payless or something would have a pair of decent shoes that you wouldn't feel badly about never using again 🙄
Click to expand...

I saw that pair of shoes in Aldo (from the link you posted above), but they don't have my size. 🙁 I ended up buying at another store. 😛 quite comfy. 😀
 
A friend and I are both interviewing at UMich on Nov 5 and were both planning on some nice dress pants and a sweater (or a button down with a cardigan). Business casual and all. Are we screwed? Do I need to find a blazer in 2 days, with work and school and such? I wasn't freaking out before, but now I am!

Plus, blazers look ridiculous on me 🙁 I was notified of my interview on Oct 29 for Nov 5 and well.... I haven't had time to find one that looks good and feel much more comfortable with a sweater. I'm so nervous.
 
LyraBelacqua44 said:
A friend and I are both interviewing at UMich on Nov 5 and were both planning on some nice dress pants and a sweater (or a button down with a cardigan). Business casual and all. Are we screwed? Do I need to find a blazer in 2 days, with work and school and such? I wasn't freaking out before, but now I am!

Plus, blazers look ridiculous on me 🙁 I was notified of my interview on Oct 29 for Nov 5 and well.... I haven't had time to find one that looks good and feel much more comfortable with a sweater. I'm so nervous.
Click to expand...

If possible I would definitely attempt to find a blazer. In my opinion a cardigan looks way too casual for an interview and like you didnt care enough to wear a suit. I interviewed at Michigan on Oct 8th and everyone was dressed in a suit that day so you definitely would stand out in a cardigan.
 
heatheld said:
If possible I would definitely attempt to find a blazer. In my opinion a cardigan looks way too casual for an interview and like you didnt care enough to wear a suit. I interviewed at Michigan on Oct 8th and everyone was dressed in a suit that day so you definitely would stand out in a cardigan.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice. We're both grad school converts, where pants and a sweater were the norm for interviews so ... entirely unprepared. Guess I'll be trying to find a jacket to match those pants tomorrow after work/class 🙂 Thanks again
 
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