Interview Attire 2014-2015

[mikerowesvoice]

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As I'm sitting here on 3rd shift, I was searching for an interview attire thread for this year but found nothing. So since I have my first interview in August with LECOM I wanted to see what others were doing.

I'm thinking about a light grey suit, blue checkered shirt, and maybe going with a bowtie... What is everyone else doing??

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

I'm still figuring my set up out. After I got married men's warehouse gave me a $600 coupon so I bought a seriously slick navy blue (almost black) suit. I am still trying to figure out the shirt and tie but am aiming at getting a hold of some burgundy shoes. Nothing says classy like a blue suit with burgundy shoes
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[JPickos9989]

As I'm sitting here on 3rd shift, I was searching for an interview attire thread for this year but found nothing. So since I have my first interview in August with LECOM I wanted to see what others were doing.

I'm thinking about a light grey suit, blue checkered shirt, and maybe going with a bowtie... What is everyone else doing??

Props on the light grey suit! Got my acceptance with a light grey suit this past cycle and I feel ya can't go wrong there. I'm on the fence on bow ties to be honest so I'm not the person to ask in that regard.

FWIW, just some general stuff for interview attire

- Shoes and belt match!
- Don't wear a black suit for the love of god, it's a medical school interview not a funeral (light grey, navy blue, charcoal are all excellent choices)
- Don't go over the top with bright color schemes and patterns (this is really just my opinion, but I feel the interview is more about business than showing off, and crazy colors or patterns come off wrong to me, leave the Tom Ford for the NBA draft)
- Pocket squares are a great accessory to give your attire some pizzazz without going too crazy
- if you're trying to throw something together with what you have use google and/or seek a professionals help (I.e. Men's Wearhouse, I have an addiction to the place and most of them know how to set ya up lookin damn good)
- Shine your shoes please
- Socks should match your pants in some essence (Argyle socks are a rest choice for some added personality, just make sure they work with your pants and the color scheme of your shirt/tie combo)
- A tie clip is always a nice addition

Just my two cents! Hope y'all get some help from it though! Feel free to PM me with other questions if ya have em!

 

[FutureDrB]

As I'm sitting here on 3rd shift, I was searching for an interview attire thread for this year but found nothing. So since I have my first interview in August with LECOM I wanted to see what others were doing.

I'm thinking about a light grey suit, blue checkered shirt, and maybe going with a bowtie... What is everyone else doing??

I'm going with this...for that Sherlock Holmes feel.

I kid, I kid.

I'm planning on this, but no buttons on the collar (hate that) and the tie just slightly more goldish.

 

[DoctorSynthesis]

IMO conservative is best. Traditional black suit and a white shirt with a nice black tie. Black shoes and socks. Done. Girls it gets trickier.

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

IMO conservative is best. Traditional black suit and a white shirt with a nice black tie. Black shoes and socks. Done. Girls it gets trickier.

I agree, when in doubt that's the way to do it.
However, I work at a medical school and it cracks me up to see like 90% of an interviewing group wear that exact thing.

 

[DoctorSynthesis]

I agree, when in doubt that's the way to do it.
However, I work at a medical school and it cracks me up to see like 90% of an interviewing group wear that exact thing.

I think in this scenario its best not to stick out

 

[Awesome Sauceome]

I think there is definitely a way to stick out with out necessarily being a negative thing. Just another suit color or some slick shoes or something.

There are some really professional grey suit styles out there.
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[Awesome Sauceome]

Personally I did not have the balls to go grey, I am rocking a middle ground with navy blue. But yea even talking to a bunch of these applicants, some of the really confident ones break away from the black and white.
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[DoctorSynthesis]

I guess I don't to impress them by what I'm wearing i rather impress them by what i say. Your clothes only job is for them to not distract interviewers from what ur saying IMO.

 

[mikerowesvoice]

Props on the light grey suit! Got my acceptance with a light grey suit this past cycle and I feel ya can't go wrong there. I'm on the fence on bow ties to be honest so I'm not the person to ask in that regard.

FWIW, just some general stuff for interview attire

- Shoes and belt match!
- Don't wear a black suit for the love of god, it's a medical school interview not a funeral (light grey, navy blue, charcoal are all excellent choices)
- Don't go over the top with bright color schemes and patterns (this is really just my opinion, but I feel the interview is more about business than showing off, and crazy colors or patterns come off wrong to me, leave the Tom Ford for the NBA draft)
- Pocket squares are a great accessory to give your attire some pizzazz without going too crazy
- if you're trying to throw something together with what you have use google and/or seek a professionals help (I.e. Men's Wearhouse, I have an addiction to the place and most of them know how to set ya up lookin damn good)
- Shine your shoes please
- Socks should match your pants in some essence (Argyle socks are a rest choice for some added personality, just make sure they work with your pants and the color scheme of your shirt/tie combo)
- A tie clip is always a nice addition

Just my two cents! Hope y'all get some help from it though! Feel free to PM me with other questions if ya have em!

Thanks for the advice! I just can't do the traditional black or navy suit. I need some color to change it up. I might even bring out the light brown wingtip shoes to go with the grey suit. It's bold...so bold it just. might. work.

 

[JPickos9989]

Thanks for the advice! I just can't do the traditional black or navy suit. I need some color to change it up. I might even bring out the light brown wingtip shoes to go with the grey suit. It's bold...so bold it just. might. work.

I'm all for bold! Especially wing tip bold!

 

[mikerowesvoice]

You're alright Pickos... I just don't know if I'm going to go with the small checkered shirt with plaid bowtie or just go with a traditional tie. I prefer the bowtie... Just look at Bill Nye!

 

[Escape_Goat]

If you are buying a new suit that will be your only suit, it should be charcoal or navy blue. Do not buy a double-breasted suit, this isn't the '90s.
Button collars are less formal, stick with a straight collared shirt.
Your shirt should be white or very light blue. Patterned and/or colored shirts are more informal.
Belt and shoes should be the same color, with browns being more informal than black.
Socks should match the color of your suit, not your shoes.
If you wear a pocket square, just do a flat fold that rises about 0.5 inches above the pocket.

Find a tie with a design that you like and use a Half Windsor or Full Windsor knot. Some people like the four-in-hand knot, but I always thought it looked like a knot some school boy would do. I really just don't like the asymmetry of it.

 

[Fedxup]

Anyone care to comment of hair styles?

 

[ananasmed]

Where are the ladies?! I'm trying to decide whether I'll buy a skirt suit or pants suit. And is a simple, low ponytail acceptable for hairdo? I'm hair challenged but have long hair that I wouldn't want causing distraction.

 

[keels99]

Where are the ladies?! I'm trying to decide whether I'll buy a skirt suit or pants suit. And is a simple, low ponytail acceptable for hairdo? I'm hair challenged but have long hair that I wouldn't want causing distraction.

I went with a pant suit for the following reasons:
1) I wanted to wear flats. I'm very tall for a female and did not want to wear a skirt as I felt obligated to wear heels. Furthermore, heels are really uncomfortable if you have to do a lot of running around.
2) Pant suits are more comfortable!
3) I feel as though pant suits are more versatile. I can wear my slacks with or without a jacket.
4) Pants are easier to take care of as far as travel goes (in my opinion). I couldn't really figure out how to fold a skirt without it becoming a wrinkled mess.

As far as hair goes:
I wore my hair down. I was growing out of a pixie cut at the time, so I braided my bangs back to keep my hair out of my face. I suggest if you have long hair to do something of the same because you don't want to be pushing your hair out of your face during an interview. Hairbands are a big plus as they can look nice and professional if you don't want to pull your hair back. Ponytails are fine, too, as long as it's done professionally. I saw some pretty wacky hair do's on interview day and it looked TOTALLY unprofessional. Saw some pretty stupid looking pant suits as well (ex. skinny pant suits in colors like green, plaid, etc.)

The best advice I ever got for interviews was just to keep it simple.

 

[Major]

Also don't foget about fit. You want the jacket, shirt, and pants to fit snug. Nothing baggy or too big. Clean, pressed, and smooth

 

[keels99]

I bought all my clothes at The Limited and New York and Company. If you sign up for a credit card with The Limited they do free tailoring of your pants length for you. If you have good enough credit just to sign up for the card, it's a pretty stinkin good benefit to have.

 

[NontradCA]

Thanks for the advice! I just can't do the traditional black or navy suit. I need some color to change it up. I might even bring out the light brown wingtip shoes to go with the grey suit. It's bold...so bold it just. might. work.

But it's not a fashion show, it's an interview. You can show some variation in your tie, shirt, shoes or a combination.

 

[AkGrown84]

Where are the ladies?! I'm trying to decide whether I'll buy a skirt suit or pants suit. And is a simple, low ponytail acceptable for hairdo? I'm hair challenged but have long hair that I wouldn't want causing distraction.

I had both...originally, mine was a skirt suit, and I wore to all my initial interviews with heels. Black suit, but a good pop of color in the shirt (I think women can get away with this more than men). I alternated between a teal and fuchsia colored button down blouse (both from Express...love those button downs!). I wore heels and brought flats *just in case* my feet were killing me (I never ended up using them).

My last two interviews were scheduled together and we're in a mega-gambling/smoking/etc city *ahem, Vegas*, and a city in the Midwest. Just walking through my hotel casino in Vegas made my clothing reek of smoke. I'm sure they're somewhat used to it there, but definitely not in the Midwest, and I ended up buying a new shirt and a pair of slacks that matched my suit jacket well enough just before my last interview....they were 2 days apart and I flew the day in between, so buying was my only option...no dry cleaning for me! Therefore, I'd suggest always taking a spare shirt and both a skirt and pants, if you already have them!

I have very long hair (about 2-3" below my bra strap line), and I wore it half up in a barrette. Definitely keep it out of your face and make sure you're not fidgeting with it.

In all, I'd say just go with something that looks nice and professional. It's fine if you like some color or a certain feature, just make that in a shirt, not jn a suit! Teal shirt=nice. Teal suit=no go. I think a lot of the time, we all over-think this issue!

 

[ananasmed]

I went with a pant suit for the following reasons:
1) I wanted to wear flats. I'm very tall for a female and did not want to wear a skirt as I felt obligated to wear heels. Furthermore, heels are really uncomfortable if you have to do a lot of running around.
2) Pant suits are more comfortable!
3) I feel as though pant suits are more versatile. I can wear my slacks with or without a jacket.
4) Pants are easier to take care of as far as travel goes (in my opinion). I couldn't really figure out how to fold a skirt without it becoming a wrinkled mess.

As far as hair goes:
I wore my hair down. I was growing out of a pixie cut at the time, so I braided my bangs back to keep my hair out of my face. I suggest if you have long hair to do something of the same because you don't want to be pushing your hair out of your face during an interview. Hairbands are a big plus as they can look nice and professional if you don't want to pull your hair back. Ponytails are fine, too, as long as it's done professionally. I saw some pretty wacky hair do's on interview day and it looked TOTALLY unprofessional. Saw some pretty stupid looking pant suits as well (ex. skinny pant suits in colors like green, plaid, etc.)

The best advice I ever got for interviews was just to keep it simple.

Thanks for the reasons for pants! I also plan to wear flats because I know I'll be uncomfortable in heels for any stretch of time. I'm short, so I'm sure my pants will need tailoring, but that's okay.

And good tip about the hair. I don't have bangs but don't want hair in my face. I was considering a bun, but my bun always falls out over the course of the day (again, hair challenged). I'm sure I could make it stay with tons of clips and hairspray, but that's not really what I want to be focusing on the morning of an interview! Definitely will plan to avoid anything "wacky" 😛 That's too funny.

I had both...originally, mine was a skirt suit, and I wore to all my initial interviews with heels. Black suit, but a good pop of color in the shirt (I think women can get away with this more than men). I alternated between a teal and fuchsia colored button down blouse (both from Express...love those button downs!). I wore heels and brought flats *just in case* my feet were killing me (I never ended up using them).

My last two interviews were scheduled together and we're in a mega-gambling/smoking/etc city *ahem, Vegas*, and a city in the Midwest. Just walking through my hotel casino in Vegas made my clothing reek of smoke. I'm sure they're somewhat used to it there, but definitely not in the Midwest, and I ended up buying a new shirt and a pair of slacks that matched my suit jacket well enough just before my last interview....they were 2 days apart and I flew the day in between, so buying was my only option...no dry cleaning for me! Therefore, I'd suggest always taking a spare shirt and both a skirt and pants, if you already have them!

I have very long hair (about 2-3" below my bra strap line), and I wore it half up in a barrette. Definitely keep it out of your face and make sure you're not fidgeting with it.

In all, I'd say just go with something that looks nice and professional. It's fine if you like some color or a certain feature, just make that in a shirt, not jn a suit! Teal shirt=nice. Teal suit=no go. I think a lot of the time, we all over-think this issue!

I'll keep Express in mind for button downs! I like the idea of a colored shirt under a standard, versatile black suit. I am considering buying both a skirt AND pants from the same set (I don't own a suit yet) depending on the pricing/if I can find a sale. That's a good point to consider, it's always good to have a backup garment to wear.

My hair is about the same length as yours; I will consider the half up look as well as a simple pony! The barrette sounds like it will make either look more professional.

 

[Chillywilly]

I disagree about the socks matching the color of suit rather than shoes. And I have seen people at my interview wear black suits and got accepted.

At one of my interviews, there was a girl who was showing wayy too much cleavage, and wearing wayy to much make up (like bright colors). Don't be that girl...save the hooker outfits for Vegas.

 

[frosted_flake]

Where are the ladies?! I'm trying to decide whether I'll buy a skirt suit or pants suit. And is a simple, low ponytail acceptable for hairdo? I'm hair challenged but have long hair that I wouldn't want causing distraction.

I am totally wearing pants, most likely a black suit and shoes (flats) as well. I will use my blouse for a bit of color.
Any opinions on (SMALL) pearl/diamond stud earrings?

 

[ananasmed]

I am totally wearing pants, most likely a black suit and shoes (flats) as well. I will use my blouse for a bit of color.
Any opinions on (SMALL) pearl/diamond stud earrings?

I'm planning to wear small pearl studs! I think as long as your jewelry and makeup are tasteful, you're in the clear! I was told that if you have your ears pierced, you actually *SHOULD* wear appropriate stud earrings to fill the hole for a true business formal outfit. Obviously, if you have other piercings in your ear, don't wear jewelry there. Just in the normal single piercing.

I may also wear a necklace (single pearl) depending on the cut of my blouse. That's more iffy though!

 

[frosted_flake]

I'm planning to wear small pearl studs! I think as long as your jewelry and makeup are tasteful, you're in the clear! I was told that if you have your ears pierced, you actually *SHOULD* wear appropriate stud earrings to fill the hole for a true business formal outfit. Obviously, if you have other piercings in your ear, don't wear jewelry there. Just in the normal single piercing.

I may also wear a necklace (single pearl) depending on the cut of my blouse. That's more iffy though!

I think I am going to stick with a light pink blouse (best color for my skin tone) and small pearl studs.
No makeup, I never wear it anyways, don't want to mess with it on a potentially stressful day!

 

[ananasmed]

I think I am going to stick with a light pink blouse (best color for my skin tone) and small pearl studs.
No makeup, I never wear it anyways, don't want to mess with it on a potentially stressful day!

Sounds classy to me. I will wear my normal daily makeup, which is very natural. Just some powder to even the complexion/prevent shiny spots, a touch of blush, and maybe some neutral lipstick or tinted chapstick for color. I am really, really pale, so I can use some help in this department to avoid looking like a zombie. If you don't usually wear makeup, I think that's a good choice for you. There's no need to be worrying about extra things (that really don't even matter) on interview day.

 

[AamirB]

Finally something I can give advice about on SDN! I may not know a whole lot about the interview process but I do know a great deal about fashion.

• If I see you wearing a black suit I will slap you. You're not going to a funeral and you're not a Secret Service agent. Wear light grey, charcoal or navy blue. (Seriously black suits are way too formal and offputting)
• GET YOUR SUITS TAILORED. This is not the 90s. Swimming in your suits is no longer acceptable.
• How a suit should fit: http://www.artofmanliness.com/2013/09/25/good-fitted-suit-visual/
• Don't be afraid to wear brown shoes, especially with light grey or navy blue suits.
• Don't wear one of those giant ties. Your ties should not be bigger than the lapel of your suit.
• Make sure the tie is darker than your shirt.
• Pocket squares look awesome but make sure you're using them right. Under no circumstances should your tie and pocket square match. You are not going to a high school dance. This is your chance to get creative with your outfit.
• If you're trying to save money, you don't have to get multiple ties/shirts (Unless you have multiple interviews on different days at the same place)
• I would also suggest getting cologne that has a subtle fragrance. My personal favorites are L'Homme Yves Saint Laurent and Gucci Guilty.

Your out fit is the best way to make a great first impression. If you look great you will feel great. Don't underestimate the power of an excellent outfit.

 

[Fedxup]

What advice do guys have about some who always gets their hair line done and such. Is that unprofessional?

 

[AamirB]

What advice do guys have about some who always gets their hair line done and such. Is that unprofessional?

As long as you're not going in with something ridiculous like a mohawk or bedhead, it should be fine. I'm sticking with my Justin Timberlake-esque undercut.

 

[Fedxup]

Going with something like this but I have to do my hair line in the front because my windows peak doesn't have enough time to grow until my first interview

 

[JeBrAs]

How about vests with the suits? Is all three pieces too formal for an interview?

 

[AamirB]

How about vests with the suits? Is all three pieces too formal for an interview?

Yeah vests are way too formal. Just stick with the two pieces.

 

[ortnakas]

Finally something I can give advice about on SDN! I may not know a whole lot about the interview process but I do know a great deal about fashion.

• 
  [
• I would also suggest getting cologne that has a subtle fragrance. My personal favorites are L'Homme Yves Saint Laurent and Gucci Guilty.

.

This post is excellent, except for the bit about fragrances. I recommend against them for both men and women. Some people are sensitive or even allergic to them, and you'd hate for one of those people to be your interviewer!

 

[koan]

Finally something I can give advice about on SDN! I may not know a whole lot about the interview process but I do know a great deal about fashion.

• If I see you wearing a black suit I will slap you. You're not going to a funeral and you're not a Secret Service agent. Wear light grey, charcoal or navy blue. (Seriously black suits are way too formal and offputting)
• GET YOUR SUITS TAILORED. This is not the 90s. Swimming in your suits is no longer acceptable.
• How a suit should fit: http://www.artofmanliness.com/2013/09/25/good-fitted-suit-visual/
• Don't be afraid to wear brown shoes, especially with light grey or navy blue suits.
• Don't wear one of those giant ties. Your ties should not be bigger than the lapel of your suit.
• Make sure the tie is darker than your shirt.
• Pocket squares look awesome but make sure you're using them right. Under no circumstances should your tie and pocket square match. You are not going to a high school dance. This is your chance to get creative with your outfit.
• If you're trying to save money, you don't have to get multiple ties/shirts (Unless you have multiple interviews on different days at the same place)
• I would also suggest getting cologne that has a subtle fragrance. My personal favorites are L'Homme Yves Saint Laurent and Gucci Guilty.

Your out fit is the best way to make a great first impression. If you look great you will feel great. Don't underestimate the power of an excellent outfit.

This guy knows what he's talking about. The one exception I will make is that black suits are ubiquitous on the interview trail (as someone pointed out above) -- and while I have a strong personal distaste for them, and think they are not appropriate for job interviews / school interviews / weddings -- you will not stand out because so many of your peers will be wearing the same black suit from Mens' Warehouse or wherever. Standing out is risky, while the fashion faux pas of a black suit is easily overlooked. Especially since medicine is a notoriously fashion-backward profession. Case-in-point: I had interviewers wearing cartoon ties, colored shirts, old-man sneakers with slacks, wrinkled scrubs. This is definitely not a fashion show, and if you think they're paying more attention to the color of your pocket square than your abysmal sGPA... well, good luck.

 

[Escape_Goat]

I disagree about the socks matching the color of suit rather than shoes. And I have seen people at my interview wear black suits and got accepted.

At one of my interviews, there was a girl who was showing wayy too much cleavage, and wearing wayy to much make up (like bright colors). Don't be that girl...save the hooker outfits for Vegas.

Your are more than welcome to disagree about the socks matching the suit. Your opinion just happens to be wrong, but that's okay.

The pants and socks should form a single line down to the shoe. Wearing different color socks disrupts the flow of the suit pant.

And yes, there is a bit of homogeneity in what's considered proper professional attire for an interview. People usually think they'll impress if they break away from it and add their own personal flair. What they feel to realize is that they'll impress more by successfully looking polished and professional than by trying to stand out since, with the latter, they usually end up looking their in baby's first suit.

 

[AamirB]

This post is excellent, except for the bit about fragrances. I recommend against them for both men and women. Some people are sensitive or even allergic to them, and you'd hate for one of those people to be your interviewer!

You're right! I hadn't considered that. I would definitely avoid fragrances then. Just make sure you use deo!

 

[Chillywilly]

Your are more than welcome to disagree about the socks matching the suit. Your opinion just happens to be wrong, but that's okay.

The pants and socks should form a single line down to the shoe. Wearing different color socks disrupts the flow of the suit pant.

And yes, there is a bit of homogeneity in what's considered proper professional attire for an interview. People usually think they'll impress if they break away from it and add their own personal flair. What they feel to realize is that they'll impress more by successfully looking polished and professional than by trying to stand out since, with the latter, they usually end up looking their in baby's first suit.

Lol it's 2014. Google socks with suits, you'll get 100 different answers.

 

[Chillywilly]

Here's an extreme example, although I'd never do this:

 

[koan]

Just avoid white tube socks and those ^ red Dr. Seuss socks and you'll be ok : )

I haven't seen anything too crazy out there, even being on the interview panel end of things. Somebody wore jeans once, and every so often people who's only experience "dressing up" is going to the clubs has an unfortunate interpretation of conservative interview attire.

 

[JPickos9989]

Just avoid white tube socks and those ^ red Dr. Seuss socks and you'll be ok : )

I haven't seen anything too crazy out there, even being on the interview panel end of things. Somebody wore jeans once, and every so often people who's only experience "dressing up" is going to the clubs has an unfortunate interpretation of conservative interview attire.

Affliction button ups and Lucky brand jeans all the way baby. Especially with a blowout haircut and some Prada shades. That'll get ya accepted

 

[mikerowesvoice]

Is this too bold? I might swap the shirt out for a plain light blue shirt. Navy suit most likely.

 

[StarFall]

I bought a charcoal jacket and matching pants pair online for only $110 or so, and haven't tailored them yet. I was wondering if this would do since for $110, the material can't be that great.
I'm also looking into a navy suit and would love some recommendations.
What's the consensus on brown shoes?

Here are the setups that I want to have:
Set up #1 (similar)
- Charcoal suit
- Black shoes and belt
- Light blue shirt
- Navy patterned tie

Set up #2
- Navy suit
- Walnut/brown shoes and belt
- Light blue gingham shirt or white shirt
- Solid navy tie

Set up #3 (similar, similar)
- Light grey suit
- Walnut/brown shoes and belt
- White shirt
- Solid or patterned navy tie

 

[AamirB]

I bought a charcoal jacket and matching pants pair online for only $110 or so, and haven't tailored them yet. I was wondering if this would do since for $110, the material can't be that great.
I'm also looking into a navy suit and would love some recommendations.
What's the consensus on brown shoes?

Here are the setups that I want to have:
Set up #1 (similar)
- Charcoal suit
- Black shoes and belt
- Light blue shirt
- Navy patterned tie

Set up #2
- Navy suit
- Walnut/brown shoes and belt
- Light blue gingham shirt or white shirt
- Solid navy tie

Set up #3 (similar, similar)
- Light grey suit
- Walnut/brown shoes and belt
- White shirt
- Solid or patterned navy tie

I personally love browns shoes and they will look great with any of those suit colors, plus they are currently in fashion more so than blakc shoes. I would not wear a navy tie with a navy suit. Your tie should stand out a little bit.

 

[misseskwee]

I feel like 90% of people still show up in a black suit. I went navy 😎

 

[JacobLMDorDO]

I think I am going to go for a gray suit

 

[FutureDrB]

So we're all going with grey? Awesome.

 

[StarFall]

So we're all going with grey? Awesome.

Please, no flat toed shoes.. You'll never see me in those type of shoes.

 

[FutureDrB]

Please, no flat toed shoes.. You'll never see me in those type of shoes.

Eh?

 

[StarFall]

Eh?

If you're making me choose between this or square toed shoes, I'd rather wear no shoes and go around saying, "It's fashion" in my most snobbiest voice.