Female Interview Attire

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So, I have an interview in <2 weeks and really need some help on finding nice, inexpensive outfits. I want a pants/blazer combo. My mother suggested the Limited, like many of you, and maybe the Express (they have a $30 off of 75$ sale right now), but it would still be very expensive.

To be honest, I'm REALLY poor right now, and would love if somebody would point me in the direction of a pants/blazer combo that costs LESS THAN $100 and is still NICE. I'll bite the bullet if I have to, but I really can't afford to blow $200 right now.
 
dazzled said:
So, I have an interview in <2 weeks and really need some help on finding nice, inexpensive outfits. I want a pants/blazer combo. My mother suggested the Limited, like many of you, and maybe the Express (they have a $30 off of 75$ sale right now), but it would still be very expensive.

To be honest, I'm REALLY poor right now, and would love if somebody would point me in the direction of a pants/blazer combo that costs LESS THAN $100 and is still NICE. I'll bite the bullet if I have to, but I really can't afford to blow $200 right now.
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I saw on Macys that it has pretty good deals. Here's the link. Style&Co.

http://www1.macys.com/shop/womens/apparel/suits-suit-separates?id=39096&edge=hybrid#!fn=BRAND%3DStyle%2526co.%26sortBy%3DORIGINAL%26productsPerPage%3D40&!qvp=iqvp

If you combine the blazer and the pant, it should cost less than $100 i hope!!
 
Try New York and Co.
Mine was slightly over $100. You have to but the pants/skirt and jacket separately (which is good if you are different sizes) so if you are looking online you have to go to the separate sections. (Their website doesn't have a suit section anymore for some reason).

Jackets are $70, pants are about $40. It's a pretty good deal.

http://www.nyandcompany.com/nyco/br...at60072&FLCat=cat60036&addFacet=1002:cat60072
 
Went to the mall today. Macy's stuff fits really weird and does not flatter AT ALL; Will go to the other mall and try the NY and Co - the stuff on the website looks really good, and the prices are great. Just need to actually try it on first!

Thanks!
 
desmoulins45179 said:
Try New York and Co.
Mine was slightly over $100. You have to but the pants/skirt and jacket separately (which is good if you are different sizes) so if you are looking online you have to go to the separate sections. (Their website doesn't have a suit section anymore for some reason).

Jackets are $70, pants are about $40. It's a pretty good deal.

http://www.nyandcompany.com/nyco/br...at60072&FLCat=cat60036&addFacet=1002:cat60072
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I can't wear anything from New York and Co. I hate to complain, but I really am too small to wear any of their clothing.
I found most of my stuff online from JC Penny. They have some really good deals online, and they can take it back at the store if it doesn't fit right.
 
shinystar said:
hey everyone..i was actually wondering about the shoes...do they need to be strictly closed toe...mine are similar to this:

http://www.payless.com/store/produc...&lotId=080505&category=&catdisplayName=Womens

as you can see, a bit of a toe pops out in the front...would it be fine?! or do i need to hunt for another shoes now.
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Those look a little bit on the sexy side to me. especially if yours are actually that material and that size heel. the word "exotic" is a bad sign.
 
monkieez said:
Those look a little bit on the sexy side to me. especially if yours are actually that material and that size heel. the word "exotic" is a bad sign.
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oo okay, thanks for the response🙂...well my shoes get mostly covered with my pants..so you can barely see them...and the heels are actually not that size..its a bit smaller...i am mostly worried about the open toe part...is it okay or not?

and is there going to be a desk btw us and the interviewer? i am assuming yes, right?
 
I would not do open-toed shoes for a professional school interview. I bought these at Payless.

shinystar said:
and is there going to be a desk btw us and the interviewer? i am assuming yes, right?
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There was not a desk between the interviewer and I. We were in his tiny office that was really full of all of his research materials - there was hardly enough room for two people! So there was no hiding anything.
 
shinystar said:
oo okay, thanks for the response🙂...well my shoes get mostly covered with my pants..so you can barely see them...and the heels are actually not that size..its a bit smaller...i am mostly worried about the open toe part...is it okay or not?

and is there going to be a desk btw us and the interviewer? i am assuming yes, right?
Click to expand...


i would definitely not go with an open toed shoe. it looks a lot more professional when you wear a closed toe shoe. A few of my interviewers sat behind a desk but at two of them there was no desk between us so as pinksparkly said there was no hiding anything
 
shinystar said:
oo okay, thanks for the response🙂...well my shoes get mostly covered with my pants..so you can barely see them...and the heels are actually not that size..its a bit smaller...i am mostly worried about the open toe part...is it okay or not?

and is there going to be a desk btw us and the interviewer? i am assuming yes, right?
Click to expand...


Even if your feet are covered by your pants when you stand up, your shoes will be exposed when you sit...so I'd just play it safe!
 
thanks everyone for your opinions...i really appreciate it!🙂..yeah i would rather be safe and buy another pair of shoes which are completely close toed.
 
shinystar said:
thanks everyone for your opinions...i really appreciate it!🙂..yeah i would rather be safe and buy another pair of shoes which are completely close toed.
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Ok, if you want to be "safe" -

1 - Don't wear a dress, wear a suit
2 - Don't wear open toed shoes - wear close-toed
3 - Don't wear heels that high - wear something 2 1/2 inches or less

People at my interview didn't necessarily follow the above recommendations and and they still got in...but why the hell risk it????
 
kmapes said:
I can't wear anything from New York and Co. I hate to complain, but I really am too small to wear any of their clothing.
I found most of my stuff online from JC Penny. They have some really good deals online, and they can take it back at the store if it doesn't fit right.
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Did you try petite sizes? They had small sizes there last time I was in there. The pants are long but I used "stitch witchery" so hem them. Stitch witchery is awesome. All it takes is an iron. I would definitely recommend it to anyone whose pants are too long.
 
desmoulins45179 said:
Did you try petite sizes? They had small sizes there last time I was in there. The pants are long but I used "stitch witchery" so hem them. Stitch witchery is awesome. All it takes is an iron. I would definitely recommend it to anyone whose pants are too long.
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I wasn't aware they even had petite sizes. Out of all the times I have been in the NY and Co that I go to around here, I haven't seen a single petite size. Is that something they normally carry in stock?
 
kmapes said:
I wasn't aware they even had petite sizes. Out of all the times I have been in the NY and Co that I go to around here, I haven't seen a single petite size. Is that something they normally carry in stock?
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When I went there were definitely petite sizes in pants in stock. They were still long on my but probably not as bad as the regular size. I thought that was normal in every store but maybe it isn't.

On their website is a petite section (and a tall section) that includes both jackets and pants.

Maybe you could call in to your local store and ask if they have petite sizes in pants/jackets.
 
If any other ladies are struggling with petite suit sizing, I just wanted to drop a shopping tip: Banana Republic has decent petite suits for ladies.

I have the worst time finding clothes, but was pleasantly surprised at the selection at BR at my local mall. They don't look totally masculine or overtly sexy, either, which is a big plus in my book. They're moderately stylish: perfect for professional interviews! 😀 Looks like you can order online, too.
 
Banana Republic is one of my favorite stores. I have quite the collection of Banana Republic clothing and shoes...

other great places are The Limited or Ann Taylor.
 
Banana can be a tad too expensive. I looked at a price tag on a jacket and immediately had to put the jacket back because it was $298!

The Limited has short sizes for petite too. They are currently having their semiannual suit sale. You buy any suit, you can get $100 off. Also this weekend you can look for a coupon they have online that will take an additional $15 off every $50 you spend. Big savings !!!
 
HmoobRX said:
Banana can be a tad too expensive. I looked at a price tag on a jacket and immediately had to put the jacket back because it was $298!
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Yeah, I love Banana, but it's a bit pricey for me. I've found some great deals at their outlet stores though!
 
I went with a Limited suit. It fits wonderfully; it's a bit pricier but with a couple discounts it comes down to a reasonable amount ($200 for the whole thing). What I found with the cheaper suits is that if you have a curvier body type then they just will not fit and look like crap.
 
i had gone to macy's when they were having a big suit sale (and those online coupons) and maybe i just got lucky but i got a petite tahari suit for only $100 total plus a ralph lauren button downshirt for i think $20. i'm a bit curvy too which makes things difficult so i had to go to a couple of locations but i would recommend at least giving macys a try too.


biggest tip is to not wait last minute! maybe even get one before interview invites, as long as you don't think you'll gain too much weight.
 
lauradiddle said:
Yeah, I love Banana, but it's a bit pricey for me. I've found some great deals at their outlet stores though!
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They have sales now and then...most recently they had 30% off anything. A full suit + shirt was about $250; not too bad for a full wool suit.

One more tip: try to avoid suits made mostly of manmade fibers unless you're on a strict budget. They'll make you sweat like crazy! Like we need any help in that department when nervous about an interview already...
 
I have my interview on jan 21st and I'm not sure what I should wear. I received for Christmas a grey dress that looks professional but not sure if I should wear it. I noticed that most girls wear suits and don't want to look out of place. Please help!!!
 
I wore a grey tweed type dress with a blazer or cardigan to my interviews and most of the other girls I interviewed with were in dresses or skirts also. I don't think you need to wear a full on suit. To me that seems a little much.
 
Member0304 said:
I wore a grey tweed type dress with a blazer or cardigan to my interviews and most of the other girls I interviewed with were in dresses or skirts also. I don't think you need to wear a full on suit. To me that seems a little much.
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I think I'll go for the dress. Thanks
 
Member0304 said:
I wore a grey tweed type dress with a blazer or cardigan to my interviews and most of the other girls I interviewed with were in dresses or skirts also. I don't think you need to wear a full on suit. To me that seems a little much.
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I recall most everybody being in suits at my interview, but a dress could probably be acceptable too, if it was professional looking. Girls can get away with a lot more than guys as far as professional clothing.
 
I wore:

- A black skirt suit with a royal blue shirt. Yes, I was sucking up a little to my school but I look AWESOME in blue. I went conservative everywhere else, so I figured a small splash of color would be nice. I got my suit at Macy's. Jones New York.

- A low black pump, 2 inches or so. Pantyhose.

- I just wore my hair down like a normal day (although I got a quick trim a few days before to freshen it up).

- Nude nail polish. I'm a polish fiend (currently rocking some pink glitter from OPI's Muppets line ala Miss Piggy) so it was hard on me, but I figured it would look the most understated aside from a clear polish. I dislike French manicures but that's a personal preference.

- Pearl earrings and a pearl necklace that I painstakingly matched for color and size.

- I went with a muted face except my eye-makeup, but even then it was a sort of brown smoky eye.

Looking back, it seems like I was being silly and a little over-the-top... but I really wanted to show adcoms that I was professional and classy when it comes to how I dress. Not that you can't be professional or classy with red nail polish and without pearls. I know when I feel good about what I'm wearing, I project a lot of that in the way I carry myself... it's an extra shot of confidence. To each her own.

You'll see a little bit of everything at your interviews. Skirt suits, pants suits, dresses and even just pants and a nice blouse. Most of the girls were wearing suits, though.

One word of advice regardless of what anyone wears: the tailor is your friend! Flattering suits can be especially difficult to find off the rack and can benefit from a quick visit to the tailor. Shop around, ask friends who are involved in theater or pageants if they know someone good and relatively inexpensive.

Smile. Breathe. You can do this!

As one of my sorority sisters who was a pageant queen used to say... no matter what you're wearing, good posture and a smile are the best accessories! Corny, but totally true.
 
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I wore a black tweed skirt suit. Most of the ladies at my interview wore dress pants and dress shirts or pant suits. As long as you look professional, I think you'll be fine.
 
Don't worry about it too much... and try to wear a color other than black, because 90% will wear black. Brown, blue, navy, gray, dark burgundy are just as appropriate. Really, no one is going to remember what you wear unless you wear something totally inappropriate. The suit doesn't get you into your program, your ability to listen and talk does.

I can still remember the suit I wore to my pharmacy school interview. In retrospect, I wouldn't wear a skirt which ended 6 or 7 inches above my knee today. But it might have more to do with me being older than with me being wiser. :laugh:
 
do you think a black pant suit with red blouse would be too much? I want to wear red because: 1.) it flatters my skin tone 2.) makes me feel confident. but idk will red come off as.. aggressive/slightly sexy? i've researched and found mixed opinions. Also, do you think hoop earrings will be ok instead of studs?
 
pharmula said:
do you think a black pant suit with red blouse would be too much? I want to wear red because: 1.) it flatters my skin tone 2.) makes me feel confident. but idk will red come off as.. aggressive/slightly sexy? i've researched and found mixed opinions. Also, do you think hoop earrings will be ok instead of studs?
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If you feel confident in red, I'd say go for it. I think the black pant suit will tone it down, wear the jacket buttoned if you think the red might be too much. For the earrings; do you mean big hoops, or small ones? If they are really big I'd pass them up for regular studs or something more conservative, big hoop earrings are for going out, not for professional interviews, in my opinion. Good luck with your interview :luck:
 
Don't wear a black suit because everyone else will be. I wore a grey pant suit with a green top and I'm glad I did. I walked in and all the girls had black suits on except for me so I think that it made me stand out. Also make sure that you cut the little x that is on the slit. I saw many girls that didn't do that and it just makes you look immature. For the ladies that are petite, I got both of my suits at Ann Taylor. The black one was $99 (jacket and skirt) at the outlet, but I know that the regular store can be expensive. I also love Banana Republic, Loft (way cheaper than Ann Taylor), Express, Mayc's, and Dillards (for those in Texas). I know that buying a suit is expensive but if you buy a good one it can last for a long time. Sometimes $200 is worth the investment.
 
I've never been able to find fitted blazers at the higher end stores. Even Ann Taylor is slightly big because I am so petite. Their pants are awesome though, and I didn't have to pay for alterations with the black pair I bought (read: was too cheap to get it hemmed so compensated with higher heels instead.) 🙄

If anybody's in the same boat as I am with regards to blazers, try H&M! I bought a sz2 blazer there and it fitted perfectly. A faculty interviewer at a school I went to recently even called it cute lol. 😀 A favorite blogger of mine has a lot of posts on professional attire for petites if anyone is interested.

ETA: if you're really skimping on money, I would even try Goodwill or Salvation Army. I got a dress shirt from GW for $3 and I doubt anybody could tell at the interviews I went to. 🙂
 
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pharmula said:
do you think a black pant suit with red blouse would be too much? I want to wear red because: 1.) it flatters my skin tone 2.) makes me feel confident. but idk will red come off as.. aggressive/slightly sexy? i've researched and found mixed opinions. Also, do you think hoop earrings will be ok instead of studs?
Click to expand...

I think a red blouse is perfectly fine. The jacket will cover most of the shirt anyways. I wore a hot pink dress shirt with a grey pant suit for my interviews, and a few interviewers even complimented on the color.

As for earrings, I would go with studs instead of hoops.
 
Is it too informal to wear a black button up cardigan over my dress? The dress is very professional and conservatively cut.
 
romylove said:
Is it too informal to wear a black button up cardigan over my dress? The dress is very professional and conservatively cut.
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It's probably better to wear a suit jacket over the dress. If everyone is wearing suits, you're going to stand out (not in a good way) with the cardigan.
 
I read somewhere that men resent women in the "what-should-I-wear-to-work" department because we have a lot of choices. WRONG, we have the hardest time because we do have a motley of clothing choices. Skirt or pant, blouse or cardigan, stripes or gingham, gray or black, or navy? Dress with blazer? Dress with cardigan...and belt?? Haha.
___________________________
I have my interview next week and was thinking to wear stretch khakis that taper down to the ankle, a black and white gingham button down and a gray/tweed blazer...I haven't read anyone saying anything about khakis but black and navy suits so I think I'm going to go with the masses!

Definitely NO smoky eye makeup. Too sultry and provocative for an interview! As for hair, I like mid-low unfussy, bun, not to tight, I think it looks effortlessly chic!
 
Is a button up collared shirt a must with a suit? I'm having troubles deciding what shirt to wear with the suit I bought... to be honest I'm completely hating the look of the collared shirt with the suit on me... when I bought the suit the lady showed me this sleeveless blouse (no collar, but not low cut or anything). It actually appealed to me since I live in Florida and it'd make the suit a little less stuffy... and I like the look of no collar better... but is it unprofessional not to wear a collared shirt under a suit??
 
hsb1104 said:
Is a button up collared shirt a must with a suit? I'm having troubles deciding what shirt to wear with the suit I bought... to be honest I'm completely hating the look of the collared shirt with the suit on me... when I bought the suit the lady showed me this sleeveless blouse (no collar, but not low cut or anything). It actually appealed to me since I live in Florida and it'd make the suit a little less stuffy... and I like the look of no collar better... but is it unprofessional not to wear a collared shirt under a suit??
Click to expand...

Not at all. If you don't feel comfortable in collared shirts, wear a nice blouse instead.
 
Ilovewater said:
It's probably better to wear a suit jacket over the dress. If everyone is wearing suits, you're going to stand out (not in a good way) with the cardigan.
Click to expand...
Sigh. Darn. I think a blazer looks too stuffy, but I guess I'll need to deal with it.
 
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